1. In-text citations:
* Footnotes: Placed at the bottom of the page, numbered consecutively, and referenced by a superscript number in the text.
* Endnotes: Similar to footnotes but placed at the end of the document.
* Parenthetical citations: Appear within the text, usually including the author's last name and the year of publication.
* Signal phrases: Introduce the source material within the text, often using the author's name and the verb "states," "argues," "suggests," etc.
2. References/Bibliography:
* Reference list: A complete list of all sources cited in the report, usually at the end of the document.
* Bibliography: A list of all sources consulted, regardless of whether they were cited directly in the text.
Example:
In-text citation (parenthetical):
* "The rise of social media has significantly impacted political discourse" (Smith, 2023).
In-text citation (signal phrase):
* According to Smith (2023), the rise of social media has significantly impacted political discourse.
Reference list entry (APA style):
* Smith, J. (2023). The impact of social media on political discourse. *Journal of Communication Studies*, 54(2), 123-145.
Here are some tips for citing sources effectively:
* Be consistent: Use the same citation style throughout your report.
* Be accurate: Double-check all source information, including author names, publication dates, and page numbers.
* Be clear: Use clear and concise language to indicate where the information is coming from.
* Be complete: Include all necessary information for readers to easily find and verify your sources.
* Follow your style guide: Your instructor or publisher will likely have specific requirements for citations, so make sure to follow those guidelines.
Using online citation tools:
Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote can help you manage your sources and create citations automatically. These tools are particularly helpful for formatting citations according to different style guides.
Remember: Proper citation is essential for academic integrity and helps your readers understand the source of your information.