This post delves into the premium version of ChatGPT - ChatGPT Plus - exploring its features, capabilities, and practical applications, particularly in the realm of sports science.
It's been approximately a year since ChatGPT first entered society's consciousness. The interest in AI and chatbots remains intense, and ChatGPT has evolved to offer a premium version currently for about $20 per month, plus tax.
This premium service grants users access to the latest language model, currently GPT-4, noted for its speed and availability during peak times. Crucially, it also allows users to access real-time information via the internet and utilise plugins, which are similar to apps. This post examines these features through the lens of sports science.
ChatGPT Interface and Features
The recently updated ChatGPT interface introduced a dropdown menu that lets premium users toggle between the GPT-3.5 model (free) and the more advanced GPT-4. Previously, these options, along with other settings like browsing, required manual activation but are now integrated into the default service. Browsing employs Microsoft Bing to fetch live information, moving beyond the earlier limitations of generating references based purely on the language model.
In a previous demonstration, I examined ChatGPT’s utility in sports science research using the free version. In the video below, I repeat the experiment with GPT-4 via the premium version of ChatGPT.
As you can see in the video above, I asked ChatGPT to define internal and external training loads and discuss their differences. While it correctly identifies physiological and psychological stress indicators, it mistakenly classifies heart rate as a subjective measure.
This highlights the need for users to validate AI-generated information. As we discussed previously on the blog, a hybrid approach between man and machine will be best in applying these evolving AI tools and techniques.
Enhanced Capabilities with Live Internet Access
One major limitation of earlier versions was the generation of fictitious references due to the language model's predictions. The premium version, equipped with internet access, potentially addresses this issue more effectively.
In this test, I request scientific references for the internal and external training loads definitions. The premium version successfully lists references from PubMed, illustrating its ability to browse and retrieve relevant literature. Again here the crucial point is the ability for the user to double-check its workings.
Analysing ChatGPT Plugins
A standout feature of ChatGPT Premium is the inclusion of plugins. Users can enable plugins via settings, which allows ChatGPT to perform tasks like reading and summarising PDFs—a significant enhancement for researchers.
For example, I tested the 'Chat with PDF' plugin by ingesting a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) position statement. While it did not capture all position statements perfectly, it provided a decent summary of the document. I'm excited to see how these tools further develop as I think they could be really useful to sports scientists.
I then explored the Scholar AI plugin, which retrieves highly cited scientific articles. Comparing it with Bing search, Scholar AI is more specialized and efficient in producing relevant academic references, complete with DOI links and abstracts. You can find a deep-dive into the Scholar AI plugin in this post.
Summary of ChatGPT Plus Applications
Overall, ChatGPT Premium's browsing capabilities and plugins like 'Chat with PDF' and 'Scholar AI' significantly enhance its utility for sports scientists. By automating the retrieval and summarisation of academic literature, these features elevate the efficiency and accuracy of research workflows. However, it's key that users maintain a critical approach, verifying information and optimizing prompts to fully leverage these advanced capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key benefits of ChatGPT Plus for sports scientists?
ChatGPT Plus, its premium version, provides real-time internet access for accurate information retrieval and plugins for specific tasks such as reading PDFs and searching for academic articles. These features streamline research processes, making information gathering more efficient.
How does ChatGPT Plus differ from the free version?
The premium version offers access to GPT-4, faster response times, real-time internet browsing, and an expanded plugin ecosystem. The free version is limited to the GPT-3.5 model without these additional features.
Can ChatGPT Plus replace traditional literature search tools?
While ChatGPT Plus enhances search capabilities, it should complement, not replace, traditional tools like PubMed or Google Scholar. Verification of AI-generated information remains essential.
What should I be cautious of when using ChatGPT Plus (or similar AI-tools using large language models)?
Always validate the references and information provided by ChatGPT. Despite enhancements, AI can still produce errors or misinterpretations (known as hallucinations), especially with complex queries.
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For more information on these topics, see the Sports Science Tutorials playlist on the Global Performance Insights YouTube channel.
I am dedicated to helping others turn sports science insights into practical action. If you're interested in collaborating through presentations, mentoring, or advisory projects, please get in touch.