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Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Acknowledging AI Usage in Your Work

When using generative AI in academic work, it is important to distinguish between citation and acknowledgement.

  • Citation is used when you are directly referencing the output of a generative AI tool, such as quoting text, reproducing an image, or incorporating AI content as a source. Follow the appropriate citation style guide unless your instructor provides different instructions. When citing to the AI output, you will likely also want to create an acknowledgement that details your usage.

  • Acknowledgement is used when generative AI tools support your work (for example, helping brainstorm ideas or suggest structures) but their output is not directly quoted or included. In these cases, citation is not necessary (unless your instructor provides different instructions), but transparency through acknowledgement is important.

A disclosure or acknowledgement statement typically:

  • Identifies the tool or tools used

  • Explains how the tool was used/the purpose of using the tool

  • Affirms that you reviewed and edited the final work and take full responsibility for the content

Examples of Acknowledgement Statements:

  • "I used Perplexity to brainstorm topic ideas, assist with my search strategy, and outline the initial structure of this paper."

  • "I used ChatGPT to generate draft language, which I reviewed, edited, and take full responsibility for. All final wording reflects my own edits and judgment."

  • "I used Midjourney to generate an image concept for a class presentation. The final version was edited by me to better fit the assignment."

  • "I used Sora to generate a short video clip for my presentation. I edited the final video for accuracy and relevance to the project topic."

  • "Cursor was used to help troubleshoot error messages during the development of this project. All final code was reviewed and tested by me."

Note: Always follow any specific guidance provided by your instructor regarding citation and/or acknowledgement.

Additional examples:

Acknowledging the use of generative AI tools is a key part of maintaining academic integrity. Academic integrity means being honest about how your work was created and giving proper credit for any assistance you received. If you use a generative AI tool to support your work (e.g., brainstorming ideas, drafting text, generating images, or creating videos, etc.) and do not acknowledge it, you are presenting work shaped by outside assistance as entirely your own.  This can mislead your instructor or audience about the originality and independence of your work.

Being transparent about AI usage through an acknowledgement statement:

  • Demonstrates honesty about the tools and processes you used

  • Allows others to fairly evaluate your work based on an accurate understanding of how it was created

  • Maintains trust between you and your instructors, classmates, and broader academic community

Tips for Setting Yourself Up for Success When Drafting an AI Usage Acknowledgement Statement

  1. Know your instructor's expectations: Check the assignment instructions or ask your instructor if you are unsure whether AI use is allowed or how it should be disclosed.
  2. Keep track of what AI tools you use: Write down the names of any AI tools you use during your work.
  3. Record how you used each tool: Note what you used each tool for. What was your purpose (e.g., brainstorming ideas, suggesting structure, generating images, troubleshooting code, etc.)?
  4. Review and edit AI-generated content: Always carefully review, fact-check, and edit any AI-generated content you use. You are the "human in the loop" and are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, quality, and relevance of the final work.
  5. Write a clear acknowledgement statement: Include the key elements of an acknowledgement: the tool name, how you used it, and a statement affirming that you reviewed and take full responsibility for your work.
  6. Follow format required by your instructor: While the examples provided in this guide highlight typical elements of an acknowledgement, your instructor may have specific expectations for how it should look and where it should appear (e.g., at the end of the paper, in a methodology section, or in an appendix).
  7. Be honest and specific: Avoid vague statements like "AI was used." Be specific enough that your instructor understands how the AI tool contributed to your work. 
  8. When in doubt, be prepared to include an acknowledgement: If you are unsure whether an acknowledgement is needed, it is safer to keep a record of your AI usage and be ready to include it with your work.

 

Other Considerations

Where do we draw the line

A common question is where to draw the line: after all, we do not usually acknowledge the use of basic tools like spellcheckers or grammar checkers. These tools are considered standard writing aids, much like a calculator is standard for solving math problems. However, generative AI tools go beyond simple corrections by producing ideas, text, images, video, or other content that can significantly shape your work. Because of their broader and more substantial role, using generative AI tools today typically requires transparency through acknowledgement.

Over time, as AI tools become more integrated into everyday work and expectations shift, it is possible that acknowledging routine AI assistance may no longer be necessary. For now, however, there is an expectation in academia that users to disclose when AI tools contribute meaningfully to the development of ideas, content, or structure in a project.

Acknowledging That You Did Not Use AI

As a scholar, you are responsible for being transparent about how your work was created. In some cases, this means acknowledging that you did not use generative AI tools. Even if you did all the research, writing, and editing yourself, including a clear statement affirms the integrity of your process.

By explicitly stating that you did not use AI, you help maintain trust with your instructor and audience and ensure your work is evaluated fairly.

Examples of Acknowledgement Statements When No AI Was Used:

  • "I did not use generative AI tools in the creation of this paper. All research, writing, and revisions are my own work."

  • "No AI assistance was used in preparing this project. All content was generated independently by the author."

  • "This assignment was completed without the use of generative AI tools."

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