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Generative AI: ChatGPT and Beyond

A guide to the various artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that use deep learning techniques and massively large data sets to understand, summarize, generate and predict new content.

APA Citations

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

MLA Citation

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.

Chicago

Chicago states that it is not necessary to cite generative AI tools in a bibliography or reference list.

AI-generated Text

If you are required or would like to include generative AI citations in your bibliography or reference list, consider citing ChatGPT and similar AI tools like a personal communication such as an email, phone, or text conversation (see CMOS 14.214).

Example:

ChatGPT. Response to “Tell me how to fix a flat bicycle tire.” July 21, 2023. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/share/b139f195-93eb-447b-bc6d-2440a541ea71.

  • Author. Name of AI tool - ChatGPT.
  • Prompt (Title). Response to “Text prompt in quotes.” - Response to "Tell me how to fix a flat bicycle tire."
  • Date. Date content was generated, Month Day, Year - July 21, 2023.
  • Publisher/Sponsor. Organization/Developer of AI tool - OpenAI.
  • URL. Optional. Not considered an essential element of the citation, particularly when AI-generated content is not accessible (i.e., requires personal login or subscription). If included, use unique URL for shareable content or a general URL for inaccessible content - https://chat.openai.com/share/b139f195-93eb-447b-bc6d-2440a541ea71.

If you’ve edited AI-generated text, you should acknowledge this in your text or at the end of the note (e.g. Edited for style and content)

Footnote or Endnote

Examples:

1. Text generated by ChatGPT, July 5, 2023, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/chat.

  • Number. Footnote or endnote number based on its sequence in the body of your text - 1.
  • Author, Name of AI tool - ChatGPT,
  • Date, Date content was generated, Month Day, Year - July 5, 2023,
  • Publisher/Sponsor, Organization/Developer of AI tool - OpenAI,
  • URL. Optional. Not considered an essential element of the citation, particularly when AI-generated content is not accessible (i.e., requires personal login or subscription). If included, use unique URL for shareable content or a general URL for inaccessible content - https://chat.openai.com/chat.

If the prompt hasn’t been included in the text, it can be included in the note as follows:

2. ChatGPT, response to “Tell me how to fix a flat bicycle tire,” July 21, 2023, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/share/b139f195-93eb-447b-bc6d-2440a541ea71.

  • Number. Footnote or endnote number based on its sequence in the body of your text - 2.
  • Author, Name of AI tool - ChatGPT,
  • Prompt (Title), response to “Text prompt in quotes,” - response to "Tell me how to fix a flat bicycle tire,"
  • Date, Date content was generated, Month Day, Year - July 21, 2023,
  • Publisher/Sponsor, Organization/Developer of AI tool - OpenAI,
  • URL. Optional. Not considered an essential element of the citation, particularly when AI-generated content is not accessible (i.e., requires personal login or subscription). If included, use unique URL for shareable content or a general URL for inaccessible content - https://chat.openai.com/share/b139f195-93eb-447b-bc6d-2440a541ea71.

If you’ve edited AI-generated text, you should acknowledge this in your text or at the end of the note (e.g., edited for style and content).

Shortened Footnote or Endnote

If the same reference is used again, the shortened form of the note should be used.

Example:

3. ChatGPT, response to “Fix a flat bicycle tire,” World Wide Web.

  • Number. Footnote or endnote number based on its sequence in the body of your text - 3.
  • Author, Name of AI tool -  ChatGPT,
  • Prompt (Title), response to "Text prompt in quotes," - response to "Fix a flat bicycle tire,"
  • Medium. - World Wide Web.
Author-Date Style

If you’re using author-date style instead of notes, any information not provided in the text can be placed in a parenthetical text reference (see CMOS 15.53)

Examples:

(ChatGPT, June 8, 2023).

(OpenAI's ChatGPT, response to prompt from author, February 22, 2023)

  • Author, Name of AI tool -  ChatGPT,
  • Prompt (Title), response to "Text prompt in quotes,"
  • Date, Date content was generated, Month Day, Year