Pro Tip: Take AI’s advice on how to reduce the possibility of errors. ChatGPT hallucinated when I asked it to give examples of brilliant chess games played by a famous player (Lubomir Kavalek). It made up a game that never happened. When I questioned the advice, it apologized. I followed up with a question about how I could make future errors less likely:
Question: I am particularly interested in the erroneous answer you provided earlier concerning the non-existent Kavalek-Fischer simultaneous game. What can I do to reduce the risk that you might give me similar bad information in the future?
Chat GPT Answer:
I appreciate your concern about ensuring accurate responses, and I value your desire for high-quality, reliable information. Here’s how you can reduce the risk of encountering similar inaccuracies:
- Request Sources or Citations: When asking for historical, biographical, or factual details, you can explicitly request sources or citations. For example, ask, “Can you provide evidence or a citation for this claim?” This will prompt me to clarify the basis for my response.
- Cross-Check with External Sources: If a topic is critical, consider verifying the information against trusted external sources like books, articles, or databases. I can assist by helping you identify credible resources.
- Phrase Questions for Verification: Instead of asking open-ended questions, frame queries to prompt a more precise or researched answer. For example, “Is there evidence of a simultaneous exhibition involving Kavalek and Fischer?”
- Ask for Current Information: If you’re seeking updated details, mention it explicitly, and I can use tools to gather the latest information where appropriate.
- Highlight Critical Accuracy: Let me know when the stakes for accurate information are high. For example, “This is an important topic to me. Please ensure the answer is as precise as possible.”
- Ask for Context or Nuance: If a claim sounds too definitive, you can ask me to explore its context or address potential exceptions. For instance, “Can you elaborate on any controversies or misconceptions related to this claim?”
- Feedback and Clarification: If you notice a discrepancy or error in my answer, provide immediate feedback. This will help me refine my responses or clarify misunderstandings.
If you have additional strategies in mind or specific concerns about how I process information, feel free to share them. My goal is to ensure our conversations meet your standards for accuracy and usefulness.