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Check out our new and improved Citations Guide. The new guide has expand details, information, and examples! As always, if you need assistance with citations our librarians are happy to help through tutoring or Ask a Librarian.
A research paper includes ideas and facts gathered from other sources. As you write your paper, you will summarize, paraphrase, or quote directly from these sources.
The process of acknowledging the sources you use is also known as citing your sources. Why should you cite? According to the Kentucky Virtual Library, citing your sources:
Every time you quote or paraphrase someone else’s work, you must tell us:
You give us this information in two places:
1. In the paragraph where you are quoting or paraphrasing. This is called a In-Text Citation because you will put brief information about the work in parentheses.
2. In the Works Cited or References page at the end of the paper. This is where you put all of the information we need to find a copy of the works you used in your paper.
Compare the differences and similarities between MLA and APA:
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MLA |
Similarities |
APA |
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Internationally accepted format for academic papers in the humanities. Developed by the Modern Language Association. |
Entire document is double spaced, 12 point font (Times New Roman or Calibri preferred).
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Internationally accepted format for academic papers in the Social Sciences (esp. psychology) Developed by the American Psychological Association.
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Header includes author last name and page number, at the top right margin.
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Header includes a running title and page number (title on left, page number on right). |
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Works cited page (separate page at end of paper) includes all information cited in the paper (whether direct quotes, paraphrases, or summaries). |
Hanging indent used on Reference page (APA) or Works Cited page (MLA).
Entries are arranged alphabetically. |
A reference page (separate page at end of paper) includes all information referenced in the paper (whether direct quotes, paraphrases, or summaries).
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In-text citations alert the reader to information from an outside source.
Example: Miranda interprets the story of Alexander Hamilton through the lens of twenty-first century cultural norms and music (72).
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SEPI: Signal phrase to introduce material, Evidence (the material from the source), Parenthetical citation (the reference or citation) Interpret material from sources and connect it to your thesis. |
In-text citations alert the reader to information from an outside source.
Example: Miranda interprets the story of Alexander Hamilton through the lens of twenty-first century cultural norms and music (2016).
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Long quotes (4 or more lines in the final printed version of document) are indented in a block.
Block quotes do not require quotation marks. Use quotation marks for shorter quotes.
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Use quotes judiciously. The majority of the words in your paper should be your own words. |
Long quotes (40 or more words) are indented in a block.
Block quotes do not require quotation marks. Use quotation marks for shorter quotes. |
If you ever need help with writing citations, stop by the Learning Commons for free tutoring. You can also call, text, email or chat through Ask a Librarian.
The sites below either generate citations or serve as introductions to citation styles.
