Why Scholars Cite Sources
Why Cite Sources?
Documenting the sources of information used in your research is an essential step, as necessary as selecting, evaluating, and reading them. Reports of research and its findings are not considered valid and legitimate unless the researcher documents the resources and methods used to conduct that research. For a scientist, this entails a detailed account of materials and methods used in the lab or the field. For the social scientist, it may mean including copies of surveys, questionnaires, observations, or other methods used to gather information. For any researcher using verbal or graphic materials, regardless of the medium--print, Internet, film, photographic, microfiche, etc., it means indicating exactly what materials were used and what information came from which source. The purpose of this documentation is to allow other persons interested in the subject of the research to verify information or to carry the inquiry further. Accurately and completely documenting the sources of information used in a research report or essay is therefore essential to the scholarly conversation that is the whole purpose of research.
Styles of Documentation
Different fields of inquiry have developed different styles, or rules, of documentation. Many social sciences and some sciences prefer APA. Some of the other social science social sciences, like education, economics, or political science, prefer Turabian or Chicago style, as do many fields in the humanities, such as classical studies and religion. Scholars of literature tend to prefer MLA style. Scientific writing has many different formats, depending on the discipline. For more information see the "Guides to Scientific Writing" page. You should consult with your professor to determine which style you should use for any project.
UR Online Resources
- University of Richmond Honor Council & the UR Honor Code
The UR Honor Council maintains the University's Honor Code used in order to maintain high standards of academic integrity. This website provides information on the Honor Code Pledge students are required to acknowledge for assignments.
- The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Resources for all things writing and citing in APA and MLA.
- Writing Center - The University of Richmond
The Writing Center provides experienced tutors who offer friendly critiques for written work in any major.
- Writer's Web - The University of Richmond - Writing Center
Writer's Web is a free, public-access handbook that covers help and information for all stages of the writing process.
- Citation Guides for Government Documents
Links to various websites for help with citing government documents and publications.
Online Learning Tutorials from lynda.com
With more than 1,300 courses taught by industry experts—and more added every week—lynda.com is designed for all levels of learners and is available whenever you’re ready to learn. You can even view the resources on your iOS or Android mobile device (via web site or mobile apps).
Current faculty, students, and staff have access to a University subscription of lynda.com resources. Please click the Access lynda.com link. You will then get a UR login page for lynda.com — use your UR NetID and 16-character password before being redirected to lynda.com's web site.
Sample topics: Writing a Research Paper; Excel 2019 Essential Training; Word 2016 Essential Training; Improving Your Memory; Photoshop CC 2017 One-on-One: Fundamentals; Time Management Fundamentals; Programming Foundations: Fundamentals
Examples of MLA Citations
- Library Guide for MLA 9 from UWFVery helpful summary and examples.
- Guide to MLA StyleFrom the Writer's Web.
Paraphrasing
Citing a source from which you have quoted seems pretty straightforward, but most use of research material involves paraphrasing--putting the other author's text into your own words. Doing this legitimately involves genuine mental effort, first to make sure you really understand what was said and then to accurately represent that meaning without using the words of the original author (with the exception of technical terms). The links below suggest some of the most effective way to make sure you are fulfilling that obligation.
- Using ParaphrasesFrom the UR Writer's Web
- How to paraphraseThis page from Mary Baldwin University has a series of useful examples of correct and incorrect paraphrases of a single original sentence.
MLA Quick Citing
Quick citing tools can help you get started, but ALWAYS check the Style Guides for specifics as you are responsible for accurately citing your sources.
(Click on Zotero tab for full Zotero options and Help)
MLA quick cite only. You must register (free) to quick cite with other styles:
- First click the blue “Sign up for EasyBib EDU” button on www.easybib.com/register
- Then enter in the school’s coupon code - UniRichmond210
MLA Citing (McMasters Library)
Avoid Plagiarism
- Did I Plagiarize? ChartFlow chart that defines the types and severity of plagiarism.
