Can I use generative AI for referencing?

Generative AI tools can be asked to provide references or citations – however these are often created based simply on what would look like a valid reference. If you ask an AI tool to provide a list of references or readings, the list it provides may not be real.

How do I reference something created by generative AI?

There are no specific guidelines for citing ChatGPT or other generative AI in Harvard style. This is interim advice only and subject to change.

We recommend that you base the reference for generative AI content on the referencing guidance for

• Personal communication - if you are using generative AI to assist with your assignment.
• Computer software - when you have been specifically asked to use generative AI in your assignment.

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT cannot accurately cite their own sources. Any references they provide may be false or non-existent – you should always check the original source for any references that are generated.

References should provide clear and accurate information for each source and should identify where they have been used in your work.

Acknowledgement

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

In other cases it may be more appropriate to acknowledge your use of generative AI tools in a way more akin to a “methods” section of a research paper:

This information is based on https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/chatgpt-and-generative-ai-tools. 

Please check with your lecturer / subject coordinator in regards to the placement of your acknowledgement in your assignment.  If no guidance is given, place the acknowledgement between the title and the first paragraph of your assignment.

More information about generative artificial intelligence: