MLA Citations for Generative AI
This guide will provide you with the following information:
- Basic MLA citation format for generative AI
- Basic MLA in text citation format for generative AI
- Basic MLA figure citation format for generative AI generated images
- Citing vs Attributing generative AI
Citing Generative AI with MLA
MLA Style Center created a How do I cite generative AI in MLA article discussing the best practices for citing generative AI using MLA.
In Text Citations
("Initital text of prompt")
Works Cited Basic Format
“Text of prompt” prompt. AI Platform, Day Month version, Name of company/creator of the generative AI tool, Day Month Year, URL.
AI Generated Visuals Basic Citation Format
Fig. #. “Text of prompt” prompt, AI Platform, Day Month version, Name of company/creator of the generative AI tool, Day Month Year, URL.
Example of Citing Copilot
Copilot is a generative AI software from Microsoft. Here are examples of how to cite information from this software.
In Text Citations
("When should I cite")
References Basic Format
"When should I cite my use of generative AI in my research" prompt. Copilot, 16 March version, Microsoft, 20 Oct. 2024, m365.cloud.microsoft/chat.
AI Generated Visuals Basic Citation Format
Fig. 3. “Generate a graphic for plagerism that includes a paper and magnifying glass” prompt, Copilot, 16 March version, Microsoft, 20 Oct. 2024, m365.cloud.microsoft/chat.
When to Cite Generative AI
Generative AI can be both a tool and a source. How you use it determines if you need to cite it or attribute it.
What is attribution?
- Gives credit to creator or source of the information and provides information on how the source was used
- Informal and used for open access work and/or institution specific work
- Example: Generative AI use acknowledgement
When do you attribute Generative AI?
- Using it as a tool in research (finding sources, exploring general themes, expanding search terms, etc.)
- Utilizing for ideation or editing
- Acknowledgement of use
What is a citation?
- Provides the location and a detailed description of a source
- Required in academic work and follows a preset format
- Example: MLA citation style
When do you cite Generative AI?
- Using it as a source for your arugment, research, or project
- AI use is in some way intregal to the project or research
- Using the generated information to defend a point or to build upon in your research