Why cite generative AI?

Generative AI tools should be cited in the same way that you would cite any other sources that you did not create yourself. By full and correctly citing AI generated content, you are: 

• Upholding the principle of academic integrity by giving due credit to your sources
• Providing transparency about the origin of the information, which can have a different bias profile than human-generated content
• Contributing to the important task of tracking the influence of AI in our collective knowledge, highlighting its role in various domains

Before making use of any generative AI tool (such as ChatGPT) for class assignments, consult your instructor and your syllabus for guidance on using, quoting, and citing generative AI.

For guidelines on citing generative AI in APA style see the entry on “How to Cite ChatGPT” from the official APA style website.

Example:

In-text:
When prompted “Why is toxic positivity a problem in the workplace,” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “toxic positivity can be harmful as it can lead to a dismissive attitude towards the concerns or struggles of employees” (OpenAI, 2023)

Entry in reference list:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 23 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Citing AI-Generated Images

APA has not issued specific guidelines for citing images generated by AI tools. When using AI-generated images for coursework, follow the general APA guidelines for citing audiovisual media, and include a note with the image indicating which AI tool was used as well as the prompt that was used to create the image.

For more information and examples, see the guide to citing AI-generated images in APA style from McMaster University.

Before making use of any generative AI tool (such as ChatGPT) for class assignments, consult your instructor and your syllabus for guidance on using, quoting, and citing generative AI.

For guidelines on citing generative AI in MLA style see the entry on “How do I cite generative AI in MLA Style?” from the official MLA style website.

Example:

In text:
T. S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" uses symbolism to show the alienation and anxiety inherent in modern society (“Describe the use of symbolism”).

Entry in works cited list:
“Describe the use of symbolism in the poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ by T. S. Eliot” prompt. ChatGPT, 23 Mar. version, OpenAI, 7 Apr. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

Citing AI-Generated Images

When incorporating AI-generated images into your work, MLA recommends writing a caption for the image that includes the prompt used, the AI tool, version and date created. For more information see Example 3: Citing Creative Visual Works on the MLA webpage How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?