# 5b. Reporting AI Use
## Introduction
When you use texts generated by genAI tools (such as ChatGPT or Copilot) it is important to mention this in your work. Depending on your program, there are different ways the use of genAI is allowed and how you should report it. The formats in this guide are here to help you think about how to report uses of AI, but you should always check with your program what specific policies are in place for AI use.
::::{grid}
:gutter: 3
:::{grid-item-card} Step 1
[Check What is Allowed](#step-1-check-what-is-allowed)
Check if and how you are allowed to use genAI
:::
:::{grid-item-card} Step 2
[Log Uses of GenAI](#step-2-log-all-your-uses-of-genai)
Keep track of all the instances you used genAI
:::
:::{grid-item-card} Step 3
[Report uses in your Thesis](#step-3-report-the-uses-of-genai-in-your-thesis)
Report the use of GenAI in specific sections of your thesis
:::
::::
## Step 1: Check what is allowed
TU Delft currently has no central policy in place on what ways students are allowed to use genAI in their projects. As of the writing of this guide it depends on your specific program how much AI you are allowed to use. Therefore, for Step 1, you should check what policies are in place for your specific program.
```{admonition} THESIS SUPERVISOR
:class: important
It is strongly suggested that you check with your thesis supervisor what is allowed and what not and that you frequently discuss your use of AI with them.
```
## Step 2: Log all your uses of GenAI
If you are allowed to use GenAI, make sure you keep track of all the ways you use AI while writing your thesis. Include the _tools_ you used and the date you used them. Try to be specific about what purpose you used the tool for, and include the _prompts_ so you can report this in your thesis.
```{admonition} Careful
:class: caution
You are responsible for your use of AI. Critically evaluate its output and don't put any confidential or proprietary information in the models.
```
## Step 3: Report the uses of GenAI in Your Thesis
If GenAI use is allowed by your supervisor, you should acknowledge throughout your thesis how you used it. One reason is that it makes your work more transparant. In addition, if you at want to publish your research, academic journals will also ask you to disclose how you used AI.
It depends on your program how detailed your reporting should be, and you should again consult with your supervisor. In general, it is good to be as specific as posiible and include:
- What tool you used
- When you used the tool
- What purpose you used the tool for (for example: assisting with coding, checking grammar, create figures)
- The prompt you used
- How you used the output
### Citing Your AI Use
If no format for reporting the use of GenAI exists in your program, consider the following practices from APA as a template (TU Delft Library Education Support, n.d):
```{admonition} APA citation of AI use Example
:class: note
**In-text example**
(AI Company Name, year)
(OpenAI, 2025)
**Reference list example**
AI Company Name. (year). _Tool name/model in italics_ and title case [description]. https://xxxxx
OpenAI. (2025). _ChatGPT_ [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
**Remark**
1. The author is the company responsible for developing the AI tool.
2. The date of the version used is shown at the bottom of the page on the ChatGPT site.
3. URL of the tool.
4. Mention how you used the AI in your work (such as in the Methodology section or Introduction).
```
### Where to put uses of GenAI in Your Thesis.
How you should report AI use and in what detail depends on your program. Some common places where AI is mentioned can be found in the tabs below. These are partly based on the guidelines from APA. (American Psychological Association, n.d.).
````{tab-set}
```{tab-item} Separate Form or acknowledgement
Some programs may ask you to hand in a specific statement acknowledging all instances of AI use. Check with your supervisor or the coordinator of the graduation project whether this is the location.
```
```{tab-item} Introduction
According to APA, the introduction is a logical section to mention GenAI use like:
- Assistance with the literature review
- Assistance with writing
```
```{tab-item} Method Section
If you have used AI to generate code or to analyse and visualize your data, or to help design your research, the method section is a good place to discuss this use of AI.
```
```{tab-item} Results Section
If you have used AI to create tables, figures or images you could list this in the results section of your thesis. Here you should mention the tool as well as the prompts.
```
````
You can consult the specific policies of the common citation styles here:
- APA
- IEEE
## References
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). _APA Journals policy on generative AI: Additional guidance_. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/resources/publishing-tips/policy-generative-ai
- TU Delft Library Education Support. (n.d). _APA 7th Citation Examples_. TUlib. https://www.tudelft.nl/tulib/apa-citation-examples