1. Formal Interviews/Surveys
* Direct Quotes: Use quotation marks, and cite the person's name, title (if applicable), and the date of the interview/survey.
* Example: "I believe education is the key to solving many of our problems," said Dr. Jones, professor of sociology, in a 2023 interview.
* Paraphrased Information: Cite the source using the person's name and date of the interview/survey.
* Example: Dr. Jones, a sociology professor, stressed the importance of education in solving societal problems during a 2023 interview.
2. Informal Conversations/Personal Communication
* Direct Quotes: Use quotation marks, and include the person's name, the date of the conversation, and the phrase "personal communication." This information usually goes in the body of your paper, not in a formal reference list.
* Example: "I've seen a significant change in student attitudes this year," remarked Ms. Smith, a high school teacher, in a personal conversation on March 10, 2023.
* Paraphrased Information: Cite the person's name, the date of the conversation, and "personal communication."
* Example: Ms. Smith, a high school teacher, noted a shift in student attitudes during a personal conversation on March 10, 2023.
3. Public Figures/Experts
* Public Statements: If the source is a publicly available statement (e.g., a press release, speech, interview published in a reputable news source), cite it as you would any other document.
* Example: The Mayor stated in a press conference on July 15, 2023, that "the city is committed to improving public transportation." (Source: City Hall Press Release, July 15, 2023).
4. Online Sources (Social Media, Blogs)
* Avoid using social media or blog posts as primary sources for academic work. These sources may be biased, lack credibility, or have questionable accuracy. If you must use them, treat them cautiously and cite them as you would any other online source.
* Example: In a recent tweet, the author @JohnDoe argued that "the new policy will have negative consequences." (Source: Twitter, @JohnDoe, July 18, 2023).
Important Considerations
* Permission: If you are quoting someone directly, it's generally good practice to ask for their permission, especially if the quote is potentially sensitive or could be misconstrued.
* Objectivity: Always strive for objectivity when presenting information from human sources. Be clear about the context of the information and any potential biases.
* Ethical Concerns: Be mindful of privacy issues when using information from human sources. Avoid revealing personal details unless it's absolutely necessary and with the individual's consent.
Let me know if you have any more specific questions about how to cite a particular type of human source!