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AI tools: Cite

This portal provides access to information around generative AI tools - how to use them appropriately at the University and general considerations around their use.

Acknowledging your use of genAI

It's important to be transparent when using generative AI tools. This includes having an acknowledgement or declaration of which tool you've used and how for academic integrity. Kester Brewin's article from The Guardian provides some useful guidelines:

  • Was anything generated using AI (e.g., essay text, images, etc.)?

  • Was anything suggested using AI (e.g., creating an outline, discussion points, etc.)?

  • Was anything improved using AI (e.g., clarity, structure, tone, format/layout, etc.)?

  • Was anything corrected using AI (e.g., spelling, grammar, etc.)? And if so, did you check/evaluate/edit these suggestions?

These considerations can be worked into an acknowledgement of your use of AI, using the sample template below:

Acknowledgement

I acknowledge my use of [insert tool name + (access link)] to [state how you've used the tool]. The prompt I used was: [include prompt]. I then [specific mention of any additional use, edits, or changes you've made].

Examples:

  • I acknowledge my use of Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com) to generate discussion points for this essay. The prompt I used was: "What are key points to consider around climate change in Australia?". I then used some of the suggested topics to write my own essay text based on research and readings I undertook.
  • I acknowledge my use of GrammarlyGO (https://www.grammarly.com) to adjust the grammar and some content of this essay. The prompts and options I used were: "Improve this text", "Formal", "Make it direct", and "Make it more persuasive". I then edited the output to ensure that it was consistent with my writing style.
  • I acknowledge my use of Perplexity (https://www.perplexity.ai) to alter the tone of the script for this video. The prompt I used was: "Make the following script sound less formal: [full text of draft script available by request*]". I then edited the output for content and adjusted the terminology to suit the suggested audience.
  • I acknowledge my use of ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com) to translate concepts I did not understand into my own language. The prompts I used were "Translate [X] into Mandarin and provide a definition". I then used these explanations to guide how I answered the essay question.
  • I acknowledge my use of Designer (via Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com) to generate images for this PowerPoint presentation. The prompts I used were "Create an image of a nurse [doing X]". I then cropped or refocused the images as needed.

* Note that you may be required to include draft material or extended / lists of prompts as part of your assessment submission, e.g., in an appendix or as an additional file. If unsure what is best practice for your courses, check with your course coordinator.

Referencing information taking from genAI outputs

You can find information on how to cite outputs from generative AI tools in the library’s Referencing Guides. Note that most AI tools will not have shareable links for their outputs. Where this is possible via a shareable link (e.g., ChatGPT), including this link is recommended.

For AGLC4, APA 7, Chicago A, Chicago B, and MLA: Using the left menu, go to the ‘Other sources’ tab.

For Harvard: Using the left menu, go to the "Email etc.' tab.

For JAMA and Vancouver: Using the left menu, go to the 'Personal Comm' tab.

Once on the pages mentioned above, click on the option for 'Generative AI', as illustrated below.

Screen from referencing guide showing Generative AI referencing page

Note that for some materials, such as images, you may need both a reference and a transparency statement for your use of AI.

Referencing sources quoted in genAI outputs

Some genAI tools provide the sources for the information contained in their summaries, usually via numbering in-text, for example:

Copilot - provided at the bottom of the response

Screenshot showing a citation and source link from a Copilot output

Perplexity - provided at the top or side of the response (depending on the view)

Screenshot showing a citation and source link from a Perplexity output

Gemini - embedded within the answer text

Screenshot showing a citation and source link from a Gemini output

Where a source cites other sources, it is known as 'secondary source' for referencing. Rather than relying on a summary created by a genAI tool, best practice is to access the original/cited source to ensure the information is being presented accurately. GenAI tools that provide sources usually draw these from the open web, so they are easy to access from the links supplied.

Double check that the AI tool has provided an accurate summary/etc. of the information, and then reference the original source (if appropriate for use) in your assessment or project. Don't forget to be transparent in your use of AI.

How can we improve?

We'd love to hear your feedback on this portal. If you think changes could be made, or more information added, please visit our feedback page.

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