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Cathy Aranda
Cathy Aranda

ChatGPT Citations - How to Cite AI-Generated Content

4 min read

Published on: Jun 19, 2024

Last updated on: Jun 23, 2024

Citing ChatGPT

With the introduction and wide accessibility to ChatGPT, it is safe to say that academics have made room for AI writers.

But have you ever wondered how to cite content that was created by an artificial intelligence tool? If you are using ChatGPT, then you need to know how to acknowledge its source and role in your academic writing properly.

This blog post will explain how to cite ChatGPT in different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE.

So, let’s get right into it!

Citing ChatGPT in Different Formats

There are different citation styles that you can use to cite your sources, depending on the discipline, journal, or publisher you are writing for. 

Each citation style has its own rules and guidelines for formatting and organizing your citations. 

Here is how to cite ChatGPT in four common citation styles: APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE.

APA Style

APA has a reference list at the end of the paper for full citations. Here is how you can cite ChatGPT conversation in APA:

Reference List Entry:

Format: 

OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT (Month Date Version) [Large language model]. URL to the Chat.

Example:

OpenAI. (2022). ChatGPT (January 21 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

In-Text Citation Format:

(Name, Year)

Example:

(Open AI, 2022)

MLA Style

MLA uses a parenthetical system for in-text citations and a works cited list at the end of the paper for the full citations. Here is how you can cite ChatGPT in MLA style:

Works Cited Entry:

Format: 

“Prompt given” prompt. ChatGPT, Day Month version, OpenAI, Day Month Year, URL

Example:
“Explain the brief history of chocolate” prompt. ChatGPT, 15 January version, OpenAI, 16 Feb 2023, https://chat.openai.com/chat

In-Text Citation Format:

(“Prompt given”)

Example:

(“Explain the brief history of chocolate”)

Chicago Style

Chicago style is a citation style used in various disciplines, such as history, art, and business. It is important to note that the Chicago Style of Manual has not officially released a format for citing ChatGPT conversations. 

However, they have released some instructions on citing AI writing tools. Here is how you can cite ChatGPT conversations in Chicago style:

Chicago Bibliography Entry:

Format: 

ChatGPT, Response to “Query in quotes”, Date accessed, URL.

Example:

ChatGPT, response to “Explain the process of chocolate making” June 15, 2022, https://chat.openai.com.

IEEE Style

IEEE uses a numerical system for in-text citations, and a reference list at the end of the paper for the full citations. Here is how you cite a ChatGPT conversation in IEEE:

Reference List Entry:

Format:

[Citation number] Author/Tool Name, response to the query. Publisher [Online]. URL, (Accessed date).

Example:
[1] ChatGPT, response to author query. OpenAI [Online]. https://chatgpt.pro/ (Accessed on June 24, 2022).

Ethical Use of ChatGPT in the Education System

ChatGPT can be a valuable research tool for papers and other academic writing, but it also poses some ethical challenges. 

As a student, you should use ChatGPT responsibly and honestly, and not rely on it to do your work for you. You should always acknowledge the source of the information you use, whether from ChatGPT or any other source. 

You should also check the accuracy and reliability of the information you get from ChatGPT, as it may not always be correct or up-to-date. You should not use ChatGPT to generate content that is plagiarized, misleading, or harmful to others.

Free and Easy to Use Citation Tool by PerfectEssayWriter.ai!

Do you struggle with citing your sources correctly and consistently? Do you waste time and energy formatting your references manually? 

If you answered yes then you need PerfectEssayWriter.ai, the free and easy to use citation tool that will make your life easier. This citation generator helps you generate accurate and professional citations in any style you need, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, and more.

Don't let citation stress ruin your academic performance!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ChatGPT cite sources accurately?

While ChatGPT can generate citations and attempt to cite sources, it’s important to note that it may not always do so accurately. ChatGPT’s responses are generated based on patterns. They may not reflect the most current information or proper citation formats.

Is ChatGPT a Credible Source?

No, ChatGPT is not considered a credible source of factual information, especially for academic writing. Its knowledge is based on pre-existing data up to 2022. While it can provide general information and explanations, it should not be relied upon for accuracy without verification. 

Cathy Aranda

WRITTEN BY

Cathy Aranda (Marketing)

Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.

Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.

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