AI in Research & Teaching

Different instructors may have different policies on the use of generative AI in their classes. When citing AI in class assignments, students should make sure they understand what is and isn't allowed before using (and citing) generative AI.

Here are a couple of considerations for when and how to acknowledge the use of generative AI in assignments:

• When using generative AI tools in your process (e.g., brainstorming, outlining, proofreading, etc.), do not cite the tool but do acknowledge your use of it somewhere in your narrative or in a footnote. Check with your instructor for specific guidelines about how to acknowledge generative AI tools in your process.
• When using AI-generated content as a source in your assignment (e.g., for quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, or otherwise incorporating), cite the source according to the appropriate style guideline, listed below. However, in many cases it is best to find an original source to cite, rather than citing an AI tool.

The use of generative AI in research and writing is an emerging and quickly evolving practice. Existing guidelines about how to incorporate and acknowledge generative AI in research are likewise evolving. Be flexible as you learn how to cite these tools. 

Format

In-text: (Author, Date)

Reference: Author. (Date). Title of tool (version) [Description of model]. URL

Example

In-text: (OpenAI, 2023)

Reference: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Nov 30 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Note: If you can't find the version date, try asking the tool, e.g., "Please identify the model and version you are using, including the update date if possible."

More Information

• How to Cite ChatGPT
• UNR's APA Citation Guide

Format

In-text: ("Description of prompt")

Works Cited: "Description of prompt" prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, date text was generated. URL.

Example

In-text: ("Identify the themes")

Works Cited: "Identify the themes in Mcteague by Frank Norris" prompt. ChatGPT, 30 Nov. version, OpenAI, 4 Dec. 2023. https://chat.openai.com/share/2f2be19d-eadd-4151-8ceb-0785319074b3.

More information

• How Do I Cite Generative AI in MLA Style?
• UNR's MLA Citation Guide

Format

In-text (for author-date): (Name of AI tool, date text was generated)

Note (for notes-bibliography): 1. Text generated by [AI tool and version], Company, date text was generated, public URL.

Examples

In-text: The following recipe for pizza dough was generated on December 9, 2023, by ChatGPT-3.5.

Note: 1. Text generated by ChatGPT-3.5, OpenAI, January 16, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/share/90b8137d-ff1c-4c0c-b123-2868623c4ae2.

Note: Typically, text generated by AI tools are not cited in a Chicago bibliography or reference list.

More Information

Chicago Manual of Style Online: Citing AI-Generated Content

Chicago Manual of Style Online: How do you recommend citing content developed or generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT?