How To Cite Sources In A Research Paper

Citing sources is a key part of academic writing. When you use information or ideas from a book, article, or website, you need to credit the original author with proper citations. This not only gives credit where it’s due but also helps you avoid plagiarism.

Different fields of study use specific citation styles, each with unique rules for formatting. These styles are explained in official guides that provide clear examples and instructions. Here are some of the most common citation styles and where they’re typically used:

• MLA Style: Commonly used in humanities subjects like literature and languages.

• APA Style: Preferred in social sciences, including psychology and education.

• Chicago Style: Often used in history, employing notes and bibliographies.

• Author-Date Format: Frequently used in scientific research.

When to Cite Sources

In academic writing, citing sources is a must. You need to give credit every time you use a source to expand ideas, summarize facts, support arguments, or provide evidence. Here’s when to cite sources in a research paper:

• Quoting or Paraphrasing:

  • When you directly quote a source, use quotation marks around the exact words.

  • When you put the source’s ideas into your own words, it’s called paraphrasing.

Whether quoting or paraphrasing, always include a proper citation to avoid plagiarism. Referencing also shows readers where to find the original material, boosting the credibility of your work.

Don’t forget to cite any materials you use for ideas, examples, or evidence. This includes not only academic sources like books and journals but also websites, videos, reference guides, seminars, and even social media posts.

Choosing the Right Citation Style

Before starting your research paper, check if your professor or journal has specified a citation style. Many universities and academic publications have strict guidelines about which style to use.

If no style is mentioned, pick one that fits your subject area and stick with it throughout your paper. Consistency is key.

• Social Sciences: APA is the go-to style for subjects like psychology, sociology, and education.

• Humanities: MLA is most commonly used in literature, language studies, and arts.

• Other Fields: Medicine, engineering, and law often have their own unique citation styles, like AMA or IEEE.

If you’re unsure, ask your professor or check previously published work in your field. 

In-Text Citations and Full References

Every citation in your research paper includes two main parts:

1. In-text Citation: This is a short reference that appears directly in the text. It typically includes the author's last name and the year of publication, and sometimes a page number, depending on the citation style you use. In some citation styles, like Chicago or IEEE, you might see footnotes, endnotes, or numbers in brackets instead.

2. Full Reference: This appears at the end of your paper, usually in a section called "Works Cited" or "Bibliography." It gives complete details about the source, like the author, title, publisher, and publication date. The specific format will vary depending on the type of source. For example, a book citation will include the publisher's name, while a journal article citation will list the volume, issue, and page numbers.

Each citation style has its rules for handling special situations, such as:

• Multiple authors

• No author name

• No publication date

• No page numbers

• Multiple works by the same author

Frequently Asked Questions About Citing Sources

When do I need to cite sources?
Whenever you write a research paper, essay, or other academic work (except during exams or in-class activities), you need to cite your sources.

You must add a citation whenever you:

• Quote a source directly

• Paraphrase or summarize ideas from a source

Additionally, you should list all source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your paper. The format of your citations will depend on which citation style you're required to use. Common styles include APA, MLA, and Chicago.

When should I use "et al." in citations?
"Et al." is a shorthand for "and others" and is used when a source has multiple authors.

• In APA style, use "et al." for sources with 3 or more authors (e.g., Smith et al., 2019). However, APA does not use "et al." in reference list entries.

• In MLA style, use "et al." for 3 or more authors, both in-text and in the Works Cited section.

• In Chicago style, use "et al." for 4 or more authors in in-text citations, and for 10 or more authors in a bibliography.

Who uses APA style?
APA style is mostly used in the social and behavioral sciences. Fields like education, psychology, and business often require APA format. Be sure to check your university's or publisher’s guidelines to confirm which citation style you need.

Who uses MLA style?
MLA style is popular in the humanities, particularly in subjects like literature, languages, and philosophy. It is widely used by students and researchers in these fields