Why Is There A Need To Cite The Sources In Writing A Research Paper?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves three purposes: It gives proper credit to the authors of the words or ideas that you incorporated into your paper . It allows those who are reading your work to locate your sources, in order to learn more about the ideas that you include in your paper.

What are the reasons to cite sources?

  • Citing makes your work more credible.
  • Citing tells your reader where you found your information.
  • Citing allows your reader to learn more, beginning with your sources.
  • Citing gives credit to the people whose words or ideas you are using.

Do you have to cite sources in a research paper?

In general, you must document sources when you provide information that you ordinarily would not have known before conducting your research, and when you provide information that it cannot be assumed the reader knows. You must cite a reference when you : Discuss, summarize, or paraphrase the ideas of an author.

How do you cite sources in a research paper?

When using APA format, follow the author, date method of in-text . This means that the author's last name and the year of publication for the source should appear in the text, e.g., (Jones, 1998), and a complete reference should appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

Why is it important to reference research?

Referencing allows you to acknowledge the contribution of other writers and researchers in your work . Any university assignments that draw on the ideas, words or research of other writers must contain . ... Referencing is a way to provide evidence to support the assertions and claims in your own assignments.

What are two reasons for citing sources?

  • To show your reader you've done proper research by listing sources you used to get your information.
  • To be a responsible scholar by giving credit to other researchers and acknowledging their ideas.
  • To avoid by quoting words and ideas used by other authors.

What are the 4 main reasons you should cite your sources?

  • show proper and thorough research by listing sources used.
  • avoid plagiarism.
  • give readers information necessary to find the sources used.
  • give credit to other researchers, authors, etc.

What happens if you don't cite a source?

When you use the work of others and do not cite the source, you are committing a form of academic dishonesty , even if the assignment is not graded. UNC does not treat the offense of plagiarism lightly; if a violation occurs, the punishment may include one semester of suspension and a failing grade in the class.

What are the three ways to cite a source?

There are three ways to use sources effectively: summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting directly .

Do I need to cite this?

ALWAYS CITE, in the following cases: When you quote two or more words verbatim , or even one word if it is used in a way that is unique to the source. Explanation. When you introduce facts that you have found in a source.

What are the steps in writing a research paper?

  1. Step 1: Identify and develop your topic. ...
  2. Step 2 : Do a preliminary search for information. ...
  3. Step 3: Locate materials. ...
  4. Step 4: Evaluate your sources. ...
  5. Step 5: Make notes. ...
  6. Step 6: Write your paper. ...
  7. Step 7: Cite your sources properly. ...
  8. Step 8: Proofread.

How do you quote a source?

To quote a source, copy a short piece of text word for word and put it inside quotation marks . To paraphrase a source, put the text into your own words. It's important that the paraphrase is not too close to the original wording.

How do you properly cite sources?

The first time you cite a source, it is almost always a good idea to mention its author(s), title, and genre (book, article, or web page, etc.). If the source is central to your work, you may want to introduce it in a separate sentence or two, summarizing its importance and main ideas.

Why is it important to cite proper and valid sources in a research study?

Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves three purposes: It gives proper credit to the authors of the words or ideas that you incorporated into your paper . ... Citing your sources consistently and accurately helps you avoid committing plagiarism in your writing.

Why is it important to use reference materials?

Reference materials are of critical importance in establishing comparability and accuracy of analytical results between different locations and over time . ... Regardless of the application field, the common thread is the assurance of the accuracy and comparability of the results through the use of reference materials.

What makes a good reference in research?

Good referencing includes attention to detail such as correct page numbering, the spelling of author's names and the accuracy of relevant facts that will be stated in the paper . Attention to referencing not only makes you a better researcher but enhances your reputation amongst editors, reviewers and readers.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.