Why Citations Matter

There are many reasons why it is important to cite the resources that you consult when researching a paper. The most important of these are:

• Gives credit to authors whose works you have used (whether you quote them or not).
• Provides a trail by which others can locate the materials you consulted.
• Provides evidence of your research.
• Properly citing materials is one strategy to help you avoid plagiarizing.

Choosing a Citation Style

Which citation style you should use depends upon the subject area of the class and the preferences of your professor. There are three major citation styles:

• American Psychological Association Style (APA) - the most common style in the social sciences (psychology, education, sociology etc.)
• Chicago (or Turabian) Style - commonly used in the humanities (history, philosophy, and etc.)
• Modern Language Association Style (MLA) - used in English and in some other disciplines in the humanities

In addition to these 3, many disciplines have their own citation styles; check with your professors to be sure which style you should be using.

What is Plariarism?

Plagiarism is using another person's work without giving them credit.

At UVM plagiarizing, whether intentional or by accident, is a violation of the Code of Academic Intergrity (PDF).

Easy ways to avoid plagiarizing:

• Never cut and paste material into a paper.
• Cite your sources.