6. Guide to Referencing in Academic Writing

1. Understand the Citation Style:Different academic disciplines use specific citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard). Identify the required citation style for your assignment or consult your instructor.
2. Create a Reference List:Compile a separate page at the end of your document titled “References,” “Works Cited,” or a similar term, depending on the citation style.
3. Collect Source Information:Gather essential details for each source, including the author(s), title, publication date, publication source, and page numbers or by the use of a Software. For online sources, include the URL or DOI.
4. Book Citations:For books, include the author(s), title, publisher, and publication year. Format it according to the citation style guidelines.
5. Journal Article Citations:Include the author(s), article title, journal name, volume, issue, page range, and publication year for journal articles.
6. Website Citations:For websites, include the author(s), page title, site name, URL, and access date if applicable. Follow the citation style for formatting.
7. In-text Citations:Place in-text citations within the body of your text to acknowledge the source of specific information or ideas. Follow the style’s guidelines for formatting (e.g., (Author, Year) or Author (Year)).
8. Citing Multiple Authors:Different citation styles handle multiple authors differently. Understand the conventions for citing two or more authors (e.g., et al. for more than two authors).
9. Quotations:When directly quoting a source, include the page number in your in-text citation. Ensure that the quote is accurate and properly enclosed in quotation marks.
10. Electronic Sources:Include all relevant information for online sources, such as the URL or DOI. Follow the guidelines for formatting electronic citations in your chosen style.
11. Keep Consistent Formatting:Maintain consistency throughout your document. Ensure that your citations are formatted according to the selected style, including punctuation, italics, and capitalization.
12. Check Citation Style Guides:Look upon the VGU library website, there are available guides (e.g., APA Manual, MLA Handbook) for specific rules and examples. These guides provide detailed instructions for citing various sources.
13. Use Citation Tools:Consider using citation management tools like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley to automate the citation process and manage your references efficiently.
14. Proofread Your References:Before submitting your work, carefully review your reference list to ensure accuracy and adherence to the chosen citation style.
15. Seek Help:If in doubt, consult your instructor, LCFY/CEHE, or online resources for clarification on specific citation issues.

Bibliography

Curtin University. (n.d.). Library | Curtin University, Perth, Australia. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.curtin.edu.au/library/

Purdue University. (n.d.). Research and Citation Resources—Purdue OWL®—Purdue University. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html

Zotero. (n.d.). Zotero | Your personal research assistant. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.zotero.org/


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