Basic · module 35 of 100
When AI hallucinates
Recognise situations in which AI invents facts or sources.
After this lesson
You can recognise typical hallucinations and know how to prevent or check them.
In view · Choices and control
A firm answer can be wrong
AI can formulate a plausibly sounding fact or a source.
Open the mentioned source and compare the concrete claim.
Use the claim only if you find sufficient support.
Part 1 of 3 · Sounds persuasive
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
What is a hallucination?
The model gives a convincing answer that is incorrect: invented figures, names, quotes or sources.
When does it often happen?
With specific facts, recent events, exact quotes or when you ask for sources without providing them.
How to limit?
Provide the sources yourself. Ask to “only use the provided text”. Always check important claims.
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
A hallucination is information presented convincingly without a sufficient factual basis.
Fictional practice situationFiction: a AI draft mentions a report with a credible title. You cannot find the report at the mentioned publisher.
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
Do not use the report as evidence. Note the reference as unconfirmed, search at the original publisher, and remove the claim if you find no suitable substantiation.
Why this works
Asking the same model again can repeat the same error. Independent verification asks for something different than a second convincing answer.
Make it slightly more difficult
When using a real public source, separately check title, author, date, and the passage that supports the claim.
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
On this device only. AI answers remain only in this page memory. This is self-review, not a grade.
Why this approach works
Asking the same model again can repeat the same error. Independent verification asks for something different than a second convincing answer.
A step further
When using a real public source, separately check title, author, date, and the passage that supports the claim.
Try & discover · no obligation
Become the source checker yourself
Only mark statements that the source does not support. Then check your selection.
Fictitious source: the workshop is Saturday from 10 to 11 o'clock, online. The price and calendar date are not yet known.
Select which sentences you would correct above. The answer remains hidden until you check your selection.
This trial works locally with fictitious data and does not count towards your lesson completion. It starts anew with a new lesson or reload.
A prompt to get you started
Only summarise the following text. Do not invent extra facts or sources. Text: [text].
Apply it
A AI answer mentions a convincing title and author of a report. You cannot find the report anywhere.
Which approach best fits this situation?
- Use the reference because the title sounds professional.
- Ask the same AI to confirm the source five more times.
- Mark the source as unconfirmed and search for the original publication.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
What is a typical way to limit hallucinations?
- Making the prompt longer.
- Providing the sources yourself and asking to only use those.
- Always setting the temperature to maximum.
Extra practice
Name two situations in which you would be extra alert to hallucinations.
1. Exact figures or data. 2. Quotes or source citations. In both cases, I check the original source.
