Referencing

If you are writing a reference for an assessment at university, we recommend that you write this yourself or use appropriate referencing software instead of using generative AI. Generative AI tools provide responses based on the most probable answer and only with the data they are provided which may result in the tool providing an incorrect response. Referencing correctly is important as it helps the reader understand how you have developed your argument.
 

Generative AI reference lists can be fictional

Generative AI tools can be asked to provide references or citations on a specific topic – however these may be created based simply on what would look like a valid reference (a hallucination). As generative AI tools develop further there may be AI tools that draw on scholarly data however you should always critically analyse the information produced by generative AI tools. This means you must find the original source.
 

Generative AI formatted references may be incorrect

Generative AI tools may not accurately create a reference in a particular referencing style.  They may get the formatting incorrect or mash together different styles. Any references they provide should be checked against the Academic Referencing Tool. Remember, references should follow the style required and you should identify where they have been used in your work. 

Some referencing styles provide guidance on how to reference generative AI. Check the Academic Referencing Tool for advice on how to do this using your required or preferred style. If you are still unsure, contact the Library for advice.  

Where you have used generative AI to assist you with your assignment, you should acknowledge this. An acknowledgement might look something like this:

Whilst the writing is my own and I take responsibility for all errors, ChatGPT was used to create the initial section structure for this essay. 

In other cases, it may be more appropriate to acknowledge use of generative AI tools similar to a “methods” section of a research paper:  

Initial text provided using ChatGPT. (2023, February 14). Prompt: “What procedures should be taken to avoid the mis-use of generative A.I. in education”. 

Or 

First draft of introduction generated by Microsoft Word Editor Summary tool. (2023, February 14). 

(based on https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/chatgpt-and-generative-ai-tools)