Your work quality and credibility of your research increases when you properly cite sources. It shows that you know how to conduct research on a topic and find authoritative references that support your view or subject. If you give information about prior studies and research, you can connect it to your own research to emphasize your argument. Using a wide range of sources also gives readers added insight into the topic.
It is easier to follow research in a standard format. If the same style is used in all publications the reader can focus on the content instead of getting distracted by reference and paper formatting. APA style is organized and shows readers exactly where to go if they want to investigate more information on a specific point or statistic.
When you follow APA format readers know what to expect when reading your content and how to refer to your references for followup information. APA instructs writers to include a references list at the end of the paper with the sources organized alphabetically based on the first letter of the author's last name.
Properly citing your references ensures that readers know you derived some information from other sources and gives them credit for conducting and publishing the resource. Plagiarism is a serious offense and may result in getting a failing grade on an assignment, getting fired or getting kicked out of school.