Citing artificial intelligence (AI) systems and their outputs, such as ChatGPT, can be a bit tricky due to their unique nature. As an education technology practitioner, I understand the importance of accurate and consistent citation practices. Further complicating the issue is that in most instances, artifacts composed by AI are not static and thus cannot be retrieved later except in some instances. This blog post provides guidelines on how to properly cite AI using the recommendations from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA).
According to the APA, citing ChatGPT artifacts should be cited as follows:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (May 25 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)
The MLA suggests framing the prompt as the author when citing AI systems like ChatGPT. Here's an example:
"Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald" prompt. ChatGPT, 25 May version, OpenAI, 8 June 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
For illustrative works by AI, such as DALL-E or Midjourney, a similar approach can be used. For example:
Fig. 1. "Pointillist painting of a sheep in a sunny field of blue flowers" prompt, DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, labs.openai.com/
Remember to consult the respective links provided to APA and MLA for any updates or changes to the formatting guidelines. Citing AI is still a relatively new area of scholarship, and citation practices may evolve over time. As such, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations from reputable style guides to ensure accurate and consistent citations while also granting others grace that are still learning this expectation. These opportunities may provide entry points for you to lend your expertise in this area or start dialogue about the scholarly use of AI.Â