Cite My Sources

Citations are an important part of any research project.

There are several citation styles scholars use to appropriately attribute the ideas and opinions of others they've used in their own work. Different fields of study have different preferences, but your instructor will let you know which citation style you should be using for each course's assignments. Regardless of citation style, citations always include important bibliographic details that allow readers to locate exactly where you found the information you used to build your arguments in your own work. Whether you quote a citation word-for-word or paraphrase an idea, you must provide a citation! You should cite whatever resources you use for your research projects, including books, journal articles, newspapers, videos, websites, etc.

The bibliographic details that you'll need for your citations, regardless of citation style and resource format, include:

• Author(s)
• Title
• Publisher
• Publication Date 

For some citation styles, you might also need additional information, such as page numbers. Check the different citation styles in the navigation menu to the left for more information.

Citing your sources and giving credit where credit is due is an important part of using other's work for your research. By citing your sources, you are avoiding plagiarism AND giving yourself credibility as a researcher.

• Plagiarism: This occurs when as a researcher you borrow another's words, ideas, findings, etc. without their consent/acknowledgement. In other words, it is considered stealing someone's work, ideas, etc.

  Always properly cite your sources in the body (in-text citation/footnote) and in bibliography/reference list at the end of your work.

• Questions to consider: 

  • "Am I deliberately recalling any particular source of information as I write this paper?

  • Am I consulting any source as I write this paper?"

    If the answer to these questions is no, you can successfully avoid plagiarism. If it is yes, then you must cite.

As a scholar, you ethically credit the researcher who took the time, effort, and knowledge to research, write, and publish their work. 

• Citing demonstrates that gives researchers credibility. It showcases that researchers have properly conducted your research and identified your sources. 
• Citing the sources/information allows researchers to properly locate those sources through your footnotes, bibliography or reference list. 
• Citations also allow your readers to find more information about the facts and opinions you present in your work. They allow your readers
  to identify the range of perspectives you've considered and how the work of others has informed your own conclusions.