AUF Library

The Library

Library

Mastering citations

A Guide to Management and Styles

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What are citations and why are they important?

Cambridge Dictionary defines a citation as

a word or piece of writing taken from a written work.

In academic writing, citations are of paramount importance. They serve to fulfill at least four fundamental functions:

    1. Provide academic context for your research

    2. Redirect readers to supplementary readings

    3. Demonstrate a solid and thorough knowledge in the field of research

    4. Avoid plagiarism

Since there are many different citation styles, the researcher must select the most appropriate style while adhering to the specific conventions dictated by the chosen style.

1.1 Provide context

Engaging with a specific topic within academic writing necessitates situating one's research within a well-defined scholarly context. This context is generally established through a continuous dialogue with the existing literature, authored by researchers who have previously delved into the subject matter. Citations, therefore, function as a web of interconnections, constructed to acknowledge the pre-existing studies that sparked and influenced a specific field of studies.

This section assumes particular significance during the literature review, as it is where the researcher establishes all the theoretical underpinnings of the text.

1.2 Redirect readers to supplementary readings

Since any single study is inherently limited, citations are meant to acknowledge the potential for further research. Citations empower readers to expand the reach of your text through a network of cross-references that facilitates the advancement of research in this field.

1.3 Solid knowledge

Prior to writing an academic text, thorough research within the relevant field of study is a foundational operation to conduct. In order to establish a solid understanding of the subject matter, researchers are required to complete a comprehensive literature review. The depth is commensurate with the complexity of the thesis being undertaken (it is recommended to consult the specific guidelines outlined for your thesis format in the Capstone Booklet).

1.4 Avoiding plagiarism

Cambridge Dictionary defines plagiarize as:

the process or practice of using another person's ideas or work and pretending that it is your own

Plagiarism is an unauthorized appropriation, whether intentional or inadvertent, of another’s intellectual property. Citing sources properly serves as a safeguard against plagiarism by acknowledging original ideas, concepts, and quotes to their rightful authors.

2. Which style?

Before discussing the specific styles required or suggested for a particular field of study, it is important to clarify the three fundamental types of citation. They are:

    • In-text citations

    • Endnotes

    • Footnotes

The first type of citation is typically favored in scientific texts, while the second and third are more commonly used in the humanities. In-text citations are incorporated within the running text and should be used when you are referring to, paraphrasing, or quoting another source. Note that for every in-text citation in your paper, there must be a corresponding entry in your reference list.

Endnotes are generally listed at the end of the paper on separate pages or at the end of the chapter. Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page where the referenced sentence is located.

In addition to these three citation methods, there are different citation styles. Each style is determined by a specific set of rules and conventions for documenting sources. The selection of the appropriate style can be influenced by several factors, including the preferences of your advisor/professor, or the specific discipline of your research. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult with your advisor or thesis supervisor before starting your research project.

3. Citation Styles

Below are some general guidelines that refer to the most common citation styles. Free sources are available online such as PurdueOWL, that offers the possibility to explore in detail the characteristics of different styles.

3.1 APA (American Psychological Association)

The APA style, as outlined in the APA Publication Manual published by the American Psychological Association, is commonly used in social sciences, education, and business disciplines. According to the general guidelines provided in this manual, it is recommended to use the following core elements in every citation: author, title of the source, and publishing house.

3.2 MLA (Modern Language Association)

The MLA style, as outlined in the MLA Handbook, published by the Modern Language Association, recommends the use of the following core elements in every citation: author, title of source, title of container, other contributors (if applicable), version, number, publisher, publication date, and location. This style is predominant in humanities, particularly language and literature studies.

3.3 Chicago (The Chicago Manual of Style)

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) can be applied in numerous fields. It comes in two primary citation systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. The preferred system varies depending on the field of study.



3.4 Citation Generators

To better structure the citations section, you can rely on some free online citation and bibliography generators:

Instructions for Consulting Online Resources

Plagiarism Policy

General loan policy
chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram