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How to Cite AI - IEEE

Before Using Any Generative AI Tool

Not all instructors permit the use of ChatGPT or other generative AI tools for student assignments. Contact your instructor before using any generative AI tool for schoolwork.

For additional guidance on whether to use ChatGPT or any AI tool, follow the helpful decision-making flow chart below.

Citing and Referencing Generative AI Output in IEEE Style

Citing Generative AI Output (If Not Publishing)

Sample IEEE Citation

When asked “if using generative AI for citing is recommended,” ChatGPT responded that “the IEEE Style Manual is the definitive guide for IEEE citation practices, offering precise, up-to-date rules straight from the source” [1]. Microsoft Copilot responded similarly stating “for IEEE and other citation styles, it’s recommended to consult the official style guides or academic resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information” [2].

Referencing Generative AI Output (If Not Publishing)

Formula for IEEE Reference
[1] J. K. Author Last Name, private communication, Month year.)
Examples:

[1] ChatGPT 4, private communication, March 2024.

[2] Microsoft Copilot, private communication, March 2024.

Publishing Using IEEE?

If publishing a paper in IEEE, disclose all generative AI use in the acknowledgements section; in-text citations are not technically required. See official IEEE guidelines for more details. The above guidance is for in-class assignments at Conestoga College.

Additional Requirements for Using Generative AI

If your instructor approves the use of generative AI tools for an assignment, you must include:

  • the name of the generative AI tool you used
  • a description of how you used AI in your assignment (see below for examples)
  • prompts you used and the generated text
  • in-text citation(s)
  • a reference

You must include a statement describing how you used the generative AI tool. This statement could appear in your introduction or at the end of your assignment. Ask your instructor for their preference. Here are two example statements:

  • Microsoft Copilot was used to brainstorm initial ideas for this essay.
  • ChatGPT was used to check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It was also used to improve academic tone and vocabulary.

In addition, include any prompts you used and the AI generated text.

For example:

When prompted with “what is a journal article?”, the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that, “a journal article is a scholarly publication that presents original research, reviews existing literature, or discusses topics of interest within a particular academic field” [1].

Reference

[1] ChatGPT 3.5, private communication, March 2024.

Make Sure to Save All Work!

If you used generative AI to edit your work, save a copy of the unedited version. It is recommended that you use your Conestoga OneDrive to keep track of your progress on assignments (i.e., edited and unedited drafts) and your communication with AI tools (e.g., prompts used and outputs from the AI tool).