Answered By: The Library
Last Updated: Feb 29, 2024     Views: 9654

Note: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are changing rapidly as will citation advice. We recommend checking this FAQ regularly.

Use of generative AI is not permitted in some subjects and some assignments. If unsure, you should confirm with your Subject Coordinator.

When you refer to content produced by generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, you must acknowledge the source of information by citing it correctly.

As the source of information is not recoverable by the reader, describe the prompt (the question you asked) and / or content generated by AI in your writing. Be precise with the date it was created and follow the reference format for your citation style in the examples below.

You may like to consider including the generative AI output in an appendix or supplemental materials. If you require further information on the specific requirements for your assignment, please refer to your Subject Outline (formerly Learning Guide) or contact your Subject Coordinator. 

Examples

APA 7

In-text citation

Use the AI Model’s creator (e.g. OpenAI) as the author.

Format

(Author, Year)

or

Author (Year)

Example

Critical evaluation is essential (OpenAI, 2023) in order to...

or

OpenAI (2023) indicated that…

 

Reference list

Provide the name of the AI Model (e.g. ChatGPT) as the title. If you’re using ChatGPT, the version number includes the month and day as this is how OpenAI is labelling versions.

Format

Author. (Year). Title (Month Day version) [Description of AI model]. URL

Example

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Jan 16 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

 

Harvard WesternSydU

In-text citation

Use the AI Creator and Model (e.g. OpenAI ChatGPT) as the author.

Format

(Author, personal communication, Day Month Year)

or

Author (personal communication, Day Month Year)

Example

Critical evaluation is essential (OpenAI ChatGPT, personal communication, 16 January 2023) in order to...

or

OpenAI ChatGPT (personal communication, 16 January 2023) indicated that...

 

Reference list

References to generative AI content are only cited in-text and not included in the reference list.

MLA 8

In-text citation

Format

("Details of the prompt")

Example

Critical evaluation is essential ("The importance of critical thinking") in order to...

 

Works Cited list

Use the AI Tool (e.g. ChatGPT) in the usual title position in italics. If you’re using ChatGPT, the version number includes the day and month as this is how OpenAI is labelling versions. Include the name of the AI creator (e.g. OpenAI) as the publisher.

Format

“Details of the prompt” prompt. AI Tool, Day Month. version, Publisher, Day Month. Year, URL.

Example

“The importance of critical thinking” prompt. ChatGPT, 1 Jan. version, OpenAI, 16 Jan. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

 

Vancouver

In-text citation

Include the nature and source of the information followed by ‘unreferenced’ in parentheses. Use the AI Creator and Model (e.g. OpenAI ChatGPT) as the author.

Format

(Author, Year Month Day; unreferenced)

or

Author (Year Month Day; unreferenced)

Example

Critical evaluation is essential (OpenAI ChatGPT, 2023 Jan 16; unreferenced) in order to...

or

OpenAI ChatGPT (2023 Jan 16; unreferenced) indicated that...

 

Reference list

References to generative AI content are only cited in-text and not included in the reference list.

Chicago 17

Footnote

Use the name of the AI Model (e.g. ChatGPT) as the author and the AI Model's creator (e.g. OpenAI) as the publisher.

Format

       Footnote number. Text generated by Author, Publisher, Month Day, Year, URL.

Example

       24. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, January 16, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/chat.

 

Note: If the details of the prompt are not included in the text, you can include it in the note. 

Format

       Footnote number. Author, response to “Details of the prompt,” Publisher, Month Day, Year.

Example

       24. ChatGPT, response to “The importance of critical thinking,” OpenAI, March 2, 2023.

 

Bibliography

References to generative AI content are only cited in footnotes because they cannot be retrieved by anyone else. All details are provided in the footnote only. These are not listed in the Bibliography.

AGLC 4

Footnote

Use the name of the AI Model (e.g. ChatGPT) and the AI Model’s creator (e.g. OpenAI) as the author.

Format

Footnote number  Output from AI Model, Author to Recipient, Day Month Year. 

Example

1  Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to John Smith, 16 January 2023.

 

Bibliography

Format

Author, AI Model to Recipient, Type of correspondence, Day Month Year

Example 

Open AI, ChatGPT to John Smith, Output, 16 January 2023

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