Lesson 6:
Incorporating Resources

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Understanding Plagiarism

Integrate Your Research

Cite Your Sources

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Cite Your Sources

Who Makes This Stuff Up?

Many organizations have created rules governing the creation of in-text and works cited citations. Two that are the most well-known are the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

Organizations like MLA and APA are interested in citation style for one main reason. Researchers want to know where other researchers' materials come from. By including the list of sources you use, you enable interested readers to track down important published resources on your topic. You also demonstrate to your instructor that you sought out expert support for your ideas.

So why are there differences between different citation styles?

Why does APA use a comma where MLA uses a period? Tradition, mostly. Getting the style right is important though. For example, by getting punctuation wrong, you may accidentally indicate that you used the wrong volume or issue of a journal. Also, getting the style exactly right shows your instructor that you've paid attention to detail.

If you're not sure which citation style to use (MLA, APA, etc.), ask your instructor.