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AI LibGuide: How to Cite AI

Why Cite AI-Generated Information?

AI Tools, like ChatGPT or DALL-E, are increasingly used in research and writing. These AI tools do not produce traditional "authored" content, their citation requires specific considerations.

  1. Check with your lecturers for permission to use the AI-tools.
  2. Always cross-check AI-generated content with credible sources, as these tools can generate inaccurate or incomplete information.
  3. Mention explicitly in your work when AI tools have been utilised for research or writing assitance.

Below are output styles providing guidance on how to cite AI-generated information.

APA Style (7th edition)

Format:

OpenAI. (Year). Title or description of output [Generative AI tool]. Retrieved Date, from URL.

Example:

OpenAI. (2024). Response generated to the query "Explain how to cite AI-generated content" [Generative AI tool]. Retrieved December 3, 2024. from http://chat.openai.com/.

For more information on how to cite ChatGPT generated information see this link.

UCT AI Output Style (Author/date)

AI Tools as Software (Shareable URL)

Example:

In-text citation: (Perplexity, 2024)

Example:

Perplexity. 2024. Perplexity response to the prompt: “What is the significance of the green light in the Great Gatsby?” [Large language model]. Standard version. Available: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/what-is-the-significance-of-th-_HkX0PAOTrK6JNmgs6nuUw#0 [2025, January 25].

AI Tools as Software (Non-shareable URL)

In-text citation: (OpenAI, 2024)

Example:

OpenAI. 2024. ChatGPT response to the prompt: "What are the prominent themes in Emily Dickinson's poetry?" [Large language model]. Version 3.5. Available: https://chat.openai.com/ [2025, January 25]. See Appendix A for the transcript.

MLA Style (9th edition)

Format:

"Title or Description of Output." Tool Name, Version, Developer, Date of Interaction, URL.

Example:

"Explanation of AI citation formats." ChatGPT, OpenAI, 3 Dec. 2024, http://chat.openai.com/.

For more information on how to cite ChatGPT generated information see this link.

How to Acknowledge Generative AI in Academic Writing

Chicago

Format

(Notes and Bibliography)

Example:

OpenAI. "Response to the query 'Explain how to cite AI-generated content." ChatGPT. December 3, 2024. http://chat.openai.com/.