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Artificial Intelligence

This guide will help you learn the fundamentals of using generative Artificial Intelligence for your academic work.
   

Citing vs. Acknowledging Your Use of GenAI

Important:
  • Ask your instructor before using AI tools for assignments and coursework. 
  • Unless your instructor says otherwise, assume using AI tools is not allowed. If you use AI tools without permission, it could be considered academic misconduct. Learn more on our Academic Integrity Guide.
  • If AI tools are permitted, you must still cite or acknowledge their use, as required by your course.

 

When should I cite GenAI?

If you use a generative AI tool to create content that you will include in your assignment, you should cite the content with an in-text citation and include a complete citation in your reference / works cited list.

When should I acknowledge GenAI?

If you use a generative AI tool to brainstorm ideas, edit your work, make an outline, etc. you should acknowledge its use in your assignment.

You can do so by including an Artificial Intelligence Acknowledgement Statement at the end of your work, as well as an entry in your reference / works cited list.

Adapted from Vancouver Community College's Generative AI: Citing and Acknowledging.

How to Cite AI Content

If your instructor permits you to use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in your assignment, make sure to cite your generated AI content. Each citation style has specific guidelines for citing generative AI content. 

Use the appropriate guide based on your assignment requirements:

How to Acknowledge AI Tools

How to Acknowledge the Use of AI

If your instructor permits you to use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in your assignment, make sure to follow their instructions on how exactly you can use it and to acknowledge its use.

The following is a recommendation of what you can include when using AI generated content in your work but check with your instructor for their preferences first:

  • Written acknowledgment of the generative AI tool used and for what purpose
  • The prompt(s) used to generate the content
  • A note about your modifications
  • In-text citation and bibliographic citation
  • Include the original output with your submission

Examples of AI Acknowledgement Statements

Acknowledgement statements can be placed on the references page, a few lines below your last citation. Check with your instructor about their preferences.

Suggested Format Template

I acknowledge the use of [insert AI system(s) and link] to [specific use of generative artificial intelligence]. I entered the following prompts on [date]: [list of prompts]. The output from these prompts was used to [explain use]. A copy of the original output is attached with my assignment.

Examples

Here are three examples of written acknowledgements; check with your instructor about their preferences.

Example 1:
I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to generate materials for background research and self-study for this assignment. I entered the following prompts on April 7, 2023:

  • Write a 250 word summary about the history of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Add two references.

The original output was reviewed, edited for errors, adapted and modified for the final response. A copy of the original output is attached with my assignment.

 

Example 2:
I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to refine the academic language and accuracy of my own work. I submitted my entire essay and entered the following prompts on April 7, 2023:
  • Improve the academic tone and accuracy of language, including grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary
The original output was reviewed, edited for errors, adapted and modified for the final response. A copy of my original essay and a copy of the original output are attached with my assignment.

 

Example 3:
I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to refine the academic language and accuracy of my own work. I submitted my entire essay and entered the following prompts on April 7, 2023:
  • Improve the academic tone and accuracy of language, including grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary
The original output was reviewed, edited for errors, adapted and modified for the final response.

Adapted from "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Students," by Brenda Smith licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.