The purpose of citation.
WHAT REFERENCING DOES
Attributes ideas to their originators Allows readers to verify claims Shows the basis of your argument Demonstrates engagement with the field
WHY IT IS TAKEN SO SERIOUSLY
Knowledge depends on being able to trace claims.
WHAT FAILING TO REFERENCE IMPLIES
That the idea is yours.
WHAT THAT IS
Plagiarism, whether intended or not.
WHAT REQUIRES A REFERENCE
Direct quotation Paraphrase of someone's idea Data from a source An argument you encountered elsewhere An image, table or figure
WHAT DOES NOT
Common knowledge in the field Your own original analysis
WHAT COUNTS AS COMMON KNOWLEDGE
What any informed reader would know without a source.
WHAT TO DO WHEN UNSURE
Reference it.
WHY
There is no penalty for over-referencing, and a serious one for the reverse.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Which style your institution requires.
WHAT TO APPLY
That style, consistently.
