Citations are standards for including and crediting the works of others. Depending upon the discipline and format of a project, authors use different styles. Proper citations allow authors to:
It depends. Citations are always needed when using someone else's original work because they deserve the credit for their creations. Disciplines vary when it comes to the need for and style of citations.
Writers are not expected to cite common knowledge (information that it is reasonable to assume that the reader already knows).
The amount of sources used will also affect the level of citation needed. Readers need to be able to identify each individual text used.
*Also, writers should be able to justify (in the text or with annotations) why different and specific sources are needed
Citation styles use different types of reference lists.
Quotation is word-for-word directly referencing the original text of a work. The content is enclosed by quotation marks example text
followed by the source attribution, usually in parentheses. Authors use quotation when they want to focus on exactly what was said or other methods of restating the text would not communicate it more effectively. Citation manuals often specify the preferred length of quotations and how to format long references.
How and When should I use quotations?
Paraphrase is restating a portion of the source in your own words. This method of in-text citation is best suited to shortening long portions of text or when the entire quote is not needed to reproduce the original author's statement. Because quotation marks are not used, it must be clear where an external source is included. A simple way to do so is framing a reference with according to Author, ... (Date or Page Number).
How and When should I paraphrase?
Summary is referencing large portions of text like a chapter or entire article. The goal is to communicate key points or reference multiple parts of a work. It also allows, you, the writer, to add some commentary about the source included.
How and When should I summarize?
Plagiarism is using another person's work without proper credit. Creators deserve credit for their original creation. Citations are how writers include the contributions of others without plagiarizing.
Definitions of plagiarism can be found in course syllabi and the Academic Honesty section of the student handbook.
A Student's Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism and Understanding Citations
The rights that creators and distributors have to their content are known as copyright. This is why credit needs to be given or permission needs to be sought to use an original work.
How do I know if a work is under copyright? Look for the © or ® symbols.
