The
following sections provide answers to these questions:
 • Why
should I document?
• What
do I document?
• Which
documentation style should I use?
In addition, you can use the links in the Find Documentation Information
section to locate specific information about MLA & APA documentation:
When you use
another's work or ideas as part of something you produce, you must document
the original sources by indicating what you've used and where the material
originated. Whether you quote or paraphrase someone else, you must document
that material using an accepted documentation style such as MLA or APA.
Documentation (also called citing your sources) is an essential part of
academic research, because it
| • Helps readers find the resources you used. |
| |
In each documentation system, the citations give enough information that your reader can readily locate the resources you used. |
| |
| • Helps readers evaluate the data or information you used. |
| |
Each
documentation system requires that citations for different types of
resources contain specific information; therefore, readers can tell
what types were used and evaluation your information based on the
type of resource used. |
| |
| • Helps you avoid plagiarism. |
| |
Citing
your sources lets your reader know which ideas are yours and which
ideas originated with someone else. Credit is given where credit is
due, and your work is not misleading or academically dishonest. |
| |
| • Helps you comply with copyright guidelines. |
| |
Writers
own their works (the words and style, the images and presentation,
the musical arrangement, etc.). Documenting correctly acknowledges
that ownership. |
When deciding
what to document, follow these guidelines:
| You
must document |
| • |
Direct
quotations (word-for-word transcription of another's words) even if
you only use a portion of the original material. |
| • |
Paraphrases
of another's words, ideas, opinions, facts, and information. |
| • |
Diagrams,
statistics, charts, pictures, illustrations, images, and so on. |
| • |
Ideas,
opinions, facts, specific terms, and data that you acquire from sources
and that would not be considered common knowledge. |
| • |
All
copyrighted material -- whether it is in print, visual, audio, or
online. |
| |
|
| You
should document |
| • |
Any
quotable phrases you include in your paper, even if they are famous
quotes. |
| • |
Ideas,
opinions, facts, and data that your readers might want to know more
about or might question. |
| • |
Any
material you use that causes you to wonder if you are committing plagiarism
or not. |
| |
|
| You
do not have to document |
| • |
Sayings,
proverbs, or biblical citations. |
| • |
Common
knowledge (facts, dates, events, concepts, information usually known
by an educated public). |
| WHICH DOCUMENTATION STYLE SHOULD I USE? |
Academic disciplines
use specific documentation styles. For example,
| • |
MLA
documentation is typically used in the humanities. |
| • |
APA
documentation is usually used in social sciences. |
| • |
The
Chicago Manual of Style and Turabian are often used in history, business,
and industry. |
| • |
American
Sociological Association (ASA) style is used primarily in sociology
and anthropology. |
Sometimes instructors are not concerned about the documentation style you
choose. However, most of the time, your instructor will tell you which style
to follow when documenting your work. When in doubt, ask your instructor.
No matter the documentation style used in a paper, you must consistently
use the same documentation style throughout the paper; mixing styles is
not acceptable.
No
web site or handout can supply you with all the information you need about
a specific documentation style. Therefore, you should either purchase a
copy or use a library copy of a documentation handbook/manual used in your
major field of study.
If the library does not own a handbook or style manual you need for a specific
documentation, please let us know by suggesting
a purchase.
Additional information
about different documentation styles is available from the following web
sites:
| FIND DOCUMENTATION INFORMATION |
Use the following
links to locate specific information about MLA & APA documentation:
|
