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14Documenting a Research Paper

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Learning Outcomes

• Avoiding plagiarism• Determining when to cite or not cite

a source

• Applying the MLA format for in-text citations and a works cited page

• Applying the APA format for in-text citations and a reference page

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Avoiding Plagiarism (LO 14.1)

There are four definitions for plagiarize:1. To steal and pass off (the ideas or words

of another) as one’s own2. To use (another’s production) without

crediting the source3. To commit literary theft4. To present as new and original an idea or

product derived from an existing source

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Avoiding Plagiarism (LO 14.1)

Unless you are reporting a commonly known fact or your own original idea, you must

document every source incorporated into your essay.

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Determining When to Cite or Not Cite a Source (LO 14.2)

What Doesn’t Need to Be Cited:• Common knowledge • Your original research• Personal experience

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Avoiding Plagiarism (contd.)

What Needs to Be Cited:• Direct quotes• Facts that aren’t common

knowledge• Opinions• Statistics• Original ideas (not your own)• Studies and experiments

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Avoiding Plagiarism (contd.)

If you are not sure whether you

need to cite an idea, be cautious

and document the source.

You are better off over-citing than under-citing.

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MLA Format (LO 14.3)

• Used by many English and humanities courses.

• Information about the MLA format can be found at www.mla.org

• Sources must be cited in-text as well as on a works cited page at the end of the paper.

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MLA Format (contd.)

In-Text Citations• Also known as a parenthetical

citation• Include the author’s last name and

page number.• Use the title of the work if there is no

author.• Vary the way in which you introduce

sources in your paper.

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MLA Format (contd.)

Works Cited Page• Must be included at the end of

the paper to fully document all sources. • Alphabetize entries according to

authors’ last names.• If there is no author, begin with the

title (ignoring words such as a and the).

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MLA Format (contd.)

Sample MLA Book Citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Name and Middle Name or Initial. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Publication Medium.

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MLA Format (contd.)

Sample MLA Printed Periodical Citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Name and Middle Name or Initial. “Title of Article.” Name of Periodical Volume. Issue (Date): Page(s). Medium.

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MLA Format (contd.)

Sample MLA Electronic Citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Name and Middle Name or Initial. “Title.” Web Site. Publisher or Sponsor, Date of Publication. Medium. Access Date.

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MLA Format (contd.)

Works Cited – Other Sources• Each type of source has its own

unique format.• Be sure to provide enough information

so readers can find the source on their own.

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APA Format (LO 14.4)

Writing about an image• Generally used for courses in the

behavioral sciences.• Information about the APA format can

be found at www.apa.org.• Sources must be cited in-text as well

as on a reference page at the end of the paper.

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APA Format (contd.)

In-Text Citations• Also known as a parenthetical

citation• Include the author’s last name,

immediately followed by the date.• When using a direct quote, also

include the page number.

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APA Format (contd.)

In-Text Citations (contd.)• Use the title of the work if there

is no author.• Vary the way in which you introduce

sources in your paper.

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APA Format (contd.)

Reference Page• Must be included at the end of the

paper to fully document any sources cited. • Alphabetize entries according to

authors’ last names.• If there is no author, begin with the

title (ignoring words such as a and the when alphabetizing).

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APA Format (contd.)

Sample APA Book Citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Middle Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of book. Place of Publication: Publisher.

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APA Format (contd.)

Sample APA Printed Periodical Citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Middle Initial. (Date of Publication). Title of article. Name of Periodical, Volume(Issue), Page(s).

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APA Format (contd.)

Sample APA Electronic Source Citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Middle Initial. (Date of Publication). Title of article. DOI or URL.

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APA Format (contd.)

References – Other Sources• Each type of source has its own

unique format.• Be sure to provide enough

information so readers can find the source on their own.

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Writer’s Checklist for a Research Paper

1. Does my introduction clearly state my thesis and give the reader an indication of the direction my essay will take?

2. Are my topic sentences and body paragraphs clear and well developed?

3. Have I fully supported my thesis with ample details and examples?

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Writer’s Checklist for a Research Paper (contd.)

4. Have I used a sufficient number and variety of sources in my paper?

5. Are all of my sources properly cited in the body of my paper according to the MLA or APA format?

6. Does my conclusion effectively summarize my main points and restate my thesis in different words?

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Writer’s Checklist for a Research Paper (contd.)

7. Have I carefully proofread and revised my paper for sentence variety, word choice, grammar, and punctuation?

8. Does my works cited or references page include very source I cited in the text, and is it in the correct format?

9. Have I used the correct margins, line spacing, and other format issues required by the MLA or APA guidelines and my instructor?