5. CITING


💡 Citing is the way you tell your readers that certain materials in your work came from other sources and gives your readers the necessary information to find these sources again. It is a crucial aspect of academic writing, as it not only acknowledges the work of others but also adds credibility and integrity to your own arguments.

a) In-text citations

Whenever you use information, ideas, or direct quotes from a source, include an in-text citation within the body of your assignment. This citation should include the author’s last name (or the name of the organization), the publication year, and page number (for direct quotes) if applicable. 

  • Example (APA Style): According to Smith (2019), “direct quotes should always be accompanied by page numbers” (p. 25).
  • Example (MLA Style): “Direct quotes should always be accompanied by page numbers” (Smith 25).

Note:
If you are citing Secondary Sources (a source that you found cited within another source), make sure to indicate this in your citation. Provide the original author’s name and publication information, followed by “as cited in” and then the name of the source you actually consulted.



b) Citation techniques and forms

Quoting
When directly quoting a source, reproduce the exact words of the author within quotation marks. Immediately following the quote, include an in-text citation with the author’s last name, publication year, and page number.

  • Example (APA): “According to Smith (2019), ‘direct quotes should always be accompanied by page numbers’ (p. 25).”
  • Example (MLA): “According to Smith, ‘direct quotes should always be accompanied by page numbers’ (25).”

Summarizing
Summarizing involves expressing information from sources in your own words, aiming to condense longer arguments into shorter statements that capture the core ideas or essence.

Unlike paraphrasing, summarizing provides a brief overview rather than a detailed re-enactment, similar to recounting a movie to a friend.

Paraphrasing
If you are paraphrasing information from a source (i.e. putting it into your own words), you still need to provide an in-text citation. Even though you are not using the exact words, you are still drawing on someone else’s ideas or research.

Synthesizing 
Synthesizing means combining information from different sources to create a unified understanding of a topic. It involves integrating diverse perspectives, identifying common themes, and providing your own analysis. This approach helps to present a comprehensive view and develop new insights.



c) Information prominent citations vs author prominent citations

Information Prominent Citations
Author Prominent Citations
EmphasisEmphasis on the information being cited rather than the author
Emphasis on highlighting the author(s) of the source being cited
Example“According to recent studies (Smith et al., 2020), the effects of climate change on biodiversity are becoming increasingly evident.”“As argued by renowned psychologist Erik Erikson (1950), identity formation is a crucial aspect of adolescent development.”



d) Citation software

Citation software aids in accurate citation of sources, ensuring proper attribution, and upholding academic integrity to prevent plagiarism-related issues.


Both Zotero (a freely available software) and EndNote (licensed by VGU) are valuable tools that assist in citation management. If you need help with insralling using these tools, refer to our Tutorials for guidance or contact us.


Citation-Referencing skill training

Registration for online/on-site sessions | Free Information Skill Courses

Bibliography

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

Vietnamese German University Library. (n.d.). Citation & Referencing—VGU Library. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://library.vgu.edu.vn/citation-referencing/

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