Why Should I Cite My Sources?
- To give credit to ideas that are not your own
- To provide support for your argument
- To enable your reader to find and read the sources you used
ASA (American Sociological Association) Citation Style Guide
American Sociological Association (ASA) Style (based on the 4th edition; the 5th edition is available at Ready Reference in the library, or see the OWL).
AAA (American Anthropology Association) Citation Style Guide
Additional Resources
What Needs to be Cited?
- Exact wording taken from any source, including freely available websites
- Paraphrases of passages
- Summaries of another person's work
- Indebtedness to another person for an idea
- Use of another student's work
- Use of your own previous work
You do not need to cite common knowledge. Ask your professor if you aren't sure whether to cite or not!
Which Citation Style Should You Use?
Different professors have different preferences. If it is not listed in your syllabus or in your assignment, ask your professor which style they would like you to use.
