Why & When to Cite

In U.S. academia, everything in your paper is assumed to be your original work unless you indicate that the information was created by someone else by citing it. Beyond academic honesty, citations serve critical functions in academic writing. First, they illustrate the writer's familiarity and comfort with the published work related to the questions they are investigating. All research is built on the shoulders of the evidence provided by the studies that precede it. When we cite someone, we allow their voice to be heard and recognized. When we plagiarize, we erase their rightful place in academia. Second, a review of this literature allows the researcher to position their own work within these studies so that the audience better understands why their work matters and what important evidence it will add to a coherent body of literature.

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When writing an academic paper, you may hesitate on when it is appropriate to cite a source. A good rule is to provide a citation for any idea that is not your own. This includes:

• Direct quotations,
• Paraphrasing a quotation, passage, or idea,
• Summary of another's idea or research,
• Specific reference to an obscure fact, figure, or phrase.

You do not need to cite widely-accepted common knowledge or common phrases unless you are using a direct quotation. When in doubt, cite your source.

Reflect

What has been your experience with understanding citation conventions, formatting citations and using different citation styles? In what areas do you feel comfortable? In what areas do you wish to learn more? Keep in mind your strengths and needs as you continue this module.