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Module 2. How to Cite

Acquainting yourself with the proper ways to cite is the first step to avoid plagiarism.

A citation is used when you paraphrase or quote a passage from another person's writing. This informs the reader of where and from whom you obtained the information. When a section of writing is taken from another source and used in your writing you must provide a citation.

When a citation is used in the text of a paper it is referred to as an in-text citation. This citation should provide enough information for the reader to find the complete reference in the works cited section. Simply citing sources in the text is not sufficient, the complete and full reference must be included in a works cited page.

QuotationIt is also necessary to use quotation marks when a section of writing is taken word for word from another author's work.

Example:
The problems associated with heavy episodic or binge drinking on college campuses has caused college and university administrators nationwide to define binge drinking as their number one campus life problem, and research about the effects of drinking clearly support this view (Moriarty 2003).


Resources

"Citing Your Sources," The University of Berkeley Library (last accessed 8/1/07).
"Citing Web Sources," The University of Lafayette Library (last accessed 8/1/07).
"How to Cite Correctly," The Hocking College Library (last accessed 8/31/09).

References:

Moriarty, L. (2003). Controversies in Victimology. Cincinnati, OH : Anderson Publishing.
 

this lesson was developed and designed by Amanda Lindsay and last updated on 08/30/2009 11:35 PM by Phoebe Morgan