APA views quotes from a ChatGPT chat session as akin to sharing an algorithm’s output, and recommend crediting the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.
In-text citation example (from APA style blog): When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (GPT-4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Please note (as per APA style blog): "The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods."
The Modern Language Association provides detailed guidance on citing generative AI according to their template.
The following two articles from the Chicago Style Q&A may be helpful to review:
University of Chicago Press generally recommends acknowledging the use of an AI tool in your text, but gives the following examples as format citations (examples drawn from "Citation, Documentation of Sources" on Chicago Style Q&A blog) :
1 Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 7, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/
If the prompt hasn't been included in the text, it can be included in the note:
1 ChatGPT, response to "Explain how to make pizza dough from common household ingredients," OpenAI, March 7, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/
Any information not included in the text is placed in the parenthetical reference. Example:
In the absence of formal recommendations from the NLM Style Guide, students and researchers can cite as personal communication. The NLM Style Guide recommends that personal communications are only cited in the text, and are not included in the reference list. Generally, the Vancouver referencing style uses numbered in-text citations, but for personal communications the advice is as follows:
Example: In response to the question ..., OpenAI's ChatGPT gave the following response ... (2023 Feb 22, unreferenced).
The Council of Science Editors recommends treating AI-generated content as personal communication. Personal communication advice is as follows:
Example: I wanted to see how it would respond to a prompt to "create a nonexistent dinosaur" (ChatGPT [OpenAI], response to question from author, 6 April 2023).
In addition to the MLA guidance on citing generative AI, the following guides and individuals were consulted when creating this guide: