Works Cited:
* Only lists sources directly cited within the text.
* Focuses on the sources that directly support the arguments and information presented in the paper.
* Usually appears at the end of a research paper, essay, or other academic work.
Bibliography:
* Lists all sources consulted for the project, regardless of whether they were directly cited in the text.
* Includes materials that were helpful in the research process but may not have been directly quoted or paraphrased.
* Can include books, articles, websites, interviews, and other relevant resources.
Here's a simple analogy:
Think of a works cited list as a "shopping list" of ingredients used in a recipe. You only list the ingredients you actually put in the dish.
A bibliography is like a "pantry list" of all the ingredients you had available. It includes all the items in your pantry, even if you didn't use them for the specific recipe.
In summary:
* Works cited: Only sources used in the text
* Bibliography: All sources consulted, even if not directly cited
Which one to use?
* Follow the instructions given by your instructor or the style guide you are using. Different disciplines and academic institutions have different preferences.
* If in doubt, it's generally safer to err on the side of providing a bibliography. This ensures that your reader has access to all the resources you consulted, even if they weren't directly cited in the text.