How to Properly Cite ChatGPT?
Let’s face it, we’re living in a digital age where artificial intelligence (AI) is as common in our daily lives as your morning coffee. Whether you’re drafting an academic paper, writing a blog post, or just assembling various forms of documentation, you might find yourself using tools like ChatGPT from OpenAI. But when it comes to referencing these digital wonders, things can get a bit tricky. So, how do you properly cite ChatGPT? You’re in luck, because I’m here to guide you through the nitty-gritty of citing this advanced chatbot effectively.
Citing ChatGPT in Different Styles
Let’s break it down. Multiple citation styles exist, and depending on what you’re writing for—a college paper, a journal article, or maybe an IEEE conference—you’ll need to format your citation accordingly. Here’s the scoop on how to cite ChatGPT in the styles that matter most!
1. APA Citation for ChatGPT
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in the social sciences, so if your academic work falls under this umbrella, here’s what you need to know.
APA Format: Name of Company/creator of the generative AI Tool. (Year). ChatGPT (Month Day version) [Large language model]. URL.
Now let’s take a look at a real-world example to make it even clearer!
Real-world Example: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (June 16 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat.
If you are creating a reference list, remember these formatting tips: double-space your references and use a 0.5-inch hanging indent for each entry. It might sound like a minor detail, but trust me, it brings everything together nicely.
2. Citation for General AI Programs and Chatbots
Apart from ChatGPT, you might encounter the need to cite other generative AI tools. The citation structure remains similar but details must align with the specific AI tool being referenced.
General AI Citation Format: Name of Company/creator of the generative AI Tool. (Year). Name of the generative AI program (model of program) [Large language model]. URL.
Real-world Example: Perplexity. (2023). Perplexity.ai (AI Chatbot) [Large language model]. https://www.perplexity.ai/.
Just like the APA style, make sure to double-space and include the hanging indent. The meticulousness of formatting can pay off, especially when your professor starts combing through your references!
3. Footnotes or Endnotes for Citation
Not every piece of writing prefers referencing via a bibliography. Sometimes, footnotes or endnotes come into play. This is especially useful in situations where you want to offer additional context or commentary without crowding the main text.
Footnote Example: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, response to query from author, February 15, 2023.
Bibliographic Reference Example: Author’s (Parent Company) Medium, Response to « Query in quotes. » Name of Website, Parent Company, Date accessed, URL.
Real-world Example: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Response to “Explain to general audiences the possible causes and effects of climate change.” ChatGPT, OpenAI, February 15, 2023, https://chatgpt.pro/.
4. IEEE Style Citation
If your report or thesis requires IEEE citations, here’s how to approach that. IEEE, primarily used in engineering, is more concise and to the point.
IEEE Citation Format: [Citation number] Author (Program Name), response to author query. Publisher [Online]. URL, (Accessed date).
Real-world Example: [1] ChatGPT, response to author query. OpenAI [Online]. https://chatgpt.pro/ (accessed February 15, 2023).
IEEE takes a minimalist approach, so don’t let the brevity mislead you into thinking it’s any less important! Each element in this type of citation plays a crucial role in letting your audience know where your information came from.
5. JAMA Stance on Citing AI Outputs
On the other hand, if you’re diving into medical writing particularly, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) gives a very different perspective. They don’t consider chatbot outputs, including ChatGPT, as qualifying for authorship. In their view, the citation of AI as an author presents issues since AI cannot truly ‘author’ or critically judge its outputs—the more you know, right?
JAMA’s strong stance indicates that any citation could get tricky. If you’re involved in a field that relies heavily on medical research, it’s best to steer clear of AI citations until further notice.
JAMA Example: Flanagin, A., Bibbins-Domingo, K., & Berkwits, M. (2023, Jan. 31). Nonhuman « authors » and implications for the integrity of scientific publication and medical knowledge. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2801170.
A Quick Note on Academic Integrity
But hold your horses! Before citing your new AI friend, verify whether your assignments or institutions permit the use of ChatGPT or any AI tools at all. Not all educational institutions look kindly upon AI-generated content, with some strictly prohibiting it to uphold academic integrity.
When in doubt, ask! Consulting with your course lecturer can clarify whether you’re playing by the rules or wandering into murky waters that might lead to accusations of academic misconduct.
6. MLA Citation for ChatGPT
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is the darling of the humanities departments, especially for literature and language studies. Citing ChatGPT here requires a slightly different format.
MLA Citation Format: Author/Creator. « Name of chatbot. » Title of platform where accessed, Full URL, Date Accessed (optional).
Real-world Example: OpenAI. « ChatGPT. » ChatGPT Pro, chatgpt.pro/, February 2, 2023.
Like APA, using MLA formatting requires attention to detail. Although it may seem overwhelming at first glance, creating detailed citations will ultimately save you from headaches down the line, especially during peer reviews or final assessments!
7. Important Considerations
It’s important to remember that, as technology rapidly evolves, citation styles may be influenced and updated. Keeping an eye on emerging guidelines is crucial, particularly since the academic and publishing landscape is continuously adapting to the existence of AI-generated materials. So, while the citations above are valid as of now, staying updated with new releases and recommendations is key.
Moreover, checking both your university’s guidelines and the official manuals for citations is instrumental in ensuring you remain compliant with the standards expected of you. After all, not every instructor is up-to-date with every change in citation procedure!
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Citing AI
In conclusion, learning how to cite ChatGPT isn’t just a matter of academic diligence; it’s also an evolving challenge of the digital era we live in. With evolving technologies and academia’s evolving stance on AI, obtaining clarity on citation norms is paramount.
This guide provides a solid foundation, but stay alert! Trends and rules can shift like quicksand under your feet. The more informed you stay, the easier it becomes to incorporate AI resources responsibly and ethically.
So go ahead! Use ChatGPT, interact with these AI capabilities, and keep producing incredible work. But don’t forget—cite wisely!