AI & Machine LearningLanguage Models

Same Question, Different Answer

A dial called temperature makes chatbots creative or predictable

A chatbot gets the same question twice and answers differently. Is it confused, or is somebody turning a hidden dial?

You'll find out

  • Why answers change every time
  • What the temperature dial does
  • When boring beats creative

Why it matters

The same dial decides whether an AI tool gives steady answers or fresh ideas, and builders set it for every app.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 160 · Zone 18

Play this lesson

Free to play in your browser or on iPhone

More in this zone

  1. 154Infinite SeriesAchilles and the TortoiseInfinitely many steps can take finite time
  2. 155Bridge EngineeringSuspension BridgesCables turn huge loads into tension they can handle
  3. 156Recreational MathematicsThe 1089 TrickAny three-digit number leads to the same answer
  4. 157ProbabilityThe 100 Prisoners RiddleA clever plan turns near-certain death into a 31% chance
  5. 158PsychoacousticsWhy Ads Sound LouderTwo sounds at the same volume can feel completely different
  6. 159Computing HistoryThe Women Who Programmed ENIACSix women programmed the first general-purpose electronic computer
  7. 161CryptographyHow Long to Crack It?Every extra character multiplies an attacker's work
  8. 162CybersecurityHow Sites Store Your PasswordA good website never actually knows your password