How to Make ChatGPT Provide Sources and Citations
One of the biggest complaints about ChatGPT is that it doesn't provide sources, footnotes, or links to where it derived information used in its answers. However, you can prompt ChatGPT to provide sources if you know how to ask. In this article, we'll show you how.
Asking ChatGPT for Sources
To start, you need to ask ChatGPT for sources or citations. It's better to ask a question with a longer answer so there's more "meat" for ChatGPT to chew on. Keep in mind that ChatGPT can't provide any information after 2021 and requests about information pre-internet will have far fewer available sources.
Here's an example of a prompt question:
Describe the learning theories of cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism
Now, to ask ChatGPT to provide URL sources, you can use this query:
Please provide URL sources
You can also ask for a specific quantity of sources:
Please provide 10 URL sources
Remember that ChatGPT is often wrong when providing sources. Across many tests, roughly half are just plain bad links, and another 25% or more go to topics completely or somewhat unrelated to the one you're trying to source.
Using ChatGPT Sources as Clues
The idea isn't to expect ChatGPT to provide sources that you can immediately use. Instead, think of ChatGPT as a research assistant. Use the names of the articles (which may be completely fake or just not accessible) and drop them into Google. That will give you some search queries, which will more than likely lead to interesting reads and material that you can legitimately use for your research.
It's important to note that ChatGPT is not the only tool available to researchers and students. Do your own web searches, check primary sources, and consult subject matter experts if they're available to you. If you're in school, you can even ask your friendly neighborhood librarian for help.
Finally, if you merely cut and paste ChatGPT sources into your research, you're likely to get stung. Use it as a clue, not as a way to avoid the real work of research.
Citing ChatGPT Sources in APA Style
APA style is a citation style that's often required in academic programs. The definitive starting point for APA style is the Purdue OWL, which provides a wide range of style guidelines. Be careful with online style formatters, as they may not do a complete job and you may get your work returned by your professor. It pays to do the work yourself and use care doing it.
Asking ChatGPT for Better Sources
If the sources ChatGPT provided were erroneous, you can ask for more or re-ask for sources. Sometimes, ChatGPT will give you new listings. If you tell ChatGPT that the sources it provided were wrong, it will sometimes give you better ones. Another approach is to re-ask your original question with a different focus or direction and then ask for sources for the new answer.
Conclusion
While ChatGPT can be a useful research assistant, it's important to use its sources as clues rather than as a shortcut. Remember to consult traditional sources and use care when citing ChatGPT sources in APA style. With these tips, you'll be able to make ChatGPT provide sources and citations that can help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services.
