APA Style has provided advice on how to cite ChatGPT. When you include ChatGPT-generated text in your research or assignment, APA does not consider it personal communication because there's no human involved. It's more like sharing the output of an algorithm. To give credit for the algorithm's work, create a reference list entry and add an in-text citation for the algorithm's author. This format can be adapted for other generative AI tools.
In-text citation
Parenthetical citation: (Author, 2023)
Example: (OpenAI, 2023)
Narrative citation: Author (2023)
Example: OpenAI (2023)
Reference List
Format:
Author. (Year). AI Tool (Version if applicable) [Large language model]. URL
Example:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
APA specifically suggests that if you have used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, explain how you used them in your methods section or a similar part of your assignment. For literature reviews, essays or other papers, describe how you used the tool in your introduction (if you relied on it heavily) and make sure to include the prompt you used and the generated text in your assignment.
The MLA Style Guide includes advice on citing generative AI sources using their template of core elements. Refer to the guide for further details:
The Chicago Manual of Style Online states that while authors need to credit ChatGPT and other generative AI sources, no formal citation is required. For example, simply stating something along the lines of "The following recipe for pizza dough was generated by ChatGPT" is enough. If a formal citation is needed--like for student essays and formal research submissions--a footnote might look like this:
1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 7, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/chat.
or like this
1. ChatGPT, response to “Explain how to make pizza dough from common household ingredients,” OpenAI, March 7, 2023.
ChatGPT is the author and OpenAI would be considered the publisher. Since the text provided by ChatGPT is irretrievable for readers, the URL is not required.
