This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about citations. It addresses questions such as which citation style to use for different academic disciplines, why citations are important, how to incorporate sources into writing, when a citation is needed, and how to determine if a source is credible. Guidance is offered on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing sources, and what to do if information is missing from a source. Contact information is also provided for getting additional help with citations.

1. These are real
questions from
students.
Here are the
answers.
FAQ & ANSWERS:
CITATIONS

2.  Check your assignment!
 Check with your instructor!
 If all else fails…
 Modern Language Association: English and some Humanities (Foreign
Language and Literatures, Literary Criticism, Comparative Literature,
Cultural Studies, etc.)
 American Psychological Association: Sciences, Social Sciences
(Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Criminology), Business, Nursing
 Chicago/Turabian: History
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT STYLE TO USE?

3.  Tradition and discipline expectations
 Different citation styles have developed over time to address the
specific needs of different disciplines.
 Citation styles are similar to each other, but each citation style
conforms to what is respected and accepted by the professionals in
the field.
 Using the discipline-preferred style helps your reader
“decipher the code” of your source list
 Your reader may not be in the same field as you, or may not have the
same knowledge as you. If you use the proper style, your reader will
be able to reference the style guidelines without question and be
able to locate your sources.
WHY USE THE PROPER STYLE?

4.  Gives credit to the sources of information and ideas
 Helps your reader to locate the resources you used, if they’d
like to follow up
 Provides evidence of your research
 Assists in avoiding unintentional plagiarism
 Looks professional
WHY USE CITATIONS?

5.  A well-written paper will have: quotes, paraphrases, &
summaries
 Support and credibility
 Multiple viewpoints
 Provide emphasis by using author’s own words
 Intermix sources with your own words, analysis, thoughts, &
ideas
 Be sure your paper is still in your own voice!
HOW SHOULD I INCORPORATE SOURCES?

6.  Direct quote use the exact words of the author
 Keep your quotes short!
 Only quote what is needed—leave everything else out.
 You CAN directly quote a part of the passage, but you cannot change
the meaning of the original words.
 Use quotes when only when needed
 Try for two lines of analysis per direct quote
HOW OFTEN CAN I QUOTE?

7.  You can remove excess information from direct quotes as long
as you DO NOT change the meaning of the quote.
 Use brackets [] to make a change such as “he” to the name
 Original: According to her,
 Changed: According to [Brittany Dudek],
 Use … to indicate where what you’ve omitted part of the
quote.
 George Washington, the first President of the United States, stated
 George Washington … stated
CAN I CHANGE A QUOTE?

8.  Rephrase ideas in your own words
 Changing a few words is not sufficient
 Cite!
WHAT IS PARAPHRASING?
http://www.writingcenter.pdx.edu/resources/guide/step09.php#detail1

9.  Citations are necessary whenever you…
 Refer directly to someone else’s work or ideas
 Use direct quotes
 Paraphrase
 Summarize
WHEN DO I NEED TO CITE?

10.  Usually, but not always, common knowledge information
consists of facts or dates
 You don’t have to cite information that is considered common
knowledge
 If the fact/date/information can be found undocumented in 5
different sources, it is probably common knowledge
 Exception: If you have personal or professional experience
that is common knowledge in your particular field (biology, for
example), always assume your reader does not have that
same knowledge and cite your source.
WHAT ABOUT COMMON KNOWLEDGE?

11.  If you’ve personally lived the experience, had your own
observations and thoughts, and made your own conclusions,
you do not need to cite yourself.
 Exception: If you have personal or professional experience
that is common knowledge in your particular field (biology, for
example), always assume your reader does not have that
same knowledge and cite your source.
DO I HAVE TO CITE PERSONAL
EXPERIENCES?

12.  Double-check your source for the missing information
 Determine if the source is credible
 Missing information (author, date, etc.) could be a tip that the
resource isn’t the most credible source and you should look for a new
one.
 Check out the CRAP test!
 If you’ve determined the source is credible, create your
citation using the information available
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW X, Y, OR Z THAT
NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN MY CITATION?

13.  Use the CRAP test to decide if the website you’d like to use is
a credible source.
 If it does not pass the CRAP test, you should locate a different
website to use.
 If you’re not familiar with the CRAP test, please view the next
page.
HOW CAN I TELL IF A WEBSITE IS
CREDIBLE?

15.  CCCOnline Librarian
 cccolibrarian@ccconline.org
 Online tutoring
 http://www.ccconline.org/tutoring-services/
 Home College Libraries and Academic Support Services
 http://ccconline.libguides.com/AccessLocal
 Your instructor
HOW CAN I GET HELP?