More Help with APA

Updated: January 2019 to make certain consistency for students, modifications to citation examples were created only between semesters.

Why do we need to cite, anyway?

  • You give credit towards the original authors/sources of information and steer clear of plagiarism
  • Your readers can quickly access your sources that are original
  • You add credibility to your assignments and help prove your arguments.

Colleges/Universities, subject areas and professions select and employ a standard method of citation. Make sure to consult with your Professor on what method to use.

If you think about it, much of the data that goes into a paper or article can be organized into three groups: “common knowledge” “my ideas”, and “other people’s ideas”. By understanding these combined groups, we are able to see why citations matter inside our work.

Let’s focus on common knowledge, which consists of well established and facts that are reliable. For example, George Washington being the first US president is an existing fact present in many different reliable sources. Per year having 365 days can be considered knowledge that is common.

Next, let’s consider “my ideas”. This group comprises of your personal thoughts, opinions, conclusions, and analysis of the topic. It would also fall into this category if you are conducting your own original research.

And lastly, there are various other people’s ideas – and these deserve care that is special. Once we research a subject, we’re likely to get and borrow information that is helpful discoveries that came through the work of specific individuals or organizations whose work was published in reputable books, journals, articles and websites. “Other people’s ideas” also include quotes off their writing that support or debate points that you’re making. A project or paper can include all three types of information.

While well known along with your ideas don’t usually need special treatment, when other people’s ideas are incorporated into your paper, readers do must know.

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