Need more than what you see in this guide?
It's important to cite sources used in research for several reasons:
It strengthens your arguments. Support from data sources or other scholars on your topic, whether you're agreeing or arguing, shows the reader that you've done your homework.
To show the reader you've done proper research, listing sources used to gather information.
You should give credit where credit is due. Others worked hard to create content, and you should appreciate those who've done the work - and to avoid plagiarism.
To allow readers to track down the sources you used by citing them accurately in your work
A citation should be used when content that did not originate with you is used to support your writing.
Content includes:
When in doubt, cite it! You won’t be judged harshly for adding a citation when it isn’t needed. However, skipping a citation (whether intentionally or by accident) is considered plagiarism, which can have serious consequences.
No need to cite things considered common knowledge.
What is common knowledge?
Common knowledge includes information that someone can easily trace and find the answer to. In an academic context, common knowledge will depend on the audience, but here are some basic examples:
There is no one standard citation style. Here are a few tips on selecting and using a style:
Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. As a student at WCU, there are consequences for committing plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional. Here are some resources to help you avoid plagiarism:
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