FAQs+Crediting+Sources


 * How do I credit my research sources?**

You have two ways to use your research: direct quotes (remember you need at least 3!) and paraphrasing. Here is how to give credit for each kind.

1. When the quote or paraphrased material is said by a specific individual (rather than taken from a general text), identify them by their claim to expertise and with their full name (first and last names) the first time you refer to them. Simply use the last name after that. For example, “Thomas Faulkner, Professor of Classical Studies at City University, believes … Dr. Faulkner also says …”

2. Include a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence, indicating the source and page number from which the quote comes. For example, “Dr. Faulkner says …” (Faulkner 12).

[|Here] is a site with all possible sources you might want to cite. Remember, you must use a parenthetical citation for your images as well! See mine on the first page.


 * Why is it important to identify the people we quote or reference?**

Imagine you read a quote: “Reality TV panders to the basest desires in people – greed and delight in the humiliation of others,” says Charles Schulz. You wonder who Charles is. He could be someone knowledgeable or he could be your best friend. But if it reads:

“Reality TV panders to the basest desires in people – greed and delight in the humiliation of others,” says Charles Schulz, professor of philosophy at City University.

OR “Reality TV panders to the basest desires in people – greed and delight in the humiliation of others,” says Charles Schulz, a freshman at City University.

OR

“Reality TV panders to the basest desires in people – greed and delight in the humiliation of others,” says Charles Schulz, author of TV Stinks.

… then you have a better idea of how much credibility and expertise the person quoted has. Otherwise, we’re left wondering if it’s Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame.