Step 7: Cite What You Find Using a Standard Format
As a researcher, you need to be mindful of documenting your research and citing all of your sources. After the research stage is complete, select an appropriate bibliography format (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago Style, or Turabian) and formally list all of the works used to generate the paper. A bibliography serves two main purposes -- 1) it provides the authors with credit for their work, and 2) it enables readers (e.g., teachers, students, family members) to understand your research and to locate the sources outlined in the reference section. Scholars often build upon the work of previous authors. However, if you neglect to properly document your research and to cite your sources, then you may be accused of plagiarism.
What is plagiarism?
According the the University of Massachusetts Amherst, plagiarism is “knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own work in any academic exercise. This includes submitting without citation, in whole or in part, pre-written term papers of another or the research of another, including but not limited to commercial vendors who sell or distribute such materials” (Umass Amherst Writing Program Policy, 2008).
Plagiarism.Org
The site contains a wealth of information about citation, unintentional plagiarism, and resources to guide you through the research process.
The Center for Academic Integrity
Celmson University hosts the Center of Academic Integrity which contains a wealth of resources for teachers and students about how to avoid plagiarism.
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University
The contains an extensive set of resources and instructional guides for teachers and students. Learn about to use each citation format and to properly document your sources.
- Chicago Manual of Style - Formatting & Style Guide
- Modern Language Association (MLA) Format - Formatting & Style Guide
- American Psychological Association (APA) Format - Formatting & Style Guide
Annotated Bibliographies
An annotated bibliography includes a brief summary and evaluation of each reference along with the citation. The Purdue Owl site also maintains an Annotated Bibliographies Guide. You can find examples on this site along with a guide to preparing such a bibliography.
EasyBib: Write Smart
You can generate a citation in MLA format for free. In order to switch between various styles, users need to purchase a subscription.
Citation Machine: Serving Students & Teachers, K-12, College, and University
It is an online tool that is designed to help students document and format resources. You can register for a free account and then enter your sources.
SourceAid: Citation Builder
You can create and manage citations with Citation Builder.