Artificial intelligence at the University of Tartu
3.4. Correct use of text-based AI models and citation
There is no need to cite the use of AI if you are using it in the idea-generation phase as a “discussion partner” or to get feedback on your ideas.
It is easiest to explain the correct citation of AI text-based AI models using the citation principles applicable to theses. The use of AI and citation of it in longer written texts, including theses, can be divided into three broad categories:
- AI can be used without citation.
- AI can be used, but it must be cited.
- AI cannot be used, even if properly cited.
The first category includes situations where AI provides advice in some form but does not create anything new that would be directly used in the written text. For example, AI might help generate ideas, participate in brainstorming sessions, or provide feedback on your written text. It can also assist in refining the research topic, suggesting title options, and providing feedback on hypotheses or research questions. In such cases, there is no need to cite the use of AI.
If you use text created by AI, it is always necessary to cite the AI application to ensure transparency in the (scientific) work process.
The second category involves text created by AI, which the author supplements or edits as needed and then includes in their work. In this case, it is important not to present the AI-generated text as one’s own but to properly cite the AI application used. For example, creating a summary of articles for the theoretical part of the thesis using AI is permissible. Still, inserting the AI-generated text directly into the thesis is not allowed. However, the author can write a similar text on the topic inspired by the AI summary. Some sentences from the AI output can even be used, but the author’s intellectual contribution must shine through the text. In this case, the used AI application must be appropriately cited because the initial idea comes from the AI. Additionally, citations of the sources, such as research articles from which the AI-generated the summary, must not be forgotten. The entire AI-generated content should also be indicated, as this ensures transparency in the work process and complies with the ethical standards of academic work and good scientific practice.
AI applications are not permitted to create complete sections of texts or fabricate data. Always check the accuracy of AI-generated content!
The second category also includes actions where AI is used methodologically at some stage of the work, and this usage directly influences the work results. For instance, if you determine that AI is the best option for analysing or visualising the data you are studying, it is allowed to use it. Still, the entire analysis process must be exhaustively described in the methods section of the thesis. Additionally, the used applications must be cited so other researchers can replicate the process if necessary.
The third category includes actions where AI is not allowed at all. This includes, for example, writing entire chapters, subchapters, or even paragraphs for a thesis, paraphrasing AI-generated text without proper citation (i.e., presenting the content in slightly different wording), and using AI-fabricated data as research material. It is also prohibited to present AI-provided information that the author has not verified for accuracy.
Citation of AI applications
According to the University of Tartu guidelines for using AI in teaching, in-text citation of AI refers to the citation style used in the academic unit or journal (APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.). In APA style, the citation for AI applications follows the format for citing software. The citation should include the creator of the AI application, the company providing it, and the year of the version used.
For example, you could cite as follows:
The OpenAI (2023) text-based AI model ChatGPT was used to systematise the stages of data analysis.
Or:
For the creation of the main definition, the author entered definitions used in earlier literature into the ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2024) text-based AI model and asked: ‘Please formulate one central definition based on these definitions.
When completing specific course tasks, always follow the course instructor’s rules for using text-based AI models in that subject. A student can always ask the instructor if and how AI can be used in that course.
Self-assessment
Task
Juku is writing his master’s thesis on the impact of social media on consumer behaviour. He has collected data, which includes social media posts and comments about consumers on various platforms. Juku uses a text-based AI model to analyse these posts and identify recurring themes and patterns. The model suggests a key theme, which Juku finds beneficial for the analysis section of his work. After identifying the patterns, Juku supplements the results with his comments and analysis, adding them to the results section of his master’s thesis.
Juku wonders if this use is allowed and if he must cite the AI application. What do you think?
Juku’s actions fall under the second category described in the learning materials, as the text-based AI model helped him analyse data and suggest specific patterns, which are reflected in his master’s thesis. Since Juku used AI to analyse his data and partially applied the patterns created by the text-based AI model in his work, he must cite the AI application used. Although Juku has enhanced the results with his analysis, the original ideas come from the text-based AI model, so the AI’s contribution must be appropriately cited. This ensures transparency and complies with academic ethics requirements.
