Citations/Documentations in Academic Works by Ofor-Ofor

Citations/Documentations

There are many types of citations styles like APA, Chicago, MLA, Turbian styles, etc. But the American Psychological Association (APA style) is the mostly commonly used style for research report especially in the social sciences. This is also known as triple entry style. We are going to treat it in details under reference.

This style is periodically reviewed by the association in its publication (the Manual of the American Psychological Association). The latest edition is sixth edition published in 2010.

Reasons for citing or documenting sources?

As stated in the sixth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2010), when writing a paper, we often build upon the information and ideas of others. When information is borrowed from others, we must give them credit. APA requires that information be cited in two different ways namely:

1. Within the text (in-text citation) and
2. in a reference list at the end of the paper.

The reference list should be on a new page; double spaced, using the hanging indent method (all lines after the first one are indented). According to the Manual, citing sources accomplishes the following:

1. Provides a way to give proper credit to the sources used in writing the paper.
2. Enables the reader to find the information for themselves.
3. Adds credibility and provides strength for your arguments.

When to Cite or Document Sources?
According to the APA Manual (2010), credit must be given whenever:

1. Quoting from a source (copying from the source word for word).
2. Summarizing or rephrasing information from a source into one's own words.