What are citations?

If you’ve used any information while writing your paper, you are obligated to cite your sources! Academic institutions require this for several reasons: 

• Traceability: Citations help readers follow the trail of information you’ve used.

• Credit: You give proper acknowledgment to the original authors whose work you relied on.

• Academic Collaboration: Citations allow information systems to analyse connections between authors and topics. 

• Credibility: Citing demonstrates that your work is based on proven sources.

Citations appear in two main sections: within the text and in the bibliographic section. The format in which you cite is known as a “style,” and there are thousands of citation styles to choose from. The style you use depends on the requirements of your instructor, the journal in which you’re publishing, or the organization funding your research.

Proper citations: the key to avoiding plagiarism

Incorrect citations can delay the approval or publication of your work. Poorly formatted citations reflect a lack of professionalism, reduce trust in your work, and make it harder for others to trace your sources quickly and efficiently. 

Failing to cite at all—or citing inappropriately—can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which is the act of using someone else’s work without proper credit. This harms your academic integrity and can result in serious consequences, in some cases, legal action for copyright infringement.

Plagiarism can take many forms, including:

• Copying someone else’s exact words without attribution. 

• Using ideas, data, or other content without giving credit. 

Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional, often occurring when proper citation practices are not followed.