How to Cite ChatGPT in APA Style
Citing AI in APA 7th Edition
To cite ChatGPT in APA 7th edition, you must treat the AI as software created by a corporate author. You will need the author (OpenAI), the year of the version used, the model name (ChatGPT), the version number, and the URL. Follow these steps to create accurate in-text citations and reference list entries for your academic papers.
Step 1: Determine the Author and Date
Start your reference with the creator of the tool. For ChatGPT, the author is OpenAI. Do not use the name of the AI as the author. Following the author, provide the year of the specific version you used in parentheses. Because OpenAI updates its models frequently, check the bottom of the ChatGPT interface or your account history to find the correct version year. If you used ChatGPT-4 in 2024, your date will be (2024).
Step 2: Format the Title and Model Version
Write the name of the AI tool in italics. Immediately after the name, include the version number in parentheses. For example, if you used the May 24 version, write ChatGPT (May 24 version). If you are using a numbered model, write ChatGPT-4. This specificity is crucial because different versions of the model produce different outputs for the same prompt.
Step 3: Add the Bracketed Description and Source
After the version information, add the descriptor [Large language model] in square brackets. This tells the reader the type of software being cited. Finally, provide the URL where the tool can be accessed. For ChatGPT, use the general login URL: https://chat.openai.com/chat. Do not include a period after the URL.
Step 4: Create the In-Text Citation
When you quote or paraphrase AI-generated text, use a standard parenthetical citation. Include the author (OpenAI) and the year. If you mention the author in your sentence, only the year is required in parentheses. Since AI does not have page numbers, you do not need to provide one. However, it is best practice to describe the prompt you used within your sentence to give the citation context.
Example: ChatGPT Reference and In-Text Citation
Reference List Entry: `OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat` In-Text Citation (Parenthetical): `When prompted to define quantum entanglement, the AI suggested that the phenomenon involves particles becoming linked regardless of distance (OpenAI, 2023).` In-Text Citation (Narrative): `According to OpenAI (2023), ChatGPT generated a summary of the French Revolution that highlighted the role of the Third Estate.`
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Citing ChatGPT as a personal communication. APA classifies AI as software, not a person. Do not use personal communication formatting.
- Omitting the version number. Different models (3.5 vs 4o) have different capabilities; always specify which one you used.
- Using the AI name as the author. Always list OpenAI as the author, not 'ChatGPT'.
- Failing to disclose AI use. Even if you don't quote it directly, if AI helped structure your essay, you must cite it to avoid plagiarism.
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