What is a citation? A citation is a reference to a specific book, periodical or media item. It leads a reader to the source where the information can be found. We need to provide proper citations in order :
- To acknowledge the original authors
- To provide evidence that reports are supported by valid facts
- To avoid accusations of plagiarism
- To serve as a guide for other researchers
According to the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, to “plagiarize” means :
- to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own
- to use (another’s production) without crediting the source
- to commit literary theft
- to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
The following slide is a guide on how you can provide proper citations and give credit to other authors whose work are used to support your arguements in academic writing.