Why We Cite Sources

Viewing Citation Positively

All too often, we view the process of citing sources as a task that we are forced to complete in order to avoid punishment for plagiarism. In this negative perspective, citation can seem tedious and even meaningless.

Consider citation from a different perspective. Properly citing the sources you use in your research actually adds tremendous value to your work. It should be viewed positively, as an opportunity to:

  1. Acknowledge the work of others (give credit where credit is due).
  2. Add credibility to your own work (showing that experts support your ideas).
  3. Place your work in an academic context (showing that you've done your research).
  4. Help your readers to easily find your sources (so they can verify your claims).

Two Connected Parts

APA citation includes two parts that work together:

  1. An in-text citation is a brief notation (usually within a paragraph, at the end of a sentence) acknowledging that information came from another source. In APA style, an in-text citation is contained inside parentheses (“parenthetical citation”). 
  2. A reference list with more detailed information that enables the reader to find the sources that were used. Every in-text citation must have a matching entry on the reference list. 

Video Overview

Please watch the following video, which discusses the definition, purpose, benefits, and basics of citation:

Additional viewing options: Turn on closed captions with the "CC" button, or use the text transcript Links to an external site. if you prefer to read.

Two Connected Parts Links to an external site. Links to an external site. by Walter D. Butler; Aloha Sargent; and Kelsey Smith is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Links to an external site. 

Video: "Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction Links to an external site." by NCSU Libraries Links to an external site. is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 Links to an external site.