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Artificial Intelligence

This guide provides information on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and best practices for using them.

How to Acknowledge the use of AI

If your professor permits you to use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in your assignment, make sure to follow the instructions on how exactly you can use it and to acknowledge its use. We highly recommend that you include the following information when using AI generated content in your work:

  • Written acknowledgment of the generative AI tool used and for what purpose
  • The prompt(s) used to generate the content 
  • A note about your modifications
  • In-text citation and bibliographic citation  
  • Include the original output with your submission
    • Note: In the past, content created by ChatGPT could not be replicated because an identical prompt would not produce the same response as before. This means that your instructor would not have been able to verify the result your original prompt created. There are now third-party tools such as ShareGPT and AI Archives that allow you to share the original output by making an archive of the content and a custom link. These tools could be useful for citing your use of AI because you can include this link instead of or in addition to a screenshot or printout of the output. ChatGPT has also introduced a link-sharing feature, but please be aware that the link will not work if you delete a conversation from your account.

Examples of Written Acknowledgments

Suggested format template:

I acknowledge the use of [insert AI system(s) and link] to [specific use of generative artificial intelligence]. I entered the following prompts on [date]: [list of prompts]. The output from these prompts was used to [explain use]. A copy of the original output is attached with my assignment.

Here are two examples of written acknowledgements. Please check with your instructor to determine the appropriate format for any acknowledgment(s) you plan to include in your assignment.

Example 1:

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to generate materials for background research and self-study for this assignment. I entered the following prompts on 7 April 2023:

  • Write a 250 word summary about the history of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Add two references.

The original output was adapted and modified for the final response. A copy of the original output is attached with my assignment.

Example 2:

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to refine the academic language and accuracy of my own work. I submitted my entire essay and entered the following prompts on 7 April 2023:

  • Improve the academic tone and accuracy of language, including grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary

The original output was adapted and modified for the final response. A copy of my original essay and a copy of the original output are attached with my assignment.

Citing AI by Citation Style

Some citation styles have begun to develop guidelines for citing ChatGPT and other generative AI. As of August 2023, APA, Chicago, and MLA have posted guidelines on citing generative AI.

We have incorporated these guidelines into our Citation Guides:

Note: Guidelines may change and new citation styles may be added, so check back frequently for updates, and consult resources specific to the citation style you are using.

If you are using a citation style other than APA, MLA, or Chicago, that does not have relevant guidelines yet, you may consider using the following formats:

  • Personal communication - if you are using generative AI to assist with your assignment that does not have a shareable output
  • App/Software - if the output is saved, is shareable, or otherwise retrievable (e.g., using ShareGPT, AI Archives, or ChatGPT link sharing feature)