This document provides an introduction to referencing in academic work. It outlines that citations should be used to attribute sources and avoid plagiarism. Citations are in-text references that acknowledge the origins of quoted material, information, diagrams, and other content used unless it is common knowledge or a logical deduction. Quotations should be kept as short as possible and attributed with an in-text citation including the author and date. Citations justify claims, allow others to find more information, and help avoid accidental plagiarism, but references must accurately reflect the sources to avoid misleading the reader.
2. Learning Outcomes
By the end of this seminar you should:
Understand what a citation is.
Recognise when a citation is required.
Recognise appropriate use of quotation in
academic work
Understand a range of purposes of citations.
3. Citations (The in-text reference)
In academic work, the writer should inform the
reader of the source of their information.
This should occur as close to the point at which
the material is used as possible.
The writer should place a reference to the
original material within the text.
References placed within the text is called a citation.
4. Using Citations
Citations should show who originated:
All quoted material.
All information used,
(even when it is in your own words).
Diagrams.
In other words - everything, unless:
It is common knowledge.
It is the product of logical deduction.
5. Quotations
Use As few as possible.
Keep them As short as possible.
Less than three lines:
“place in inverted comma’s”.
More than three lines:
It has to be a separate paragraph
indented on the left with a clear line
above and below.
They do not demonstrate
your understanding
Don’t forget the citation
(Sandland, 2018).
7. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as:
“The unauthorized use or close imitation of the
language and thoughts of another author and
the representation of them as one's own original
work.” (Dictionary.com)
Unreferenced work is plagiarism
Referenced quotations that do not look like
quotations is plagiarism.
8. Beware:
Plagiarism can happen by accident especially if you:
1. Read the source material.
2. Copy out useful passages into your notes.
3. Read your notes as you write the report.
You keep reading the same words.
You will remember the words when you write.
You risk quoting the original material without
knowing it.
9. Acknowledging the source.
An essential requirement for academic work.
It is a Breach of Regulations to:
Present material as a quotation but not
acknowledge the originator
Quote material or make slight alterations to the
original without presenting it as a quotation.
Even if it is correctly cited
11. Justifying your answer.
Citations help to differentiate between
opinion / hearsay and established concepts.
Academic work should stand up to criticism:
Established concepts have already withstood the
test.
Citations add quality to your work.
12. Justifying the Answer
We could compare creating a report from
secondary material with building a wall
But walls are only secure when the mortar
is in place
13. Me
Justifying the Answer
Descartes Bacon Newton
Schumpeter Heller Porter
Druker Hoffman
Einste
hman
Me
With Academic work, the ‘mortar’ is the proof
that the work is based upon reliable research.
14. Providing more information
Citations tell the reader where you found
information.
This can help the reader extend their research.
You could use the references in documents you
find in a similar way.
15. The danger of the short cut
Referencing material can be tedious,
but beware of the short cut…
16. What is wrong with this?
Atelier Chiang Mai’s sales are poor because their
store windows need updating (Nicasio, 2018).
Reference list
Nicasio, F.(2018) “Vend” 17 Proven Ways to Drive
Foot Traffic to Your Retail Store. Available at
https://www.vendhq.com/blog/foot-traffic-retail-
store/ (Accessed 13.11.21)
17. Problems:
Atelier Chiang Mai is a factory, not a retailer.
Increasing footfall does not necessarily increase
sales.
The citation is not to the right document.
It does not refer to Atelier Chiang Mai.
It does not state the better window will increase sales.
It artificially enhances the apparent quality of
the work.
18. How did we arrive at that?
Time pressure?
Leads to short cuts.
1. Write what you think is right.
2. Find a reference to something that says roughly the
same thing.
BUT
Without reading the document there is no
step to check that you are right.
19. Good practice
Allocate plenty of time.
Read relevant materials.
Take notes – and note the source.
Then when you write up your work:
You have well researched materials.
You have the citations on hand.
For guidance with your referencing technique:
https://www.citethemrightonline.com/
20. We have
Defined the citation.
Recognised when a citation is required.
Recognised appropriate use of quotation in
academic work
Understand a range of purposes of citations.