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MLA Citation Guide (MLA 9th Edition): Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Citing AI-generated Content in Assignments

Can I use generative AI in my assignment?
Always check with your instructor first! Before starting your assignment, confirm with your instructor that you are permitted to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Unauthorized use of generative software may constitute an academic integrity offence.

Do I need to cite content generated by artificial intelligence?
Remember to include a citation whenever you incorporate content generated by AI in your assignment. For example, if you paraphrased or quoted text generated by ChatGPT, cite the source in text and in your works cited list. Neglecting to cite this material may constitute an academic integrity offence. Since your reader can't access the exact AI-generated text, you may also consider including a copy of the text as an appendix, or as part of supplemental materials. 

What if I use AI to translate material, come up with ideas, or draft an outline for my assignment?
As part of using artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically, it is important to be transparent and acknowledge how you have used AI in your work. If you used AI tools at any point in creating your assignment, include a statement in your work indicating which AI tools you used and how you used them. Neglecting to include this statement may constitute an academic integrity offence. For more information on citing AI-generated translations, see the library's recommendations for Citing Translations.   

Are there risks to using AI content as a source?
Be aware that there is a possibility that the content AI generates is biased, outdated, or false. Always evaluate the information generated by AI tools. Students are responsible for the accuracy, factuality, and truthfulness of artificial intelligence content used to assist with, and in, assessments.

Text generated by an AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT)

 Note: AI-generated content may not be considered as an acceptable source for your course work. Be sure to evaluate the content carefully and check with your instructor if you are permitted to use it as a source. When citing AI-generated text, remember to include both in-text and works cited list citations. For more information, see MLA Style Center's How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?
 

Works Cited List Citation

"Text of prompt" prompt. Name of AI Tool, version number if known, Name of company that made the tool, Day Month Year content was generated, General URL of Tool.


Example:

"What is generative AI? Explain it like I'm 5" prompt. ChatGPT, Mar 14 version, OpenAI, 21 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

In-Text Citation

("Shortened text of prompt")

 

Example: 

("What is generative AI?")

Translations generated by an AI tool

If you used an AI to translate a source, see the library's recommendations for Citing Translations.

Image generated by an AI tool (e.g., DALL-E, Midjourney)

 Note: AI-generated content may not be considered as an acceptable source for your course work. Be sure to evaluate the content carefully and check with your instructor if you are permitted to use it as a source. For more information, see MLA Style Center's How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?
 

Reproducing the image in your work

If you are inserting the AI-generated image in your coursework, follow the format below. Remember to include the full citation in your Works Cited List if you are also referring to the image in your text.

 

Generated image of two puppies playing by the sea in the style of Renoir

Fig. 3. "Two puppies playing by the sea in the style of Renoir" prompt, DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 21 Mar. 2023, labs.openai.com.

Works Cited List Citation

"Text of prompt" prompt. Name of AI Tool, version number if known, Name of company that made the tool, Day Month Year content was generated, URL of Tool.


Example:

"Two puppies playing by the sea in the style of Renoir" prompt. DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 21 Mar. 2023, labs.openai.com.

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