ChatGPT and AI Technology: Citation & Copyright

Major citation styles are beginning to publish guidance on how to cite responses retrieved from ChatGPT. This guide will be updated as this guidance evolves and is intended to function as a starting point for classroom decisions on the best practices for using ChatGPT. 

Students: Consult with your instructor before using ChatGPT. If you are permitted to use it for your assignment, explain how you used it in the Introductions, Methods, or Literature Review section. 

If your instructor permits you to use ChatGPT (or any other AI), follow this format:

APA Reference list: Basic format

Name of Software Company. (Year). Software Title (Version) [Type of software]. URL

It may also be beneficial or requested by your instructor to include the prompt from your query. 

Name of Software Company. (Year). Software Title (Version) [Type of software]. Your prompt. URL

Reference list: Example

OpenAI. (2023) ChatGPT (April 10 version) [Large Language model].

https://chat.openai.com/chat

In-text citation: Example

(OpenAI, 2023)

When citing ChatGPT and other AI Chatbots, it is recommended to include the transcript of the chat in your appendix. ChatGPT has also recently added a permalink feature to a specific question transcript. Your instructor may wish you to include this instead.

(OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript)

See "How to cite ChatGPT" for more information 

If your instructor permits you to use ChatGPT (or any other AI), follow this format:

MLA Works cited: Basic format

"Prompt" prompt. Title of AI. Version, Date of generation,  URL. 

Works cited: Example

“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

In-text citation: Example

"The green light also symbolizes Gatsby's envy and jealousy of Tom Buchanan" (“Describe the symbolism").

See "How do I cite Generative AI in MLA Style" for more information.