Research Guides: Citing Sources: Introduction

Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction

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When Should You Cite?

When you use the author’s exact words
When you summarize someone else’s words
When you read someone else's words and write it in your own words
Anything which is not your OWN original thought
Facts that are not common knowledge
When in doubt, CITE!

References:
Caravello, P. Avoiding plagiarism: Strategies & resources. Presentation.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (2001). 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: APA, p. 348.

Why Should You Cite?

To add credibility and support for your ideas!
To ensure the accuracy of scientific and scholarly knowledge.
To protect intellectual property rights.

References:
Caravello, P. Avoiding plagiarism: Strategies & resources. Presentation.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (2001). 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: APA, p. 348.

How Do I Cite?

You can cite your sources by quoting, summarizing, and/or paraphrasing. Remember: All instances require a citation!

Quote

What? Using the Author’s exact words
How? Use “quotation marks” to mark someone else’s words
Why?

To support or add credibility to your arguments.
When the original is difficult to rephrase.
When original wording is great!

Summary

What? Condensed/distilled version of the author’s words or ideas
Why? To include only main points of the original text
Tip: A summary is shorter than a paraphrase and covers main points only.

Paraphrase

What?

Restating, in your own words, the author’s words or ideas

Why?

To simplify or clarify the original text
To demonstrate comprehension of original source

Paraphrasing Tips

Rewrite it using your own words
Rewrite it using your own sentence structure
Quote distinctive words or phrases taken from the original source
Accurately represent the author
Always cite the source of your information

References:
Caravello, P. Avoiding plagiarism: Strategies & resources. Presentation.