Artificial Intelligence (AI)

If you choose to use AI tools for coursework, assignments, or research, be sure to cite your use of AI and its output just as you would with any other source. A growing number of academic journals and publishers are explicitly stating their expectations and parameters around the use of AI in published work, and many instructors are similarly including AI use statements in course syllabi. Just as you would with citation style, always be sure to check that your work aligns with citation expectations. And remember—AI is a dynamic landscape, and the technology often changes quickly. Be ready to adapt!

Some things to remember:

• Always cite or acknowledge your use of AI tools and their output. This can encompass not only AI-generated content but also your own prompts, the kind of AI tool(s) used, what tasks you used AI for (e.g. brainstorming, revision, research), and more.
• Always check any sources that an AI tool cites. Despite rapid advances in the accuracy and functionality of AI tools, they are still prone to hallucinations. Remember, the AI tool wants to give you the answer that it thinks best fits your query—it is an algorithm-driven machine that is not interested in accuracy.
• Maintain flexibility in your approach to citing AI content. AI tools and functionalities are changing constantly, and official citation style guides may be changing with them. AI citation expectations and requirements can also differ between different instructors, publishers, disciplines, and contexts.
• Remember why we cite: To give credit to authors and creators (even if it is an AI tool), and to assist others in locating your sources.

Regardless of which generative AI tool you use, you should cite a generative AI tool whenever you:

• Paraphrase content created by the AI tool
• Quote content created by the AI tool
• Incorporate any content (e.g. text, image, data) into your own work that was created by the AI tool

You should acknowledge any functional use of the tool in a note, in your text, or another suitable location which adheres to your instructor's expectations whenever you:

• Use a generative AI tool to brainstorm a research question
• Use a generative AI tool to edit your writing
• Use a generative AI tool to translate words