AI Resources

Generating Citations

AI is horrible at providing correct citations. AI is very pattern-based meaning that it recognizes elements that are needed to complete a citation. However, if it does not have all of the information or has incorrect information, it will make things up or put the elements in the incorrect spot. This is known as hallucinating, and it is a well documented phenomenon. 

• Instead, use Willamette's citation pages.
• Ask one of our librarians for help. 
• Use the printed citation manuals in our reference collection (ask at the circulation desk).
• Use Zotero or Google Scholar's citation function.
• Use the library catalog. Use the library's databases.

There are so many ways to easily and correctly cite things. You also have professionals (librarians) who would be more than happy to help. The bottom line--don't rely on a tool that makes things up. 

Citing ChatGPT

Content generated by AI is nonrecoverable; it cannot be retrieved or linked to later, therefore it must be cited differently as shown below. The examples below are how to cite ChatGPT in the citation styles of APA, Chicago, and MLA.

• APA Style

  In-text: (Open AI, 2023)
  Reference list: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

• Chicago Manual of Style

  In-text: (ChatGPT, March 7, 2023).
  Reference list: not needed because it cites only in-text.

• MLA Style

  In-text: (paraphrased from ChatGPT) or (generated by ChatGPT).
  Works Cited list: "Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald" prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat