Answered By: ic @westernsydney.edu.au
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2023     Views: 868

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 and follow the reference format for a personal communication by providing all the details in-text. Include the name of the communicator/program (e.g. OpenAI ChatGPT) as the author and be as precise as you can with the date that you created it.

You do not need to provide a reference list, bibliography, or works cited entry.

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 Learning Guide or contact your Subject Coordinator. 

Examples

APA 7

In-text citation format

(Author, personal communication, Month Day, Year)

or

Author (personal communication, Month Day, Year)

Example

A recent study (OpenAI ChatGPT, personal communication, January 16, 2023) showed that...

or

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

 

Harvard WesternSydU

In-text citation format

(Author, personal communication, Day Month Year)

or

Author (personal communication, Day Month Year)

Example

A recent study (OpenAI ChatGPT, personal communication, 16 January 2023) showed that...

or

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

 

MLA 8

In-text citation format

(Author)

or

Author

Example

A recent study (OpenAI ChatGPT) showed that...

or

OpenAI ChatGPT indicated that...

 

Vancouver

Include the nature and source of the information followed by ‘unreferenced’ in parentheses.

In-text citation format

(Author, Year Month Day; unreferenced)

or

Author (Year Month Day; unreferenced)

Example

A recent study (OpenAI Chat GPT, 2023 Jan 16; unreferenced) showed that...

or

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

 

Chicago 17

Unpublished interviews or personal communications are only cited in footnotes. All details are provided in the footnote.

Footnote format

       24. Author, type of communication, Month Day, Year.

Example

       24. OpenAI ChatGPT, personal communication, January 16, 2023.

 

AGLC 4

Footnote format

ᶠᵒᵒᵗⁿᵒᵗᵉ ⁿᵘᵐᵇᵉʳ Output from program, creator to recipient, Day Month Year. 

Example

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

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