You may have heard a bit about generative artificial intelligence (AI) software such as ChatGPT in the media recently and how they can be useful tools for students. Whilst they may be able to do some amazing things, check out some of the issues to consider before using them in our why academic integrity matters web page.
One of the most important things to consider is whether you’re allowed to use them in your course, so have a look at the assessment information and ask your lecturer if you are unsure. And even if you are given the go-ahead, you need to make sure you correctly cite the AI you use or else you risk breaching academic integrity.
For example, if you were using APA style in your assignment and you decided to use a poem generated by an AI tool, you would cite it in-text like this:
“Generative tools of AI we employ,
To aid us in our academic quest,
But citation must be given to avoid,
The charge of plagiarism and unrest” (OpenAI, 2023).
You would also need to include a corresponding reference list entry in the following format:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (May 3 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Remember that the above example is for APA, and the format may differ depending on which referencing style and AI tool you are using and whether you are quoting or paraphrasing in-text. We have helpfully added generative AI guidelines to each style’s referencing guide for you to refer to. Simply scroll to the examples section in your style’s guide and look for AI in the left-hand menu to see how to format your citation correctly.
Please note that your lecturer may have further requirements for acknowledging your use of AI tools in the drafting of your assignments in addition to what’s covered in the referencing guides.
If you ever feel you need any additional information or help with citing AI tools, contact the Library. As eloquently put by ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2023), “libraries, with librarians wise and bold, are a student’s best friend, worth more than gold!“
