Here's why:
* Disciplinary Conventions: Different academic fields have their own established conventions for citing sources and formatting papers. For example, humanities disciplines like English literature might favor MLA style, while social sciences like psychology might prefer APA style. Sciences like biology and chemistry often use their own specific styles.
* Specific Course Requirements: Even within the same discipline, individual professors may have specific preferences or requirements for citation and formatting. It's always best to check your course syllabus or ask your professor for guidance.
* Publication Standards: Different journals and publications within a discipline may also have their own style guidelines for citations and formatting.
Therefore, it's crucial to always check the specific instructions for each class or assignment to determine the appropriate citation and formatting style.