How to cite the output of a program that utilizes artificial intelligence (such as a chatbot like ChatGPT):
MLA
Various examples are found at https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/?utm_campaign=sourcemar23&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mlaoutreach
In-text citation
(Short form Title of source)
(“Describe the symbolism”)
Work cited
“Title of source” prompt. Name of AI Tool, version, Company, Date content was generated, General web address of tool.
“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 12 Mar. version, OpenAI, 1 Apr. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
General Guidelines:
Author
We do not recommend treating the AI tool as an author. This recommendation follows the policies developed by various publishers, including the MLA’s journal PMLA.
Title of Source
Describe what was generated by the AI tool. This may involve including information about the prompt in the Title of Source element if you have not done so in the text.
Title of Container
Use the Title of Container element to name the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT).
Version
Name the version of the AI tool as specifically as possible. For example, the examples in this post were developed using ChatGPT 3.5, which assigns a specific date to the version, so the Version element shows this version date.
Publisher
Name the company that made the tool.
Date
Give the date the content was generated.
Location
Give the general URL for the tool.
APA
Based on APA Style guidance.
In-text citation
Author of generative AI model, Year of version used
Example:
(OpenAI, 2022)
OpenAI (2022)
References
Author of AI model used. (Year of AI model used). Name of AI model used (Version of AI model used) [Type or description of AI model used]. Web address of AI model used
Example:
OpenAI. (2022). ChatGPT (Dec 20 version) [Large language model]. chat.openai.com/
The full transcript of a response can be included in an appendix or other supplementary materials.
Chicago Manual of Style
Guidance in these FAQs: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/Documentation/faq0422.html
Updated 8/11/2023 J. Hansen
