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Cite Sources: Citing Artificial Intelligence

Check with your instructor first!

  • Some instructors may permit the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, while others may not. Always check your instructor's policy regarding AI tools.
  • Make it a habit to acknowledge when you use an AI generative tool in your work.

Get into the habit of disclosing the use of AI tools

  • Refer to the examples below for citing AI generators in different citation styles.
  • Treat AI generators like ChatGPT as supplementary tools rather than primary sources. Always verify information against authoritative sources, such as those available in library databases.
  • Get into the habit of saving and keeping a transcript of your interactions with AI tools. For ChatGPT, use third-party extensions like SaveGPT, and for Bing Chat, utilize the save and print functions. Consider including this history as an appendix to your assignments to maintain transparency about your use of AI.

Check the facts! Evaluate AI-generated content

Any content generated by artificial intelligence should be evaluated critically. AI can sometimes produce false, biased, or outdated information. To assess the reliability of AI-generated content, use the CRAAP test and consider these questions:

  • Does the content exhibit any slant or bias?
  • Where is the information coming from? Can you verify any claims with alternative sources?
  • Avoid relying on AI for source citations, as they can be incorrect. Instead, cross-check facts and data using reputable sources, such as library databases.

Cite

AMA

Regarding AI generative tools, the JAMA Network editor's position is that artificial intelligence and large language models do not qualify as human therefore they do not qualify as an author/creator. They should not be used to create content but they may be used as part of a research design. Include the name of the tool, version, and manufacturer. Read more on Nonhuman "Authors" and Implications for the Integrity of Scientific Publication and Medical Knowledge"

NLM

NLM has not yet issued official guidance on citing artificial intelligence generative tools.

APA

APA recommends citing artificial intelligence bot communications as an algorithm output. Credit the author of the algorithm. In the case of ChatGPT, the creator is the company OpenAI. The title should be the name of the AI tool. Indicate which version you are using after the title of the AI tool in brackets. Include the phrase "Large language model" in square brackets to indicate this is an AI tool. Finally, include the link to the tool. APA also recommends considering including the full text of the interaction in an appendix. See the full explanation on the APA Style's blog, How to Cite ChatGPT.

 

Reference example:

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

 

In-text example:

(OpenAI, 2023)

 

In-text example if the full text of the interaction is included in an appendix:

(OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

ASA

ASA has not yet issued guidance on how to cite AI generative tools. 

MLA

Omit the author. Use a description of the content in place of a title. List the AI tool and the version, as well as the company behind the tool. You may need to use a third-party browser extension, like ShareGPT to create a stable URL to the content. For more information, see the MLA Style Center's blog post, How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?

 

Works cited example:

“Describe the ethics of using AI to write homework assignments” prompt. ChatGPT, Feb. 13 version, OpenAI, 22 Mar. 2023, https://sharechatgpt.com/share/8ceff295698fd9e78cebf7a92c79e231

 

In text example:

("Describe the ethics of using AI")

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