Citations are a critical component of academic writing. They allow you to give credit to the original source, whether you are using a direct quotation or paraphrasing someone else's research. Citations give the reader directions to specific passages in a text, draw attention to prominent authors in the field, and can give a historical overview of research around a particular topic.
Different disciplines have different norms for how information is cited and they prioritize different parts of the original source. Citation styles give the reader a way to quickly access the information you are citing and can give a quick overview of the body of work you referencing. Some styles prioritize the year so that the reader can see how the scholarly conversation you are referencing has evolved over time while others include the page number so that a reader can refer to the exact phrase you are discussing. It is important to remember that different styles use a different combination of punctuation and typography.
After ascertaining whether the use of AI generated content is permissible, determine how to reference the material in your work. Make sure to include citations both in-text and in the references at the end of your work. Since AI tools are relatively new, it's possible that your required style hasn't updated its rules around AI citations. The purpose of citations is to provide a guidepost to the source material so, in the absence of formal guidance, be as transparent as possible about how you obtained the information.
MLA (Modern Language Association)
MLA focuses on the core elements of the information you are citing in line with template of core elements. The MLA Style Center has detailed information and examples on how to cite AI generated content.
APA (American Psychological Association)
Citations for AI generated content should be treated as you would treat other algorithms by crediting the tool that created the information in the reference list and in-text citations. For examples and more information on ChatGPT specifically, see the APA Style Blog post on the subject by Timothy McAdoo.
Chicago Manual of Style
AI generated content should be credited in your work by noting your use of the tool in-text. Examples of endnote citations can be found in The Chicago Manual of Style Online.
MLA style is generally used* in the Humanities including English languages and literatures, world languages and literatures, literary criticism, comparative literature, and cultural studies.
*make sure to always check the requirement for your specific paper or assignment.
APA style is generally used* in fields of social science such as Psychology, Engineering, Linguistics, Sociology, Economics, and Criminology. Business.
*make sure to always check the requirement for your specific paper or assignment.
Chicago style is generally used* in Business, History, and Fine Arts.
*make sure to always check the requirement for your specific paper or assignment.
Your librarians are excellent resources; however, another service available to you is the UVA Writing Center. All students, regardless of level or major are welcome. They are able to assist with "all stages of the writing process" and "any kind of writing." You can book a consultation to talk about your writing.