Skip to Main Content

Artificial Intelligence

A guide on how generative AI may be used responsibly and ethically in student coursework.

How to acknowledge the use of AI

If you are permitted to use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in your assignment, make sure to follow the instructions on how exactly you can use it and acknowledge its use. We highly recommend that you include the following information when using AI-generated content in your work:

  1. Written acknowledgment of the generative AI tool used.
  2. Purpose for using the generative AI tool.
  3. Prompt(s) used to generate the content.
  4. Explanation of your use and modifications.

Your instructor might also ask you to include the original output with your submission.

  • Note: In the past, content created by ChatGPT could not be replicated because an identical prompt would not produce the same response as before. This means that your instructor would not have been able to verify the result your original prompt created. There are now third-party tools such as ShareGPT and AI Archives that allow you to share the original output. These tools create an archive of the output and a custom link to it. You can include this link instead of or in addition to a screenshot or printout of the output when citing. ChatGPT now also has a link-sharing feature, but the link will not work if you delete a conversation from your account.

Example of written acknowledgements

Here is an example of a written acknowledgment adapted from Monash University's information on generative AI.  Please check with your instructors about their preferences.  

Example

I acknowledge the use of [1] ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to [2] brainstorm my research topic.  I entered the following prompts on October 10, 2023:

[3] Should the US government regulate social media?  Can you recommend any reliable sources on this topic?

[4] The original output was used to identify avenues to research on my own. [5] A copy of the original output is attached to my assignment.

Legend: [1] AI tool and link; [2] specific use of AI tool; [3] prompt(s); [4] explanation of use; [5] optional request by instructor to see original output

Citing AI

For instructions and examples on citing ChatGPT in APA Style go to: "How to Cite ChatGPT" (American Psychological Association). 

For instructions and examples on citing ChatGPT in MLA Style go to: "How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?" (Modern Language Association)