I. Key Principles:
* Accuracy: Ensure all information (author names, publication dates, titles, page numbers, URLs) is correct. Errors undermine your credibility.
* Consistency: Use the same citation style throughout your entire literature review. Inconsistent formatting is distracting and unprofessional.
* Completeness: Provide all necessary information for a reader to locate the source easily. This includes author(s), date, title, journal/book/website, and more (specific requirements vary by style).
* Attribution: Clearly indicate which ideas, data, or arguments are your own and which belong to other authors. Paraphrasing and summarizing require citations just as direct quotations do. Avoid plagiarism at all costs.
* Contextualization: Don't just list citations; integrate them smoothly into your narrative. Explain how each source relates to your argument and the broader themes of your review.
II. In-Text Citations (within the body of your text):
This shows where you got your information from. The specific format depends on your chosen style guide (see examples below). Generally, you'll include the author's last name and year of publication. Page numbers are often required for direct quotes.
* Example (APA): "Research suggests a strong correlation between stress and cardiovascular disease (Smith, 2023, p. 15)."
* Example (MLA): "Research suggests a strong correlation between stress and cardiovascular disease (Smith 15)."
* Example (Chicago, Author-Date): "Research suggests a strong correlation between stress and cardiovascular disease (Smith 2023, 15)."
Multiple authors:
* 2 authors: (Smith & Jones, 2023)
* 3+ authors: (Smith et al., 2023) (Use "et al." after the first author's name)
III. Reference List/Bibliography (at the end of your review):
This provides complete bibliographic information for every source cited in your literature review. Again, the format varies by style. Here are simplified examples:
* APA (Journal Article):
Smith, J. (2023). Title of article. *Title of Journal*, *Volume*(Issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
* MLA (Book):
Smith, John. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Year.
* Chicago (Author-Date, Book):
Smith, John. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Year.
IV. Specific Style Guides:
Each style guide has its own detailed rules. To ensure accuracy, consult the official style guide for your chosen style. Here are some resources:
* APA Style: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
* MLA Style: MLA Handbook
* Chicago Style: Chicago Manual of Style
V. Citation Management Software:
Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote can help you manage your citations and create your reference list automatically. They are highly recommended, especially for large literature reviews.
VI. Avoiding Plagiarism:
Always properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism. Paraphrasing effectively involves restating the author's ideas in your own words while still giving credit. Direct quotations should be clearly marked with quotation marks and a citation.
In short, meticulous attention to detail and consistent application of your chosen style guide are crucial for producing a credible and well-regarded literature review. Don't hesitate to consult your institution's guidelines or seek help from a librarian or writing center if you need assistance.