search

question

Q. I got this citation from ChatGPT. Why can't I find it anywhere?

answer

Answer

It's very possible that the citation you received from ChatGPT does not exist and is a fabrication. 

ChatGPT has become known for creating false citations that may very well include real authors, journals, subject terms, etc. While some aspects of the citation may seem real, the title, page numbers, volume, publication dates, etc. may be fictional. This, understandably, has become very confusing to the academic research community. 

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, includes pertinent information on the product's accuracy and citation fabrications in the Truthfulness section of its Educator Considerations page. 

To determine whether your citation from ChatGPT is real, please try searching for it via the EagleSearch tool or the Google Scholar database. If you are still unable to find your citation, please contact Ask a Librarian.

links & files

help

Chat

Need quick answers to short research questions? A librarian is ready to help.

Chat with a librarian

Email

Need in-depth research help? Email a librarian and expect a response in 1 business day.

Email a librarian

Meet

Need to meet with a librarian? Schedule a one-on-one online meeting.

Schedule a meeting

More Help Options

Phone: 386-226-7656 Toll-free: 800-678-9428 Text: 386-968-8843