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Overview
Overview
Why cite AI? AI can essentially be considered just another tool and resource to aid you in your writing process. While using AI is not quite the same as referencing and/or quoting outside works, the fact remains that writing produced by AI is not your own original writing. Like other resources--books, articles, websites, etc.--you must be transparent about your use of it.
APA, Chicago Style, and MLA have come up with official guidelines for citing the use of AI in academic work. We have also gathered several other resources on best practices for acknowledging and citing the use of AI, which leads to stronger writing on your part overall.
While the AI Writer Toolbox can help you learn more about applications of AI in writing, it's important to remember that faculty will have different policies about the use of AI in the classroom. If you are ever in doubt about acceptable applications of AI tools in a specific class, the best thing to do is ask your instructor.
SAID: STUDENT AI DISCLOSURE
The Student AI Disclosure Tool (SAID) developed by SJSU is now live! Check out this guide to see how it works. Use the template and the prompts as a guide when deciding how to declare and be transparent about your use of AI tools in your coursework.
AI CITATION GUIDES
Style Guides
Style Guides
Citing generative AI in APA Style_ Part 1—Reference formats.pdfCiting Generative AI | APA Style Blog
APA's updated guidance on citing generative AI includes recommendations on citing chats and specific tools, as well as documenting prompts. Transparency remains a crucial element of ethical use.
Chicago Style's method for citing generative AI specifies that the citation should be treated as an "acknowledgment," including the extent to which the AI has been edited or adapted. In-text and reference citations are both covered, with consideration to how the AI has been used in the paper and whether or not a public link can be provided.
The MLA's updated guidelines for citing sources on an timely baseline of "core elements" that have been standardized to give writers a reliable way to evaluate sources and create source entries. Examples are sourced using current AI models from OpenAI and Microsoft.
Library Guides
Library Guides
SJSU Library Guide
SJSU Library Guide
Columbia College Chicago Library Guide
Columbia College Chicago Library Guide
PLAGIARISM AND HOW TO AVOID IT
Plagiarism--we've all heard the terrible word, but what is it really? Put simply, plagiarism is taking information from another source without acknowledging its author. This could be using their exact words without quotation marks and a citation or changing only a few words from the original. To avoid plagiarism, quote and paraphrase information. Quoting is using the author's exact words with quotation marks (" ") accompanied by a citation. Paraphrasing is putting the author's ideas into your own words while still acknowledging the author.
However, avoiding plagiarism while using AI may not be as simple as making sure to quote or paraphrase, since using AI often takes the form of a one-time interaction with an AI platform that is not necessarily saved and differs from use to use and user to user. That's why it's so important to acknowledge when you've used AI in any part of your work, whether in the paper itself or as an attachment or appendix to your paper. Always be sure to check with your professor about AI policy in their class, and refer to the guides on this page for guidance on best practice for acknowledging and citing AI use.
GENERAL CITATION GUIDES
One-Stop-Shops for General Citation Resources
One-Stop-Shops for General Citation Resources
Both the Excelsior Online Writing Lab and the SJSU Library provide resources, handouts, and videos for understanding different citation styles. Each site offers additional advice on avoiding plagiarism, locating reference information, and evaluating information.
Excelsior Online Writing Lab
Excelsior Online Writing Lab
SJSU Library Citation and Writing Help
SJSU Library Citation and Writing Help
WRITING CENTER CITATION GUIDES
WRITING CENTER CITATION GUIDES
AP STYLE
AP STYLE
AP Style.pdfAPA (7th EDITION)
APA (7th EDITION)
APA Citation Guide-7th Edition-Final.pdfASA
ASA
ASA General Citation Guide.pdfCHICAGO STYLE
CHICAGO STYLE
Chicago Citation Guide.pdfMLA
MLA
MLA Citation Guide.pdfEthical Considerations & Academic Integrity
Citing your use of AI is part of maintaining good ethics and academic integrity in your college career. You should always double check information obtained from AI platforms using other sources that are peer-reviewed or reputable. If you are ever in doubt about acceptable applications of AI tools in a specific class, the best thing to do is ask your instructor.
See the AI Ethics page to learn more about the ethical implications of using AI.
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