Mastering Citations in 3 Easy Steps

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Plagiarism
3. Identifying Information that Must be Cited
4. The Basics of Citation
   • Step 1: Making Good Choices
   • Step 2: Giving In-Text Credit
   • Step 3: Providing an End-of-Text Citation
5. Quoting
6. Paraphrasing
7. Summarizing
8. In-Text Citations
9. End-of-Text Citations
10. Different Citation Formats
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to the third part of the video series on using and citing sources correctly. In this video, we will focus on the basics of citation. By the end of this video, you will have a clear understanding of how to give proper credit to source information.

Understanding Plagiarism

Before we dive into the details of citation, let's briefly review the concept of plagiarism. Plagiarism can be avoided when writers recognize what types of information should be cited. While factual information or common knowledge does not need to be cited, any other research or borrowed idea should be properly credited. Giving proper credit for source information, whether it is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, will help writers avoid plagiarism and gain credibility.

Identifying Information that Must be Cited

In order to effectively cite sources, it is crucial to make good choices about when to quote, paraphrase, or summarize. When you come across source information that needs to be credited, you must decide how to integrate it into your work. Quoting is the act of using exact words from a source, which can be done when the information is phrased in a powerful way or when it comes directly from an expert. However, quotes should be used sparingly to avoid making the writing sound choppy. Paraphrasing, on the other hand, involves restating the information using your own words and sentence structure while maintaining the original meaning. Summarizing is the act of condensing a longer passage or piece of work into key ideas. It is important to use your own words and sentence structure when summarizing.

The Basics of Citation

To give proper credit to source information, writers follow a basic three-step process.

Step 1: Making Good Choices

The first step in the citation process is to make good choices about how to use source information. This involves deciding whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize the information. Each of these methods has its own advantages and should be chosen based on the context and purpose of your writing.

Step 2: Giving In-Text Credit

In order to signal to readers that source information is being used, it is important to provide in-text credit. This can be done through the use of signal phrases and parenthetical citations. Signal phrases introduce the source and its credibility to the readers, while parenthetical citations provide brief information within parentheses. In-text citations may vary depending on the citation format being used, but their main purpose is to give credit to the original source.

Step 3: Providing an End-of-Text Citation

The final step in the citation process is to provide an end-of-text citation. This involves including a list of the sources used in your work at the end of the document. This list, also known as a bibliography page or works cited page, should be properly formatted and provide detailed publication information for each source. The format of the end-of-text citation may vary depending on the citation style being used, but it is essential in properly crediting the sources used in your work.

Quoting

Quoting is the act of using exact words from a source in your writing. This can be done when the information is phrased in a powerful way or when it comes directly from an expert. When quoting, it is important to use quotation marks and copy the information exactly as it appears in the original source. However, quotes should be used sparingly to avoid making the writing sound choppy. It is also important to note that simply copying information from a source may not convey your understanding of the material, so it is important to use quotes judiciously and always provide proper in-text and end-of-text citations.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing involves restating the information from a source using your own words and sentence structure while maintaining the original meaning. Paraphrasing is a skill that takes time to develop and may require multiple revisions. It is important to remember that changing only a word or two from a passage in a source is not considered an effective paraphrase and can still be considered plagiarism. To paraphrase effectively, it is crucial to understand the material and express it in your own words, without changing the core ideas conveyed by the original source.

Summarizing

Summarizing is the act of condensing a longer passage or piece of work into key ideas. When summarizing, only the most important points are presented, while the unnecessary details are omitted. It is crucial to use your own words and sentence structure when summarizing, while still capturing the main ideas of the original source. Summarizing is a valuable skill as it allows you to provide a concise overview of a longer piece of work, focusing on the key information that is relevant to your own writing.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations are essential in giving proper credit to source information. They serve as a signal to readers that researched information is being used in your writing. In-text citations can take different forms depending on the citation format being used. However, in every case, the in-text reference should include a signal phrase to introduce the source and provide the necessary information for readers to locate the source. In-text citations can vary in format and style, but their purpose remains the same: to acknowledge the use of source information.

End-of-Text Citations

At the end of your document, it is important to include a list of the sources you used in your work. This list, often referred to as a bibliography page or works cited page, provides readers with the bibliographical information they need to locate and consult the sources cited in your work. The end-of-text citations should be properly formatted and contain detailed publication information for each source. Depending on the citation format being used, the format of the end-of-text citations may differ. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the citation style being used to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Different Citation Formats

There are different citation formats used in academic writing, such as MLA, APA, and Chicago style. Each format has its own rules and guidelines for citation. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the citation format being used in your field of study. A handbook or online reference site can be a valuable resource in identifying the formatting variations for different citation styles. One useful online handbook is Purdue University's Online Writing Center, which provides detailed information and examples for various citation formats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, giving proper credit to source information is essential in academic writing. Understanding when and how to quote, paraphrase, or summarize, as well as providing in-text and end-of-text citations, demonstrates your respect for intellectual property and enhances the credibility of your work. By following the three-step process of citation, you can effectively acknowledge the contributions of others while maintaining the integrity of your own writing. Remember to always consult the appropriate citation style guide and seek guidance from your instructor or the academic success center if you have any questions or need further assistance in using and citing sources correctly.