General Citation Guide
Why do we have to cite sources anyway?
Every formal research paper includes a list of bibliographic citations describing the books, articles and any other sources used. This list gives credit to those whose ideas you have referred to or quoted, and provides the necessary information your readers may need to find further information on the topic. Not to mention, if you fail to cite your sources, you will be guilty of plagiarism!
Why are there so many different types of citation styles?
Out in the real world, different fields of study use different citation styles. Therefore in high school, we want to familiarize our students with these various citation styles. Typically historians use Chicago Style citation, journalists use MLA and psychologists use APA.
What is the point of a parenthetical citation or footnote?
OK, we admit it....parenthetical citations and footnotes can be confusing and annoying! However they do serve a purpose. Parenthetical citations direct your reader to the exact source a particular piece of information comes from. Footnotes serve the same purpose by letting readers know which source certain facts or quotes come from.
What if I can't find all the required information for a source?
Sometimes this can happen, especially with websites (i.e.: the author's name or the date of the last update is missing). It's OK! If you can't find one or two pieces of information, skip that piece and move on to the next. If you are missing more information than that, you should probably re-evaluate this source! Remember, a credible source will usually want to take credit for his or her own research and will post all the necessary citation information so other researchers can cite their website completely and accurately.
*When conducting your research, begin citing your sources at the very start. Cite each source AS you are using it so you do not have to back-track later!
**Remember there are always "exceptions to the rule" so if you're confused come see me. Good luck! Mrs. J.
