If you have used ChatGPT for brainstorming, drafting, or checking your work, you may need to cite it. This guide explains how UK referencing styles handle AI tools.
Check Your University’s AI Policy First
Before citing ChatGPT, confirm whether your department allows AI tools at all, and for which tasks. Policies vary significantly between institutions and even between modules.
Referencing ChatGPT in Harvard Style
Treat ChatGPT as a personal communication, citing OpenAI as the author, the year, the name of the tool, and the date you accessed it, since the output cannot be retrieved by others later.
Referencing ChatGPT in APA 7
APA recommends citing OpenAI as the author in your reference list, with the model name and version, and describing the specific prompt in your text or an appendix.
Keeping a Record of Your Prompts
Save screenshots or transcripts of your ChatGPT conversations, since some universities require you to submit these as an appendix alongside your citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ChatGPT to write parts of my assignment?
This depends entirely on your university’s policy, which can range from a full ban to permitted use with disclosure, so always check before relying on it.
What details do I need to record when citing ChatGPT?
Record the date of use, the exact prompt, the model version, and a copy of the response, since this information is often required alongside your citation.
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