How to Cite ChatGPT

Magna Ding

Nov 4, 2024 — 3 min read

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT has revolutionized the way researchers and students approach academic writing and research. However, the use of AI-generated content in academic work necessitates proper citation to maintain academic integrity and credibility. This report provides a detailed guide on how to cite ChatGPT in various citation styles, focusing on APA format, while also touching on MLA, Chicago, and other styles. The guidelines presented here are based on the latest recommendations from authoritative sources.

Understanding the Need for Citing ChatGPT

Citing ChatGPT is essential because it ensures that the use of AI-generated content is transparent and that credit is given to the creators of the AI model, OpenAI. Proper citation also allows readers to understand the origin of the information and assess its reliability. Given that AI-generated content is not retrievable by other users, it is crucial to document the interaction accurately (APA Style Blog).

APA Citation for ChatGPT

Reference List Entry

In APA format, the citation for ChatGPT should include the author, date, title, and source. The author is OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT. The date should reflect the year of the version used. The title is the name of the model, "ChatGPT," followed by the version number in parentheses. The source is the URL where the model can be accessed.

Example:

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

In-Text Citations

For in-text citations, APA allows for both parenthetical and narrative citations. A parenthetical citation would appear as (OpenAI, 2023), while a narrative citation would be formatted as OpenAI (2023) (APA Style Blog).

Describing the Use of ChatGPT

When using ChatGPT in research, it is recommended to describe how the tool was used in the Method section or a comparable section of the paper. This description should include the prompt used and any relevant text generated in response. This approach ensures transparency and allows readers to understand the context in which the AI tool was employed (APA Style Blog).

MLA Citation for ChatGPT

In MLA format, the citation for ChatGPT includes the prompt as the title, the model name and version, the creator (OpenAI), the date of access, and the URL.

Example:

"Summarize the book Thus Spoke Zarathustra" prompt. ChatGPT, GPT-4, OpenAI, 30 Jun. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

MLA advises that if AI tools are used to locate sources, only the sources actually used should be cited, not the AI tool itself (Grammarly).

Chicago Style Citation for ChatGPT

In Chicago style, ChatGPT is cited similarly to online sources. The citation includes the author or organization, the title of the content, the publication date, the access date, and the URL.

Example:

Text generated by ChatGPT, March 23, 2023, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/chat.

Chicago style treats AI-generated content as personal communication, which is typically cited in-text rather than in the bibliography (Research Prospect).

Other Citation Styles

Harvard Style

In Harvard style, the citation for ChatGPT includes the author (OpenAI), the year, the title, and the access date. If there is no author, the organization name is used.

Example:

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version). Accessed 4 Nov. 2024. https://chat.openai.com/chat

IEEE Style

IEEE style requires the author's name, the title of the article, the publication date, and the URL. If there is no publication date, "n.d." is used.

Example:

ChatGPT. (2021, September). OpenAI’s ChatGPT: A Revolution in Language AI. [Online]. Available: https://openai.com/blog/chat-gpt/

Challenges and Considerations

One of the main challenges in citing ChatGPT is the non-retrievability of the content. Unlike traditional sources, the output from ChatGPT cannot be accessed by others, which complicates the citation process. To address this, APA suggests treating the content as an algorithm's output rather than personal communication (APA Style Blog).

Additionally, it is important to document the exact text generated by ChatGPT, as the model produces unique responses to each prompt. This documentation can be included in an appendix or online supplemental materials (Franklin University).

Conclusion

Citing ChatGPT and other AI tools is a crucial aspect of maintaining academic integrity in research and writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this report, researchers and students can ensure that they are properly crediting the creators of AI models and providing transparency in their use of AI-generated content. As AI technology continues to evolve, citation practices will likely adapt, making it essential for academics to stay informed about the latest guidelines.