1. In-text Citations: These briefly identify the source within the body of your report, allowing the reader to easily locate the full details in the bibliography. They typically include:
* Author's last name and year of publication: (Smith, 2023). This is common in many styles.
* Page number(s): (Smith, 2023, p. 12). Required for direct quotes and sometimes for paraphrases depending on the style.
* Specific location within a website or online document: If citing a webpage without pagination, you might use a paragraph number or section heading.
The exact format differs greatly between styles. For example:
* MLA: (Smith 12).
* APA: (Smith, 2023, p. 12).
* Chicago (Notes and Bibliography): A superscript number in the text links to a numbered footnote or endnote providing the full citation.
2. Bibliography or Works Cited Page: This is a separate page at the end of your report that lists all the sources you cited. Each entry provides complete information, allowing the reader to find and verify the source. This includes:
* Author(s): Last name, First initial.
* Title of the work: Italicized for books, journals, etc.
* Publication information: Publisher, date of publication, journal volume and issue (if applicable), URL (for online sources), DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
The specific elements and their order vary drastically between citation styles.
Different Types of Sources Require Different Approaches:
* Books: Author, title, publisher, publication date.
* Journal Articles: Author, article title, journal title, volume number, issue number, page numbers, date of publication, DOI or URL.
* Websites: Author (if available), article title (if available), website title, URL, date accessed.
* Interviews: Interviewee name, date of interview, method of interview (e.g., in person, phone).
* Personal Communication: Generally not included in the bibliography, but may be noted parenthetically in text (e.g., J. Smith, personal communication, October 26, 2023).
Why is proper source citation important?
* Avoids plagiarism: Gives credit to the original authors and prevents academic dishonesty.
* Supports your claims: Provides evidence for your arguments and increases the credibility of your report.
* Allows readers to verify your information: Enables readers to check your sources and assess the reliability of your research.
In summary, accurate and consistent source information is crucial for a credible and ethical report. Always consult a style guide (such as the MLA Handbook or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association) for specific formatting requirements.