How to Cite Sources for a Research Paper and Worksheet

The procedure for citing sources on a research paper varies depending upon the discipline in which you are writing and the preferences of your instructor. Always check with your instructor for specific guidelines. The two most common formats for citations are those published by the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). MLA style is most often used in the arts and humanities, while APA style is most often used in the natural and social sciences.

Instructions

  1. Citing Sources in MLA Style

    • 1

      Place in-text citations in parentheses whenever you use a direct quote or paraphrase information from a specific source. These parenthetical citations should fall within the sentence, before the closing punctuation. Include the last name of the source's author and the page number from which the information was taken, separated by a space. For example: (Smith 268).

    • 2

      Create a "Works Cited" page at the end of the paper or worksheet, offering more information on each source. Organize the Reference List alphabetically by author last name.

    • 3

      Each entry should include the name of the author or editor, the title (in italics), the place of publication, the name of the publisher, and the date of publication, using the following format:

      Smith, John. How to Write a Research Paper. New York: Publisher Name, 2009.

    Citing Sources in APA Style

    • 4

      Place in-text citations in parentheses whenever you use a direct quote or paraphrase information from a specific source. These parenthetical citations should fall within the sentence, before the closing punctuation. Include the last name of the source's author and the year of publication, separated by a comma. For example: (Smith, 2009).

    • 5

      Create a Reference List or Bibliography at the end of the paper or worksheet, offering more information on each source. Organize the Reference List alphabetically by author last name.

    • 6

      Each entry should include the name of the author or editor, the date of publication, the title (in italics), the place of publication, and the name of the publisher, using the following format:

      Smith, John (2009). How to write a research paper. New York: Publisher Name.

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