In-text citation (also known as parenthetical citation) refers to the brief information provided within the text of a paper to identify the source of information. It appears in parentheses at the appropriate place in the text and typically includes the last name of the author(s) and the publication year. For example: (Smith, 2023).
Purpose of In-text Citation:
- Gives credit to the original author for their ideas or information
- Allows readers to quickly identify the source of information
- Provides a way for readers to verify and locate the source
Format of In-text Citation (varies based on citation style):
- Author's last name and publication year: (Smith, 2023)
- Author's last name, publication year, and page number (if specific page is cited): (Smith, 2023, p. 12)
- Multiple authors: (Smith & Jones, 2023)
- No author: (2023)
Reference List:
A reference list (sometimes called "References" or "Works Cited") is a complete list of all the sources cited in the paper. It is placed at the end of the paper and follows a specific format depending on the citation style used (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Purpose of Reference List:
- Provides complete information about the sources used in the paper
- Allows readers to easily find and access the original sources
- Ensures proper attribution and avoids plagiarism
Format of Reference List (varies based on citation style):
- Author's last name, first initial(s), publication year, book/article title, publication information (publisher, journal name, volume, issue, page numbers, etc.).
In summary, in-text citations are brief references within the text that direct readers to the sources of information. On the other hand, the reference list is a comprehensive list of all sources used in the paper, providing detailed information for further reference. Both in-text citations and the reference list are crucial for acknowledging sources, ensuring academic integrity, and enabling readers to explore and verify the information presented in a written work.