A Review on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools in Research Writing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries including the academic field. In research writing, AI tools have streamlined tasks, improved efficiency, and elevated the quality of scholarly outputs. These tools assist in various stages of research writing, from literature review to drafting, editing, and citation management, helping researchers focus on analysis and innovation while AI handles the more repetitive processes. The integration of AI into academic writing has simplified various aspects of the process, allowing for a more efficient workflow and reducing the time spent on tedious tasks. Conducting a thorough literature review is often a time-consuming task, but AI-powered tools like Semantic Scholar and Iris.ai have made this process more efficient. These tools can sift through vast volumes of academic papers and return relevant studies based on keywords, abstracts, or even full texts. They allow researchers to quickly find the most pertinent literature and analyze trends in their field, thus speeding up the initial stages of research. Semantic Scholar, for example, uses machine learning to extract and summarize key information from academic papers, making it easier for researchers to stay updated with the latest developments in their field. ^[1] AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper AI have become valuable resources for generating ideas and drafting outlines. These tools use natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to assist researchers in developing hypotheses, structuring content, and overcoming writer’s block. With AI suggestions, researchers can organize their thoughts more effectively, allowing them to start their manuscripts with a clear framework in place. ^[2] When it comes to drafting research manuscripts, tools like Write Sonic and QuillBot offer significant support. These AI tools can help generate coherent content by paraphrasing existing material or suggesting new text based on keywords and prompts. Researchers use these tools to quickly produce initial drafts, which can later be refined and edited. This accelerates the writing process and ensures that even complex concepts are articulated clearly. ^[3] One of the biggest challenges in research writing is maintaining grammatical accuracy and a formal writing style. AI-based tools such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid offer advanced algorithms that detect and correct grammar mistakes, improve sentence structure, and enhance clarity. These tools provide real-time suggestions that help improve the overall quality of the manuscript, making it more polished and professional. ^[4] Referencing sources accurately is a critical component of research writing, and AI-powered reference management tools like Mendeley and EndNote have made this task easier. These tools can automatically generate citations in different styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and help organize references, ensuring compliance with journal submission requirements. Additionally, plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin use AI to compare submitted manuscripts against a large database of existing content to ensure originality, protecting the integrity of the research. ^[5]

Development and Evolution (History and Advancement)

The development of AI tools in research writing has undergone significant transformation, evolving from rudimentary applications to sophisticated systems that enhance various aspects of the research process. In the late 20th century, early AI tools focused primarily on basic functions like spell checking and grammar correction. However, the advent of advanced machine learning and natural language processing in the 2010s marked a pivotal shift, leading to more intelligent tools capable of context-aware writing assistance.                                  

Fig: Using artificial intelligence in academic writing and research: An essential productivity tool

As of 2024, the landscape has expanded further, with AI tools now integral to research writing. Recent advancements include AI-driven platforms that automate literature reviews, facilitate real-time collaboration, and enhance citation management. For example, platforms like EndNote and Mendeley are increasingly leveraging AI to streamline research workflows ^[6]. Moreover, the emergence of tools that detect plagiarism with a higher degree of accuracy, such as Turnitin’s latest algorithms, has further emphasized the importance of academic integrity ^[7] Current discussions also highlight the ethical implications of AI in academia, focusing on issues like bias in AI-generated content and the necessity for human oversight. This ongoing evolution reflects a dynamic interplay between technological innovation and the ethical responsibilities of researchers.

Impact of Ai Tools in Research Writing

The impact of AI tools on research writing has been profound, significantly enhancing productivity and accuracy. Researchers now leverage AI-driven platforms for tasks such as literature reviews, writing assistance, and editing, which streamline workflows and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. These tools also improve the quality of writing by offering real-time feedback and suggestions. However, the reliance on AI has raised concerns about originality and academic integrity, prompting ongoing discussions about ethical usage in research practices. Overall, AI continues to reshape the landscape of academic writing, making it more efficient yet demanding careful consideration of its implications. ^[8]

AI Tools Overview

Core Functionalities

AI tools in research writing offer several core functionalities that enhance the efficiency and quality of the writing process. One of the primary functions is iterature review automation, where tools like Semantic Scholar and Iris.ai help researchers quickly identify relevant studies, summarize findings, and visualize connections between papers, thus expediting the research process. ^[9] Another critical functionality is content generation, where AI-powered tools like ChatGPT assist in drafting outlines, generating text, and suggesting improvements, helping researchers overcome writer's block and enhance the coherence of their manuscripts. ^[10] Furthermore, editing and grammar checking tools such as Grammarly ensure that the writing adheres to grammatical standards and improves overall readability. Finally, AI-driven reference management systems streamline the citation process, allowing researchers to automatically format references and ensure compliance with academic standards. These functionalities collectively empower researchers to produce high-quality academic writing more efficiently.

AI Tools Categorized by Functionality,

1. AI Tools for Literature Survey

2. AI Tools for Idea Generation and Research Design

3. AI Tools for Manuscript Writing

4. AI Tools for Editing and Style Enhancement

5. AI Tools for Grammar and Syntax Checking

6. AI Tools for Reference Management and Bibliographies

7. AI Tools for Plagiarism Detection

8. AI Tools for Data Analysis and Interpretation

9. AI Tools for Visual Content and Data Representation

10. AI Tools for Proofreading and Final Review

11. AI Tools for Submission Preparation and Formatting

1. AI Tools for Literature Survey

AI tools have become indispensable in literature surveys, dramatically enhancing the efficiency of data collection and analysis. These sophisticated tools enable researchers to swiftly identify relevant studies, extract key findings, and discern relationships among various research topics. By automating the literature review process, these tools allow researchers to stay updated with current developments while saving valuable time and effort that would otherwise be spent on manual searches. Notable AI tools that facilitate literature surveys include:

1. Iris.ai

Iris.ai assists researchers in finding relevant literature and generating comprehensive overviews of research topics, enhancing literature review efficiency. [11]

2. Scite.ai

Scite.ai not only identifies relevant papers but also highlights how they have been cited, providing valuable context and insights for research findings. [12]

3. R Discovery

This AI-driven platform generates insights from large datasets by identifying emerging themes and trends in research, helping users stay informed.

4. Connected Papers

Connected Papers visualizes connections between academic papers, allowing researchers to discover related work and build a network of relevant literature.

5. Zotero

Zotero is a reference management tool that simplifies collecting, organizing, citing, and sharing research sources, streamlining the citation process.

6. Semantic Scholar

An academic search engine, Semantic Scholar offers advanced AI-powered filtering tools to help users quickly find relevant papers across various disciplines.

7. Consensus

Consensus summarizes research papers and academic consensus by extracting key points from multiple sources, aiding informed decision-making.

8. Scinapse

Scinapse is tailored for literature surveys, helping researchers efficiently find high-impact papers and manage references, with citation analysis features.

1. Illicit

Illicit uncovers hidden insights from academic work, allowing users to ask exploratory questions and generate hypotheses through AI-driven connections.

10. ResearchBuddy

ResearchBuddy helps researchers organize tasks and manage projects, offering features like task tracking, deadline reminders, and collaboration tools.

11. whyBotKhakiVowl

This AI-powered assistant answers research queries by analyzing academic literature, providing detailed responses to complex research problems.

50. Academizer

Academizer summarizes dense academic content, offering concise summaries that help researchers quickly grasp main findings. making it easier for researchers to grasp the main findings quickly and efficiently.

1000. EngageDigitizer

EngageDigitizer digitizes research content for easier survey and data management, converting physical documents into searchable digital formats.

14. MirrorThink

MirrorThink generates insights by reflecting on research data, assisting in the ideation process with new angles based on existing research.

• GPT-Zero

GPT-Zero detects AI-generated content in research papers, maintaining academic integrity by flagging machine-written text that may not meet scholarly standards.

16. SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey allows users to create and distribute online surveys, offering customizable templates, data analysis features, and real-time reporting.

17. Consensus

Consensus streamlines gathering feedback and reaching consensus among groups, facilitating discussions and ensuring all voices are heard.

Zotero Overview

Zotero is a powerful, free, and open-source reference management tool that assists researchers in collecting, organizing, citing, and sharing their research materials effectively. It streamlines the management of bibliographic data and related research materials, making it an essential resource for academics and professionals alike. To begin using Zotero, you first need to install the Zotero application on your computer and the browser connector on your preferred web browser.

Fig. Organising literature and notes in Zotero

Once set up, Zotero allows you to save citations from databases, websites, and library catalogs directly into your Zotero library with ease. For example, when reading an article on PubMed, you can click the Zotero icon in your browser's toolbar to automatically save the citation and any relevant metadata to your library. This eliminates the need for manual entry and reduces the risk of errors in citation information. In addition to saving citations, Zotero provides features to organize your sources into folders, add notes for easy reference, and generate citations and bibliographies in various styles, including APA, a bibliography in just a few clicks, significantly expediting the process of formatting your references ^[13]                                                                               

Fig. Literature survey tools usage

2. AI Tools for Idea Generation and Research Design

AI tools are revolutionizing the field of idea generation and research design by providing researchers with innovative ways to formulate hypotheses, generate research questions, and structure their studies. These tools leverage powerful algorithms to analyze large volumes of data, identify trends, and suggest novel ideas, significantly reducing the time spent on brainstorming and enhancing creativity. Notable AI tools for idea generation and research design include:

1. ChatGPT:
   This AI language model offers researchers an intuitive way to brainstorm topics, generate hypotheses, and refine research questions based on vast datasets. By leveraging natural language processing, ChatGPT can help streamline the ideation process, making it easier for researchers to explore different angles and develop comprehensive research plans.
2. DeepAI:
   An AI platform that assists in creating structured research proposals and outlines. DeepAI uses machine learning algorithms to analyze existing literature, enabling users to formulate clear objectives and methodologies for their research projects, thus enhancing overall efficiency and coherence.
3. ResearchRabbit:
   A tool for visualizing research trends and generating new ideas. ResearchRabbit allows users to track citations and related works, facilitating a deeper understanding of the academic landscape. This helps researchers stay updated with emerging trends and discover potential collaborators.
4. Aiken:
   A tool that provides insights on research gaps. Aiken utilizes data analytics to highlight areas where further investigation is needed, enabling researchers to focus their efforts on under-explored topics. This targeted approach can enhance the impact and relevance of their work.
5. Paperpile:
   A research tool that combines AI with reference management to help generate ideas and organize research. Paperpile simplifies the process of collecting, annotating, and citing academic papers, ensuring that researchers can efficiently manage their references while maintaining a clear view of their research landscape.

ChatGPT Overview

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is one of the most advanced AI tools for idea generation and research design. It functions as an interactive assistant that can help researchers develop ideas, refine research questions, and even draft initial versions of their research proposals. By processing natural language prompts, ChatGPT provides real-time suggestions and insights based on a wide range of information, helping researchers navigate through complex topics and generate innovative ideas ^[14].

Fig. Idea Generation and Research Design

For example, if a researcher is studying the effects of social media on mental health, they could ask ChatGPT, "What are emerging research questions on the effects of social media on adolescent mental health?" The tool would then provide a variety of questions, such as "How does prolonged exposure to social media impact adolescent self-esteem?" and "What role does social media play in shaping identity during adolescence?" These prompts can help researchers refine their focus and develop a robust research plan ^[15] ChatGPT is particularly useful in helping researchers overcome writer's block by offering suggestions on how to structure research proposals or how to phrase complex ideas more clearly. It also assists in hypothesis development by analyzing trends and gaps in existing literature, allowing for more targeted and original research questions [16]. Additionally, ChatGPT can generate outlines, propose methodologies, and provide real-time feedback on research ideas, making it a comprehensive tool for both novice and experienced researchers [17]                                  

Fig. How to operate ChatGPT for idea generation

3. AI Tools for Manuscript writing

Here’s the revised section with new references for AI tools for manuscript writing, and a detailed explanation of Grammarly as an AI tool.

AI Tools for Manuscript Writing

AI tools are greatly improving the manuscript writing process by providing advanced features that assist in drafting, editing, and organizing academic papers. These tools ensure enhanced grammar, readability, structure, and adherence to academic standards. They also help reduce the time spent on revisions by offering real-time feedback and suggestions. AI tools are especially beneficial in improving clarity, fluency, and coherence, making them indispensable for researchers. Notable AI tools for manuscript writing include:

1. Grammarly

Offers advanced grammar and style checks, helping to ensure the clarity and readability of manuscripts.

2. Hemingway Editor:

Helps simplify complex sentences, making writing more concise and readable.

3. ProWritingAid:

A comprehensive writing assistant that checks grammar, style, and structure, making it suitable for academic writing.

4. Writefull:

An AI-powered tool specifically designed for academic writing, providing feedback on language and tone.

5. QuillBot:

A paraphrasing tool that improves language fluency and rephrases sentences effectively.

6. PaperPerl:

Helps generate research papers using AI. PaperPerl uses AI to assist researchers in generating structured research papers. It helps streamline the writing process by providing templates and suggesting content based on the topic, enabling users to focus on their research findings rather than formatting.

7. GammaApp:

AI-powered presentation and manuscript generator. GammaApp is designed to aid in creating presentations and manuscripts using AI. It helps in organizing ideas, generating text, and designing layouts, making it easier for researchers to compile their work into coherent documents or presentations.

8. DiagramGPT:

Generates diagrams for academic writing. DiagramGPT specializes in generating diagrams that are crucial for academic writing. It can create various types of visual representations, such as flowcharts and infographics, to help clarify complex concepts and enhance the readability of manuscripts.

1. Mermaid Chart:

Creates charts and diagrams. Mermaid Chart allows users to create charts and diagrams using a simple markup language. It's particularly useful for visualizing data and processes within research papers, making it easier to communicate ideas visually.

10. Ediagram Schart:

Helps create diagrams, especially for research papers. Ediagram Schart focuses on generating diagrams specifically tailored for research papers. It supports various diagram types and is designed to assist researchers in visualizing their methodologies and results effectively.

11. Allapi.AI:

General AI for manuscript assistance. Allapi.AI is a general AI tool that offers comprehensive assistance for manuscript writing. It can help with everything from brainstorming ideas to drafting text, ensuring that researchers have support throughout the writing process.

50. Zero GPT:

Identifies AI-written text in manuscripts and reports. Zero GPT is a tool that identifies AI-generated text in manuscripts and reports. This can be useful for researchers who want to ensure the originality of their work or for journals assessing submissions for potential AI involvement.

1000. Stealth ARighters:

AI tool for writing and editing manuscripts stealthily. Stealth ARighters is an AI tool that focuses on writing and editing manuscripts discreetly. It allows authors to enhance their writing without the visible influence of AI, making the final output feel more personal and original.

Grammarly overview

Grammarly is one of the most widely used AI-powered tools for manuscript writing, known for its ability to detect and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in real-time. Grammarly goes beyond simple spell checks by offering suggestions related to tone, style, and even sentence structure, ensuring that academic papers are clear, concise, and professional. Grammarly’s real-time feedback helps researchers refine their manuscripts, making them more readable and professional [18] Researchers can use Grammarly by integrating it with their word processor or by using the web-based version. For example, while writing an academic manuscript, Grammarly flags overly complex sentences and provides suggestions to improve clarity and flow. In academic writing, Grammarly is especially useful for enhancing the clarity and formality of manuscripts. [19]

Fig. Manuscript writing process using Grammerly

By using Grammarly, researchers can ensure that their writing is free from grammar and punctuation errors, and adheres to academic tone[20].  Grammarly’s premium version is especially useful for academics, as it provides advanced suggestions on vocabulary enhancement, genre-specific writing styles, and formal language adjustments. For instance, if a researcher writes "This study shows," Grammarly may suggest more formal phrasing such as "The results of this study indicate" to align with academic conventions. Grammarly’s advanced tone detector helps in adjusting the writing style to fit academic standards, providing suggestions to improve formal language. [21]

8. AI Tools for Plagiarism Detection

Plagiarism reduction involves minimizing the chances of content duplication or copying in academic writing, research papers, or articles. AI tools for plagiarism detection are widely used to scan content and compare it with a vast database of published material, helping writers and researchers to avoid unintentional plagiarism. Plagiarism reduction tools help to promote originality in writing by identifying similarities with existing content [31] AI-driven plagiarism checkers compare a given text to billions of sources to identify matches and potential copying. [32]

Fig. performance of various AI text detectors

1. Turnitin

Turnitin is a widely used plagiarism detection tool that checks submitted work against a vast database of academic publications, web content, and student papers to ensure originality.

2. Premium

Grammarly Premium offers advanced grammar and style checking, along with plagiarism detection. It helps writers enhance their clarity, tone, and overall writing quality.

3. Quetext

Quetext is a user-friendly plagiarism detection tool that provides deep search capabilities, highlighting potential issues and offering citations for sources, making it ideal for academic integrity.

4. Plagscan

Plagscan is a comprehensive plagiarism detection service designed for academic institution businesses. It provides detailed reports and integrates easily with various learning management systems.

5. GPT-Zero

GPT-Zero detects AI-generated text and identifies potential plagiarism, making it useful for educators and publishers aiming to maintain content authenticity.

6. Wiseone

Wiseone assists users in ensuring the authenticity of their text by providing tools for citation and verification, helping to enhance the credibility of academic and research writing.          

7. Sapling                                                         

Primarily an AI writing assistant, Sapling focuses on grammar and spelling correction, but it can also aid in identifying potential plagiarism during the writing process. Offers writing suggestions, language enhancement, and some levels of content checks for originality. While not strictly a plagiarism detection tool, Sapling’s grammar checking and language enhancement features help ensure content originality by avoiding repetitive phrases and structures.

8. Crossplag                                       

Crossplag is a dedicated plagiarism detection tool designed to ensure content originality across multiple languages and regions. Supports a wide range of languages and compares documents against a comprehensive database of web content, academic journals, and other sources. It’s particularly useful in academic and educational settings.

1. OpenAI (e.g., GPT models)                 

OpenAI's models, including GPT-3 and GPT-4, are primarily content-generation AI tools rather than plagiarism detection tools. However, their use can help in creating unique content from scratch. While GPT models help in generating content, they may sometimes produce text similar to existing material. Pairing them with plagiarism detection tools can ensure originality.

10. ZeroGPT 

ZeroGPT is a tool designed to detect whether content was generated by AI, such as from OpenAI's GPT models. It analyzes text to determine the likelihood of AI-generated content, which helps ensure that submissions labeled as original haven't been fully or partially generated by AI tools.

How It Works:

Grammarly Premium is an AI-powered tool that detects plagiarism by comparing your text with billions of web pages, academic articles, and research papers in its database. When you upload or paste the text, the tool scans it and highlights passages that match existing sources. It not only identifies plagiarized content but also suggests alternative phrases or citations to improve originality. Grammarly helps authors reduce plagiarism by recommending paraphrasing, citing original sources, or rewriting copied material to make the content more authentic and unique.  By offering real-time plagiarism detection, tools like Grammarly ensure that writers maintain ethical standards in their work [33]                            

Fig- Generic Plagiarism Detection Process

9, AI Tools for Reference management and Bibliography

Reference management is the process of collecting, organizing, and citing references in academic and research writing. It helps researchers keep track of their sources, create citations in various formats, and generate bibliographies. With AI-driven tools, managing references and generating bibliographies becomes easier, improving the efficiency of academic writing. [34] Bibliography is a list of all the sources (books, articles, websites, etc.) that were consulted or cited in the creation of an academic work. EndNote is commonly used by researchers to create in-text citations and bibliographies across multiple format [35]

Need for Reference Management:

1. Organization: Researchers handle many sources, so managing them manually can be chaotic. Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote help to store, organize, and retrieve references quickly.

2. Accuracy: These tools ensure that citations and bibliographies are accurate and formatted according to required academic styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.

9. Time-Saving: Reference management software automates the creation of in-text citations and bibliographies, saving researchers valuable time.

Example of AI Tools for Reference Management and Bibliography:

Zotero:

Zotero is a free, open-source reference management tool that helps users collect, organize, and cite research materials.

Mendeley:

Mendeley combines a reference manager with a platform for discovering academic content and collaborating with researchers globally.

EndNote:

EndNote is a comprehensive reference management tool that streamlines bibliographic citation and writing processes for academic research.

HunterIO / Discover: 

Researching sources and finding emails for citations.

CitationFinder:

Assists in finding and organizing citations. Citation Finder helps researchers locate and organize accurate references and citations for academic writing.

Dimensions:

Tool for gathering references in academic writing.

SciSpace:

Provides reference management for academic papers. SciSpace is an AI-powered tool that assists researchers in organizing and managing references while providing context for academic papers.

LitMap:

Organizes and maps out research literature. LitMap is a literature mapping tool that helps visualize and organize research papers for efficient literature reviews.

PDFgear:

Extracts and manages references from PDFs.

ChatPDF:

Chat-based interaction with PDFs for citation extraction. ChatPDF allows users to interact with PDF documents in a conversational way, making it easier to extract information and references.

Description of Mendeley:

Fig. Mendely article management tutorial.

Mendeley is a powerful AI-driven reference management tool widely used by researchers to organize citations, create bibliographies, and collaborate with others. It allows users to import references directly from databases, create citations in various formats, and manage PDF documents. Mendeley integrates with word processing software, enabling users to insert in-text citations and generate bibliographies in seconds. Its AI capabilities recommend related research papers based on your current library and reading habits, helping users discover relevant studies. By automating the process of citation creation and management, Mendeley saves time and enhances research productivity.

Use of Reference Management Tools:

1. Collecting References: Tools like Mendeley allow users to import references directly from databases and websites, eliminating the need for manual entry.

2. Organizing Sources: You can categorize and organize references by subject, project, or keywords. Reference management tools like Zotero and Mendeley streamline the process of organizing citations and bibliographies [36]

3. Collaboration: These tools often allow sharing reference libraries with colleagues, enhancing collaborative research.

4. Bibliography Generation: With just a few clicks, researchers can create properly formatted bibliographies, saving time and effort in academic writing.

10. AI Tools for Proofreading & Final Review

AI tools for proofreading and final review have become indispensable in writing processes, helping to identify and correct grammatical, stylistic, and structural errors. Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, QuillBot, and Ginger are among the top choices for proofreading and editing content.

ProWritingAid offers in-depth writing reports on the text that it proofreads, offering 20 different metrics to help improve a writer's natural flow without overburdening them [37]

Fig- How to Proofread

11. AI Tools for Submission Preparation and Formatting

Submission preparation and formatting tools help researchers and writers adhere to journal or publication requirements by automating the formatting process. These AI tools ensure that manuscripts, reports, and other documents comply with specific guidelines like font style, margins, citation formats, and figure placements. By simplifying complex formatting tasks, these tools save time and reduce errors in final submissions.

List of Tools:

1. Typeset.io

Typeset offers over 40,000 journal templates, making it easier for authors to format their manuscripts. [38]

2. Overleaf

Overleaf is an online LaTeX editor that facilitates collaborative writing and offers templates for academic papers. The Paperia app integrates with Overleaf, streamlining the submission process by allowing authors to prepare and submit manuscripts directly to journals, automating formatting and reducing errors.

3. Authorea

Authorea is a platform designed to facilitate collaborative writing and quick formatting for journal submissions. [39]

4. Papeeria

Papeeria is an online collaborative writing platform that integrates with Overleaf, designed for LaTeX document preparation. It offers features like real-time collaboration, templates for various journals, and streamlined submission processes, making it easier for authors to write, format, and submit academic papers efficiently.

5. Endnote

EndNote is widely used for managing references and automating the citation and formatting process. ^[40]

Use and How They Work:

These tools automate the layout and style of manuscripts, ensuring that documents meet submission criteria. For example, Typeset.io provides journal templates, allowing authors to format papers with one click. Overleaf is a LaTeX-based tool used for academic writing, enabling seamless formatting and submission-ready documents. Overleaf allows researchers to write, collaborate, and publish their work in LaTeX with ease Source. ^[41] These tools integrate with reference management software and use templates based on the target publication, automatically adjusting citations, headers, and footer. Papeeria offers seamless LaTeX editing with automated formatting for academic papers. ^[42]

Uses of Ai Tools Across Various Stages of Research Writing