FAQ Citing Sources
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Q: When should I document my outside resources?
Create notations when you . . .
l mention an outside resource (e.g., artwork, movie,
book, web site, article)
l use an exact quote
l paraphrase someone else’s words
l make an arguable statement
l refer to research (statistics, findings, etc.)
l state little-known information (facts, findings,
etc.)
Q: What
style of documentation should I use?
English, Humanities, or the Arts papers
are usually documented using
using
MLA style documentation (Modern Language Association)
Psychology,
Sociology, and Education research papers are usually
documented
using APA style documentation (American Psychological
Association).
Natural
Sciences (Math, Chemistry, Biology) papers are usually
documented
using CBE style documentation (Council of Biology Editors)
Note: A footnote
system may be optionally used instead of any of the above styles,
following the CMS (Chicago Manual
of Style). Also, COS (Columbia Guide to Online Style) may be used optionally
for citing online resources.
Q: What
does MLA documentation involve?
It
involves two steps: 1) mentioning the source in the text of the paper itself
and
2) adding that source to a “Works Cited” list at the end of the paper.
Q: Is a “Works Cited” list like a
bibliography?
Yes,
but they are two different lists. A
bibliography is a complete list of the best-
known
or most respected books/articles in a subject area, whereas your “Works Cited”
list is the list of sources that you actually cited in the paper. Ask your professor which to use.
Q: Where can I find out how to use
MLA documentation?
http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/index.shtml
The Scott Foresman Handbook for Writers,
Sixth Edition, New York: Longman, 2002.
Explanation of MLA (p. 722)
How to Create a Works Cited Page (p. 725)
How to Cite Unusual Sources (pp. 728-731)
Q:
How
should I format my paper?
Consult page 761 of the handbook for a checklist.
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