ENGL 127 Research Writing: Social Sciences

Why Cite Sources?

Why cite your sources?

  1. To give credit where it's due. When you use someone's ideas, figures, or words, you need to cite them.
  2. To provide context and situate your discussion in the ongoing conversation on your topic.
  3. To lend weight to your work. When you cite an expert in the field, for instance, your argument is stronger.
  4. So your reader can follow a clear path to your sources.

APA Citation Style (7th Edition)

APA Citation Style

APA (American Psychological Association) Style is used in Social Science disciplines, like Psychology and Education. Always consult your assignment or ask your instructor for the correct citation style to use

Source: "Introduction to Citation Styles: APA 7th ed." by CSUDH Library, is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.

Learn the basic conventions of citing sources in-text and in a reference list using the American Psychological Association (APA) Style, 7th edition.

What are Citations?

Citation Basics

Review the list and image below, which both outline how the in-text citation in your essay connects to the larger reference page of your work. 

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An image of how an in-text citation goes hand in hand with a reference list

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  1. Place in-text citations in the body of the paper to acknowledge the source of your information.  This is meant to be a shortened version of the full citation that appears on the final page of your paper.
  2. Place full citations for all your sources on the last page entitled References or Works Cited (different citation styles require different titles).  Full citations are meant to provide readers with enough information so that they can locate the source themselves.
  3. APA or MLA are citation styles.  Each has different guidelines for how source information (author, title, year...etc.) should be formatted and punctuated for both in-text citations and for the References or Works Cited pages
Consult a guide for the specific citation style you are using:

Citation Style

Most research in the Social Sciences will use APA Citation Style, but be aware that your instructor may require MLA or Chicago Style. 

  • See links to MLA & other citation style, including Chicago Style, at the bottom of this page.

Quick Guide - APA

Quick Guide - APA Citation Style

Automatic Citation Generator

NoodleTools

Access online tutorials using the links below: