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AI and Research for College Writing: Citing Text Generators

Citing Generative AI

When using AI tools, keep track carefully of the AI text generator you used, the prompts you entered, and the responses generated. Some citations require the exact text prompt that you used.  Look for options on the page to copy a link back to the chat.

For example, the Share icon  in ChatGPT will create a link back to your prompt and the response. 

Citing Generative AI in MLA Style

Basic Format:

“Entire Prompt Text” prompt. AI Tool Name, Version Number/Name, Company Name, Date of the chat (formatted Day, Mon. Year), URL.

Example:

"Write an annotated bibliography for a college writing class on the research topic of solar power" prompt. ChatGPT, GPT-3.5, OpenAI, 23 Jan. 2024. https://chat.openai.com

In the text, shorten the prompt to the first 2-3 words. For example ("Write an annotated")

Citing Generative AI in APA Style

Basic Format:

Name of Company/creator of generative AI Tool. (Year). Chat Tool (Month Date version) [Large language model]. URL.

Examples

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (version 3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

In-text citation

Parenthetical example: (OpenAI, 2024)

Narrative example: OpenAI (2024)....

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