How to cite and acknowledge information gathered using generative AI tools

The University of Macau supports the responsible use of generative AI for teaching and learning. Exploring the uses of generative AI, e.g., ChatGPT, etc., can advance our educational journey but students must also understand the risks and appropriate uses of these tools.

Students must follow the University’s academic regulations and rules on academic honesty. It is highly recommended that students acknowledge the use of generative AI tools in their assignments and any work (written, spoken or otherwise) and indicate how the tool was used. In each assignment/submission include:‎‎‏‏‎

‏‎‎‎1. a declaration of acknowledgement of generative AI tools in your work; and ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎
2. a description of how the tools were used and what kind of information was generated.

What should students include in an assignment that made use of generative AI?

Check with the course instructor to clarify where and how to include the following statements:

I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s) and hyperlink] to generate materials for background research and independent study. I declare that no content generated by AI has been presented and submitted as my own work.
I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s) and hyperlink] to generate materials that I have adapted to include in this submission. I declare that no content generated by AI has been presented and submitted as my own work.

How should students cite content developed or generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT?

General referencing guidelines have been issued by the main style guides, e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago, etc. Note that the information in those guides may change as AI evolves.

How to cite generative AI in APA style  (updated February 23, 2024)

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

How to cite generative AI in Chicago style (updated March 7, 2023)

In-text citation: (ChatGPT, March 7, 2023)
1. ChatGPT, response to “Explain how to make pizza dough from common household ingredients,” March 7, 2023, OpenAI.

From the Chicago Manual of Style Online

“You must credit ChatGPT when you reproduce its words within your own work, but unless you include a publicly available URL, that information should be put in the text or in a note—not in a bibliography or reference list.”

How to cite generative AI in MLA style (updated March 17, 2023)

MLA in-text citation: (“Describe the symbolism”)
MLA Works Cited entry “Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.