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Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

Citing AI generative tools including ChatGPT

Style rules on how to cite AI generated content including ChatGPT are evolving. We will continue to monitor communications about these tools and this Research Guide will be updated.

Below is guidance from MLA, Chicago, and APA which is the most widely used citation style at Sheridan. For APA 7, we suggest using the general format of a computer software tool (similar to a student using SPSS as a tool in an assignment).

Faculty may have different citing expectations than the rules outlined in this guide. Library Services suggests learners check professor communications before starting assignments to ensure the citing rules are appropriate for their classes.

Citing in MLA 9

MLA bookcover

 

Considerations for citing AI-generated content have been posted on the MLA 9th edition website: 

How do I cite generative AI in MLA?

Updated March 23, 2023.

Citing in APA 7

APA manual

 

APA has released guidelines about citing AI-generated text.

Updated April 12, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

A learner using ChatGPT to generate text is comparable to a learner using computer software with their assignments. Therefore, the use of ChatGPT should be noted in the body of the paper with a statement in which the URL and prompts used to generate the output are provided.

In addition, a reference is required when paraphrasing, quoting, or using a full text response from ChatGPT.  Please use the general format of a computer software reference as seen in Section 10.10 of the APA Publication Manual, 7th edition:

Author or Name of Group. (Year that prompt was created). Name of Tool in italics (month and date that prompt was created) [Large language model]. URL of tool.

Parenthetical citation: (Author, Year)

Narrative citation: Author (Year)

Finally, since the ChatGPT output is not retrievable, faculty may opt to encourage learners to make the ChatGPT conversation retrievable by including it as and appendix (or other supplemental material). The appendix would include an introductory statement.

Examples

Note in the body of the paper:

ChatGPT software (https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt) was used on March 3, 2023, to generate text using the prompt "Summarize the personalities of the most important characters in Call of the Wild.”

Reference list: 

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (March 3 version) [Large language model]. https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

Citation: 

Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)

Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Appendix introductory statement:

“The following text was generated on March 3, 2023, by ChatGPT software (OpenAI, 2023) in response to the prompt….” 

Citing in Chicago Style

 

Considerations for citing AI-generated content have been posted on the Chicago Manual of Style Online website: 

How do you recommend citing content developed or generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT?

Updated March 23, 2023.

 

 

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