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ChatGPT and Generative AI

Guide of resources and strategies for handling ChatGPT and other AI in the classroom.

Citing Generative AI

Major citation styles have begun to address generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Everyone agrees it's important to be clear if and when you use AI in your work, but there is still some disagreement about what that might look like. The following are the current recommendations, although as with everything, these are subject to change as the world continues to adapt to these technologies. 

Citing AI in MLA Style

MLA Directions as of March 2023:

Citing AI in APA Style

APA directions as of April 2023:

Citing AI in Chicago/Turabian Style

What ChatGPT Says About Citing

For what it's worth, here is ChatGPT's response when given the prompt "how do you cite an answer from ChatGPT" (on December 1, 2024):

"When citing an answer from ChatGPT, you should follow the appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) and include details about the source being ChatGPT. Here's how you can do it in several common citation styles:

APA (7th edition)

In APA style, you cite ChatGPT as a personal communication. Here is an example of how to format it:

  • In-text citation:
    (OpenAI, personal communication, December 1, 2024)
  • Reference list:
    OpenAI. (2024, December 1). Response to a question about citing ChatGPT. OpenAI. https://www.openai.com

Note that in APA, personal communications are not typically included in the reference list unless they are retrievable (which ChatGPT responses are not), but you can reference them in-text.

MLA (8th edition)

In MLA style, you can cite the response from ChatGPT as follows:

  • In-text citation:
    (OpenAI)
  • Works Cited entry:
    OpenAI. "Response to a Question About Citing ChatGPT." ChatGPT, 1 Dec. 2024, https://www.openai.com.

Chicago (17th edition)

In Chicago style, you can cite ChatGPT as a personal communication or online source. Here's an example:

  • Footnote or Endnote:
    OpenAI, "Response to a question about citing ChatGPT," ChatGPT, December 1, 2024, https://www.openai.com.
  • Bibliography:
    OpenAI. "Response to a question about citing ChatGPT." ChatGPT. December 1, 2024. https://www.openai.com."