Here's a breakdown of its key elements and purpose:
Elements of a Reference Page Entry:
* Author(s): Last name first, followed by first initial(s).
* Year of Publication: In parentheses.
* Title of the Source: Italicized for books, journals, and websites.
* Publication Information: Depending on the source type, this includes things like publisher, journal name, volume and issue number, page range, website URL, and date accessed.
Purpose of a Reference Page:
* Transparency and Integrity: A reference page demonstrates to your reader that you have conducted proper research and are not presenting the work of others as your own.
* Verification and Further Reading: Provides readers with the information they need to locate and verify your sources. It also allows them to explore further reading on the topic.
* Academic Conventions: Adhering to established citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) is essential for academic writing.
Example of a Reference Page Entry (APA Style):
Book:
Smith, J. (2023). *The history of psychology*. Routledge.
Journal Article:
Jones, A., & Brown, C. (2022). The impact of social media on mental health. *Journal of Social Psychology*, *123*(1), 1-15.
Website:
World Health Organization. (2023). Mental health: Fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-factsheet
Key Points:
* Consistency is Key: Use a consistent style throughout your entire reference page.
* Accuracy is Paramount: Ensure all information is correct and matches your in-text citations.
* Follow Style Guidelines: Adhere to the specific guidelines of the style you are using.
* Reference Managers: Software like Zotero or EndNote can help you manage your citations and create reference pages efficiently.
By including a complete and well-formatted reference page, you contribute to the credibility and transparency of your work.