Generative Artificial Intelligence

When utilizing generative AI tools for assignments or academic writing, proper acknowledgment and citation of the outputs is expected. This is unusual territory because you are not citing a human author(s) or a publication; it is more like documenting a process including identifying software or an application used. Citation norms for AI-generated content are developing; refer to style guides and publisher guidelines for current practices. We have highlighted four styles most often used by the VCU community. Learn more about a variety of styles here.

Guidance can be found in the AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition (Online Access) in 14.5.2 which covers software.

APA Style's How to Cite Chat GPT blog post provides reference and in-text examples for AI sources that are based on APA 7's software reference template.

Note: The post is dated April 7, 2023 and indicates "We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions." APA indicates that they have plans to update this blog later this year. This entry could change at anytime. Links were last accessed on February 23, 2024.

MLA Style's "How do I cite generative AI in MLA Style?" blog post provides reference and in-text examples for AI sources.

Note: The MLA template of core elements is meant to provide flexibility in citation. According to MLA, "if you find a rationale to modify these recommendations in your own citations, we encourage you to do so." The above blog post is also open to comments, and encourages users to "let us know what you think and how you’re using and citing generative AI tools!" This entry could change at anytime. Links were last accessed on February 23, 2024.

Chicago Style's FAQ provides guidance on citing generative AI sources.

Note: According to the above FAQ, "You do need to credit ChatGPT and similar tools whenever you use the text that they generate in your own work. But for most types of writing, you can simply acknowledge the AI tool in your text." This entry could change at anytime. Links were last accessed on February 23, 2024.