How to Cite ChatGPT, Claude And Other Generative AIs in APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago & IEEE

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As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, DALL-E, and others become increasingly common in academic and professional work, it's important to understand how to properly cite AI-generated content. This guide will walk you through how to cite generative AI in several major referencing styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, and Harvard.

Properly citing AI tools is crucial for maintaining academic integrity, giving appropriate credit, and allowing readers to understand and evaluate your sources. However, citation guidelines for AI are still evolving, so it's always best to check with your instructor or publisher for their specific requirements.

General Guidelines for Citing AI-Generated Content

As generative AI tools become increasingly integrated into academic and professional work, it's crucial to establish clear guidelines for citing this content. While specific citation styles may vary, there are some overarching principles to keep in mind when referencing AI-generated material:

  • Transparency: Always acknowledge the use of AI tools in your work, regardless of whether they've generated text, images, code, or other content. This transparency is essential for maintaining academic integrity and allowing readers to understand the origin of the information.
  • Specificity: Include as much detail as possible about the AI tool used. This should include the name of the tool (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E, Claude), the version or model (if applicable), and the exact date you used it. This information helps readers understand the context and capabilities of the AI at the time of use.
  • Prompts: Whenever possible, provide the specific prompt or query you used to generate the content. This gives readers insight into how the AI-generated content was created and allows for potential replication or verification.
  • Accessibility: For content that can be shared, include a direct URL to the generated material. If the content is behind a login or not publicly accessible, provide the general URL for the AI tool instead. This helps readers locate the source of the information.
  • Verification: Be aware that AI tools may not always provide accurate information or reliable citations. It's your responsibility to verify any factual claims or references provided by the AI before including them in your work.
  • Editing disclosure: If you've edited or refined the AI-generated content, make this clear in your citation or a note. This helps distinguish between raw AI output and human-refined content.
  • Institutional policies: Always check with your institution, publisher, or instructor about their specific policies on using and citing AI-generated content. Some may have additional requirements or restrictions.

By following these general guidelines, you can ensure that your use of AI-generated content is ethical, transparent, and properly attributed. Remember, as AI technology evolves, citation practices may also change, so stay informed about the latest recommendations in your field.

Citing AI in APA Style (7th Edition)

The American Psychological Association (APA) style, widely used in social sciences, has adapted to include guidelines for citing AI-generated content. Below is an extensive guide on how to properly cite various AI tools in APA format:

In-text citation:

For AI-generated text, use the standard APA format: (Author, Year). The "author" in this case is typically the organization that created the AI tool.

Reference list entry:

Author. (Year). Name of AI model (Version) [Description]. URL

Examples for text-based AI tools:

ChatGPT:
In-text: (OpenAI, 2023)
Reference list: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/

Claude:
In-text: (Anthropic, 2023)
Reference list: Anthropic. (2023). Claude (Oct 8 version) [Large language model]. https://www.anthropic.com/

Google Bard:
In-text: (Google, 2023)
Reference list: Google. (2023). Google Bard (May 2023 version) [Large language model]. https://bard.google.com/

Citing AI-generated images:

For AI-generated images, include a figure caption in your text and a corresponding entry in your reference list. The caption should include a brief description, the AI tool used, and the prompt given.

Example for DALL-E generated image:

Figure caption:
Figure 1. A futuristic cityscape with flying cars and neon lights. Image generated by DALL-E in response to the prompt "futuristic city with flying cars at night" (OpenAI, 2023).

Reference list entry:
OpenAI. (2023). DALL-E (Oct 8 version) [Image creator]. https://openai.com/dall-e-2

Citing AI in MLA Style (9th Edition)

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style, widely used in humanities, has also adapted to include guidelines for citing AI-generated content. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to properly cite various AI tools in MLA format:

In-text citation:

For AI-generated content, MLA recommends using a brief description of the prompt in quotation marks. This approach allows readers to understand the context of the generated content without disrupting the flow of your writing.

Works Cited entry:

"Description of prompt." Name of AI tool, Version, Organization/Developer, Date generated, URL.

Examples for various AI tools:

ChatGPT:
In-text: ("Identify themes in Lord of the Rings")
Works Cited: "Identify themes in Lord of the Rings" prompt. ChatGPT, 24 May version, OpenAI, 12 June 2023, https://chat.openai.com/

Claude:
In-text: ("Analyze the impact of social media on modern communication")
Works Cited: "Analyze the impact of social media on modern communication" prompt. Claude, 2.0 version, Anthropic, 20 July 2023, https://www.anthropic.com/

Bing Image Creator:
In-text: ("Photorealistic image of a cat with glasses reading a book")
Works Cited: "Photorealistic image of a cat with glasses reading a book" prompt. Bing Image Creator, DALL-E 2, Microsoft, 9 June 2023, https://www.bing.com/images/create

Google Bard:
In-text: ("Explain quantum computing")
Works Cited: "Explain quantum computing" prompt. Google Bard, 8 Oct version, Google, 15 Oct 2023, https://bard.google.com/

Citing AI-generated images:

For AI-generated images, include a figure caption in your text and a corresponding entry in your Works Cited list. The caption should include a brief description and the figure number.

Example for Midjourney generated image:

Figure caption:
Fig. 1. Surrealist interpretation of climate change, generated by Midjourney.

Works Cited entry:
"Create a surrealist image representing climate change" prompt. Midjourney, v5.2, Midjourney Inc., 5 Aug 2023, https://www.midjourney.com/

Navigating AI Citations in Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style, renowned for its flexibility, offers two distinct citation systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. Each system provides a nuanced approach to citing AI-generated content, allowing for comprehensive attribution while maintaining the flow of your work.

Notes and Bibliography: The Art of Footnotes

In this system, AI-generated content is primarily cited in footnotes or endnotes, with an optional bibliography entry for added depth.

Footnote or endnote structure:
N: AI Tool Name, "Prompt description," response generated for Author's Name, Organization/Developer, Full Date, URL.

Optional bibliography entry:
AI Tool Name. "Prompt description." Response generated for Author's Name. Organization/Developer, Full Date. URL.

Author-Date: Concise In-Text Citations

This system employs brief in-text citations paired with more detailed reference list entries.

In-text citation: (AI Tool Name Year)
Reference list entry: AI Tool Name. Year. "Prompt description." Response generated for Author's Name. Organization/Developer. Full Date. URL.

Illustrative Examples

ChatGPT (Notes and Bibliography):
N: ChatGPT, "Analyze the economic impact of renewable energy adoption," response generated for Jane Doe, OpenAI, August 15, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/c/abc123def456.

Claude (Author-Date):
(Claude 2023)
Claude. 2023. "Explain quantum entanglement to a 10-year-old." Response generated for John Smith. Anthropic. October 1, 2023. https://www.anthropic.com/claude/conversation/xyz789.

AI-Generated Images: A Visual Approach

For AI-created images, incorporate a descriptive caption in your text and cite in notes or reference list.

Image caption:
Figure 1. "Futuristic cityscape with flying vehicles," AI-generated image by Midjourney, prompted by Author's Name.

Corresponding note:
N: Midjourney, "Create a futuristic cityscape with flying vehicles," image generated for Author's Name, Midjourney Inc., September 5, 2023, https://www.midjourney.com/app/jobs/abc-123-xyz/.

Mastering AI Citations in IEEE Style

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) style, a cornerstone in technical and scientific writing, has adapted to the rise of AI-generated content. IEEE's approach treats AI outputs as a form of private communication, emphasizing the unique nature of these interactions.

In-text Citations: Seamless Integration

IEEE style recommends a straightforward in-text citation format for AI-generated content:

(Name of AI tool, private communication, Date)

This format acknowledges the AI tool as the source while clarifying the private nature of the interaction. The date helps readers understand the context of when the information was generated, crucial in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

Reference List: Optional but Informative

While not typically required for private communications, including AI tools in your reference list can provide valuable context. If you choose to include them, use this format:

[#] Company or Creator, Place of Publication. Year published. Title of Software in Title Case and Italics, ver. xx. Available: URL

Practical Examples

ChatGPT:
In-text: (ChatGPT, private communication, 10 March 2023)
Reference list: [1] OpenAI, San Francisco, USA. 2023. ChatGPT, ver. 3.5. Available: https://chat.openai.com

Microsoft Copilot:
In-text: (Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, private communication, 15 April 2023)
Reference list: [2] Microsoft, Washington, USA. 2023. Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, ver. 1.0. Available: https://copilot.microsoft.com

DALL-E:
In-text: (DALL-E, private communication, 20 May 2023)
Reference list: [3] OpenAI, San Francisco, USA. 2023. DALL-E, ver. 2. Available: https://openai.com/dall-e-2

AI-Generated Images: Visual Citations

For AI-created images, IEEE recommends including a descriptive caption and treating the citation similarly to other AI interactions:

Fig. 1. AI-generated visualization of quantum entanglement (DALL-E, private communication, 25 June 2023).

Best Practices

When citing AI in IEEE style, consider these additional tips:

  • If possible, include the specific prompt or query in your text or as a footnote.
  • For AI tools with rapid update cycles, include the most precise version number available.
  • If the AI provides a unique conversation or image ID, consider including it in the reference for enhanced traceability.

By following these guidelines, you ensure proper attribution of AI-generated content while adhering to IEEE's emphasis on clarity and precision in technical communication.

Citing AI in Harvard Style

Harvard referencing style varies between institutions, but here's a general approach based on the Australian Government Style Manual:

In-text citation:

(Name of AI model, personal communication, Date)

Reference list entry:

Author of AI model. (Year). Name of AI model (Version) [Description]. URL

Examples:

ChatGPT:

In-text: (OpenAI's ChatGPT AI language model, personal communication, 30 March 2023)

Reference list: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (March 30 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/

Claude:

In-text: (Anthropic's Claude AI model, personal communication, 15 April 2023)

Reference list: Anthropic. (2023). Claude (April 15 version) [Large language model]. https://www.anthropic.com/

Bing Image Creator:

In-text: (Microsoft's Bing Image Creator, personal communication, 1 May 2023)

Reference list: Microsoft. (2023). Bing Image Creator (May 1 version) [AI image generator]. https://www.bing.com/images/create

Best Practices for Using and Citing AI-Generated Content

While citing AI-generated content is important, there are other considerations to keep in mind:

  • Always check with your instructor or publisher about their policies on using AI-generated content.
  • Be transparent about your use of AI tools in your work.
  • Use AI as a tool to assist your work, not to replace your own critical thinking and analysis.
  • Verify any factual information provided by AI tools, as they can sometimes generate inaccurate information.
  • Consider including your prompts in an appendix for transparency.
  • Remember that AI-generated content may not be considered original work in some contexts.

Conclusion

As AI tools continue to evolve and become more integrated into academic and professional work, citation practices will likely continue to develop. Stay informed about the latest guidelines in your field and always prioritize transparency and academic integrity in your use of AI-generated content.

Remember, these guidelines are based on current recommendations and may change as referencing styles adapt to the increasing use of AI tools. Always consult the latest style guides or your institution's specific guidelines when in doubt. By properly citing AI-generated content, you contribute to the ethical use of these powerful tools in academic and professional contexts.