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Mariner Tutorials


Citing Sources

What's In This Module: Giving Credit to Whom It Is Due

When you write a research paper, you must document the sources you used to produce it. When quoting or even paraphrasing another person's idea in your paper, you must give credit to that person so that the reader can find the source you cited.

Sources for which you should provide full citations include books, articles, interviews, Internet sources, government documents, software, videotapes, etc. You cite the sources in the "Bibliography" or "Works Cited" section at the end of your paper.

Keeping Good Records While You Do Your Research

Each style manual (MLA, APA, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.) requires slightly different information be included in your bibliography or works cited, so while you are doing your research, you should be aware of what information you will need to include in your bibliography. Note down the relevant information or keep a printout so that you will have it later.

Your instructor will probably specify which style manual you are to use in your research paper.

Citation Formats for Print and Electronic Resources

The most often-used style manual formats are listed below. You can consult a print version of the manual found in the reference section of the library or link to a web site that gives examples and guidance. Be sure the version (both print and online) that you are using is the most current edition of the style manual as they are updated periodically.

Modern Language Association (MLA) online sites:

The OWL at Purdue: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

Duke University: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/

American Psychological Association (APA) online sites:

The OWL at Purdue: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

Duke University: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/



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