How to Cite the Use of Generative AI

The appropriate way to document the use of AI depends on the role the tool has played in the academic work.

“Whenever generative AI must be cited because its content appears in the text, its use must also be explicitly declared.”

Generative Use (Creating or Rewriting Content)

AI has produced text that appears in the work, either verbatim or paraphrased, and must therefore be cited as software, following APA guidelines. There are three ways to document this use, depending on how the interaction is incorporated.

a) The prompt appears within the text

In-text citation:
When ChatGPT is asked, “Is the distinction between the left and right sides of the brain real or a myth?”, the tool responds that “specialisation exists, but the idea of ‘left-brained’ and ‘right-brained’ people is a simplified myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

APA reference:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (March 2023 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

b) The prompt does not appear in the text, but the conversation is included in an appendix

In-text citation:
“Brain regions work in an integrated manner and can reorganise their functions through neural plasticity” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A).

APA reference:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

Complete Example of Appendix A

APPENDIX A — Conversation with ChatGPT

^{Date of consultation: 14/03/2023

Tool: ChatGPT (OpenAI, March 2023 version)}

^{Prompt 1:

“Explain whether the distinction between the left and right hemispheres is scientific or merely metaphorical.”}

^{ChatGPT response:

“Specialisation exists, but classifying people according to a dominant hemisphere is a widely spread myth…”}

^{Prompt 2:

“Add current examples of brain plasticity.”}

^{ChatGPT response:

“Plasticity allows the redistribution of functions after injury or through sustained training…”}

Student declaration:
The responses were reviewed and reworked before being integrated into the text.

Important note:
Some tools do not allow specific conversations to be retrieved via URL. If the user deletes the conversation, it is permanently lost.

c) Citation via a shared link

(Applicable only when the AI allows a public conversation to be shared.)

In-text citation:
“Functional specialisation can be modified through experience” (OpenAI, 2023).

Reference:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT [Large language model].
https://chat.openai.com/share/XXXXXXXXX

Notes:
- Not all AI tools allow shared links (URLs).
- Links may expire.
- If multiple conversations are cited, use OpenAI (2023a), OpenAI (2023b), etc.

Auxiliary Use (Translation, Editing, Style Improvement)

AI has transformed existing content—by translating it, correcting its style, or rephrasing it—and the resulting text appears in the work.

In-text citation:
“…as cited in the body of the text” (Martínez Palacios & Legarreta Iza, 2017; automatic translation: Elhuyar, 2024).

References:
Elhuyar. (2024). Elia [Neural translator]. https://elia.eus/itzultzailea
Martínez Palacios, J., & Legarreta Iza, M. (2017). Gidaliburua… UPV/EHU.

Limitations of AI Citation

Versions change and outputs may vary.

Some platforms do not allow conversation retrieval.

Links may expire or become inaccessible.

AI may fabricate references, laws, or theories.

AI does not provide traceability of its actual sources.

For these reasons, AI use must always be complemented with critical review and scientific bibliography.

Breadcrumb

Cómo citar el uso de la IA generativa