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AI in Research & Teaching

Citing AI

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  • When using generative AI tools in your process (e.g., brainstorming, outlining, proofreading, etc.), do not cite the tool but do acknowledge your use of it somewhere in your narrative or in a footnote.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.

For more information, see Acknowledging and Citing Generative AI in Academic Work.

APA Citations

Format

In-text: (Author/AI Company Name, Date of chat)

Reference: Author/AI Company Name. (Date of chat). Title of chat [Description, such as Generative AI chat]. Tool Name/Model. URL of chat

Example

In-text: (OpenAI, 2024)

Reference: OpenAI. (2024, December 15). Feminist data theories [Generative AI chat]. ChatGPT. https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68c481654884819186280eeae38f2508

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MLA Citations

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.

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Chicago Citations

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.

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