Step 1: Conduct some preliminary research on prominent figures in the field of public relations. Explore several people, selecting the one PR Icon that most resonates with you. This could be someone from the early days of PR or a more contemporary figure who has left a lasting impact.
Step 2: ( Research old school) As you learned from this module week's in public relations, you will have to know how to conduct research using a variety of methods. Practice your "old school" research methods by researching your selected PR Icon through the Hunt Library. What is the most interesting Hunt Library information you can find about your PR Icon's impact on the public relations industry?
Cite Your Findings: Include at least one citation in your PR Icons profile from your "old school" research conducted through the Hunt Library.
Step 3: Next, research your selected PR Icon using GenAI! You can try a tool such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, or Google Bard to gather information about your chosen PR icon. Explore their contributions, strategies, and overall impact on the field. Now, check the information you've discovered using the GenAI tool.
Compare and contrast the GenAI information with the information you read from the Hunt Library in Step Two. Did the GenAI tool provide any erroneous information?
What information from GenAI was factually accurate? Double-check your GenAI findings by verifying through another source.
Full Answer Section
- Business. Harper & Brothers.
Step 3: GenAI Research and Comparison
Using a GenAI tool like ChatGPT, I found information about Ivy Lee's key contributions, including:
- Pioneering the concept of "public be informed": This aligns with the emphasis on transparency mentioned in my Hunt Library research.
- Developing the press release: Lee is credited with creating the modern press release, a fundamental tool in public relations.
- Advising prominent figures like John D. Rockefeller: This highlights the impact of his work on shaping public perception and managing crises.
Comparison and Analysis:
- Accuracy: The GenAI tool provided a generally accurate overview of Ivy Lee's contributions.
- Completeness: The Hunt Library research provided more in-depth information about his philosophy and the specific principles he advocated, such as the importance of openness and honesty.
- Unique Insights: The Hunt Library research uncovered specific details about his book "Publicity: Some of the Things I Have Learned in Writing News for Business," which provided valuable insights into his thinking and approach to public relations.
Verification: I verified some of the information provided by GenAI by consulting the website of the Public Relations Society of America, which also highlighted Lee's contributions to the field, including his role in developing the press release and his emphasis on transparency.
Conclusion
This exercise demonstrated the value of both "old school" research methods and the potential of AI tools like GenAI. While GenAI can provide a quick overview and generate summaries, traditional research methods, such as using library resources, offer deeper insights and access to primary sources. Combining these approaches can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of historical figures and their impact.
Sample Answer
Step 1: Choosing a PR Icon
For this exercise, I have chosen Ivy Lee as my PR Icon. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern public relations and played a crucial role in shaping the field.
Step 2: Hunt Library Research
My research through the Hunt Library revealed interesting insights into Ivy Lee's impact. One key finding was his emphasis on "the principle of openness and honesty." Lee believed in the importance of transparency and building trust between organizations and the public. He advised clients to be truthful and forthcoming with the public, even when faced with difficult situations. This principle, which he championed early on, remains highly relevant in public relations today.
- Citation: Lee, I. (1925). Publicity: Some of the Things I Have Learned in Writing News for