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Citation Styles & Tools

A brief explanation of citation fundamentals and a guide to useful resources.

Citing Generative AI

Generative AI is a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that uses machine learning (ML) to produce new content from an extensive training dataset. Some platforms you may have heard of include ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google's Gemini. Because it's main purpose is to generate content, it's important to be mindful of whether its application is appropriate for a specific academic setting. 

What is it good or not good at?

GOOD FOR NOT GOOD FOR
Summarizing Critiquing
Brainstorming or generating ideas Judging
Outlining Ethical choices
Shallow analysis Understanding social interaction

What you need to know about GenAI and Citations?

Using generative AI tools is very tempting for projects that take time, deep thinking, and may require skills you're still developing. If you aren't sure how to get started, using a tool to do the task for you can feel like a win for getting it done. However, be mindful when using generative AI that you're not using it to replace the learning elements of your assignments. If you aren't sure how to find sources, talk to a librarian!

Some issues with generative AI include: 

  • Academic integrity - Understand what is or is not allowed for a specific class. Using AI for writing and submitting it as your own if these tools are not part of your assignment creates an academic integrity issue. 
  • Fake citations - Tools like Chat GPT can generate pretty much anything you ask for, including citations to sources that don't actually exist. These "halu-citations" can lead to frustration and dead-ends. Don't use generative AI to do your research.
  • Not reproducible - Because chat sessions are different for different people and profiles, what an algorithm tells you in one session isn't reproducible for someone else. Facts should be provable and discovering them is repeatable, which is not something you can expect from a generative AI tool.
  • Ethical concerns - Generative AI can perpetuate bias, misinformation, or harmful stereotypes because it is necessarily trained using biased data. There are also environmental concerns, as AI uses significant amounts of water during operation.

How to cite AI if it's allowed in a class?

So, you checked the class policy and have found that generative AI is allowed if it's cited. How to cite it is handled differently based on what formatting style guide you're using. Check with the accepted style for your class to see how to handle it based on the style guide you're using for an assignment:       

Appropriate formatting is also evolving and you may want to check back frequently!