Meet the Latest ProQuest AI Research Assistant
- NIE Library
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
ProQuest Research Assistant is a new companion tool that integrates AI into research. It helps users formulate the next steps and engage with research materials through document insights instead of generative answers to research questions.
Launched in beta mode in February 2024, Research Assistant is now available on the ProQuest Central, which includes a range of databases on various disciplines and the ProQuest One Education platform.
How Research Assistant works
Research Assistant supports two key research processes: searching and exploring document content.
Helping with search
When users search the ProQuest platform, Research Assistant generates related terms based on analysis of the search results. These terms can be added to the search query with a click, automatically generating a Boolean search. This feature allows users to refine their searches more easily.
Engaging with content
The Research Assistant helps users to engage with document content by providing insights, research guidance, and suggestions for further exploration.
It works on a range of document types, including scholarly journals, trade journals, magazines, conference proceedings, news (both current and historical),
reference works, government publications, reports, working papers, dissertations, videos and more.
However, the Research Assistant will not be available for brief documents (less than 150 words) and content from publishers that have opted out of the beta mode period.
Supported content will display the Research Assistant sidebar, consisting of four components:
Key Takeaway: A concise document summary designed to help users quickly assess its relevance to their research. This section typically includes:
A brief paragraph outlining the document's primary focus.
Mention of additional topics discussed within the document.
A paragraph detailing how the document aligns with the user's search criteria*. However, this feature is only available when users initiate their search directly on the ProQuest platform. It will not be displayed for users accessing the document via other means, such as links from the library catalogue, external search engines, or class assignment links.
Findings and Conclusions: A summary of the document’s key findings and a conclusion. Each item includes quotes from the document to support the Research Assistant’s findings.
Key Takeaway, Findings and Conclusions generated by Research Assistant Important Concepts: A curated list of key ideas drawn from the document, accompanied by definitions and explanations based on the document's content. Each concept includes hyperlinks, enabling users to conduct additional searches with ease.
Important Concepts generated by Research Assistant Research Topics: Key topics based on the document's content, providing suggestions for further research. Each topic is paired with a sub-topic, and users can access relevant materials using the search function.
Trying out Research Assistant
As Research Assistant is currently in beta mode, users should be aware that the AI-generated content may contain inaccuracies.
For instance, the related terms suggested for searching might occasionally misalign with your research focus. Users can provide feedback directly on the ProQuest platform to help enhance its accuracy and functionality.
ProQuest does not generate citations for information retrieved from the Research Assistant sidebar. Users can refer to NIE Library’s APA LibGuide for help citing AI-generated content.
Explore Research Assistant today!
ProQuest Research Assistant (beta) is now available on ProQuest Central, ProQuest One Education and ProQuest Ebook Central.
Discover how AI can enhance your research experience and uncover deeper insights within your materials.
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