Skip to Main Content
Guides

Academic Writing and Citation

This guide provides time-tested strategies on becoming comfortable with the writing process, resources on citation styles, and information on how to avoid plagiarism.

Introduction

As Generative AI continues to evolve, the way we cite information from these tools will change as well. The information shared on this site may change, but crediting these sources of information remains important. As always, please ask your instructor or look up the information about Generative AI use in your course outline.

 

Citing Generative AI

Below are some resources to help you cite GenAI tools. Remember, these formats may change their rules or structure at a given time.

Using ChatGPT and other Generative Tools

Using ChatGPT or other generative A.I. in your assignments

Before we talk about citing ChatGPT or other A.I., here are some essential things to consider:

  1. Confirm with your instructor or check your Course Outline before beginning your assignment. Are there limits? Does your assignment require not using any of these tools?  Check with your instructor to ensure you know the expectations about using GenAI in your course. Depending on the course or program, there may be different expectations for GenAI use.

  2. If you are permitted to use A.I., your instructor or course outline will provide guidance on how to use A.I. tools. Some possible examples include:
    • citing or referencing in the text or list of references
    • inclusion in your methodology
    • an appendix including a full transcript of any prompts and A.I.-generated responses. 
    • A screenshot of the A.I. prompt and responses

Note: Information about using and referencing ChatGPT and other generative A.I. tools in assignments and publications will continue to be updated. Check this page regularly to keep up with any changes.

Risks with using information from ChatGPT

AI models sometimes produce incorrect, biased or outdated information. Please verify the accuracy of AI-generated content using reliable sources before including it in your work.

Additionally, legal or ethical issues may be considered when using A.I. Works created by non-humans are not eligible for copyright protection under Canadian law. If you intend to publish work incorporating AI-generated content, check the publisher guidelines about what is allowed.

When interacting with A.I. models, you should be cautious about supplying sensitive information, including personal, confidential or propriety information or data.

(This section was adapted from the guide "ChatGPT and other generative AI tools" from the University of Queensland, Australia, under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.)

Gen AI for instructors

Go Beyond the Guide

ChatGPT and other GenAI touch on academic writing, copyright, and Academic Integrity issues. Our guides begin the inquiry and acknowledge other sources within Library and Academic Services and the library. Here are a few places to consider if you need help.

Academic Integrity Help For Instructors

While this page has citation help related to GenAI, ChatGPT and other similar tools may be used in ways that compromise student learning and could represent a Breach of Academic Integrity. Instructors can visit the ChatGPT and Academic Integrityfor information about GenAI tools and strategies to support student learning and enhance academic integrity.

Research Help

ChatGPT took years to learn how to search, gather, and present findings with its AI datasets, yet it occasionally produces inaccurate information (Knight, 2023). The library can help you learn how to search for information, how it's used in assignments, and evaluate its credibility, all with a human touch. How? You can:

  1. Have a staff member demonstrate and coach you on the process.
  2. Are you more self-directed? Have a look at our Database Instruction Guides.
  3. Are you an instructor? We do library instruction on a variety of topics online and in person. Click the Library Instruction button to complete the form and discuss your classroom needs.
Reference

Knight, W. (2023, March 14). GPT-4 Will Make ChatGPT Smarter but Won’t Fix Its Flaws. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/gpt-4-openai-will-make-chatgpt-smarter-but-wont-fix-its-flaws/

Copyright

Consult the Open Image Collections & Image Use Guide, a companion guide to Academic Writing and Citation. The guide has resources on citing images, issues about image copyright, and how it differs from a citation. Our Copyright Officer, can answer questions or speak with classes or individuals on the issue.

Writing Help

Technology can help support writing, but it's not meant to replace an essay or report. If you are unsure about paragraphs transition, paraphrasing, or other mechanics, the Academic Success Centre offers the following in addition to one-on-one help: