There are a number of different styles of referencing, including:
Each style of referencing has different rules for properly citing sources. These may be broadly divided into two categories:
In addition to the references, all sources are included in a list at the end which will either be a reference list or a bibliography. There’s a subtle difference – reference lists (in MLA style these are called ‘Works cited’) include all the sources actually cited within the text of the assignment. Bibliographies however can include sources that are not directly cited in the work – for example, you might include books or journals that have inspired your ideas but which you did not cite directly.
So which style should you use? This is completely at the discretion of the University at which you’re studying – and be aware that styles can differ from course to course (particularly between different subjects). Check with your university and find out which style they require you to use.
Here are guides to some of the most popular referencing styles. It is advisable to check with your University or institution which style they prefer you to use – and be aware that this will
vary from course to course in the same institution.
Incorporating citations or referencing into work for school or university can prove daunting even to the most experienced students. There are numerous options available, and universities often have their own preferred or required styles, frequently varying across subjects and departments. This short guide aims to familiarise you with the most common referencing styles, ensuring you … Read more
The Chicago Author-date style apes the Harvard Referencing system, again with minor differences. Whereas the Chicago Footnote System is generally used in the arts, humanities and social sciences, the Chicago Author-date style is more commonly used across the “natural’ sciences, although Biologists also use the Vancouver Style (see a later blog entry for more on … Read more
A common referencing style, Harvard Referencing is the referencing style of choice for most institutions and lecturers and is used commonly across many disciplines. Harvard Referencing contains both an intext reference as well as a fuller bibliographical entry at the end of the essay. Follow this guide to set your references out correctly. Citing Book(s) … Read more
When writing your essays, you must be careful to give credit (cite) to the author for ideas, even when you don’t use the author’s exact words. Paraphrasing, or rewording something written by someone else, may be used effectively and correctly as long as you cite the author. Cites (credits) are placed in your paper to … Read more
Hello there, “The Doctor’ here. I’m back to give you some further tips on various aspects of coping with academic life. This time, as it is the start of a new academic year, I am going to write about the tricky topic of “accidental plagiarism’. I have referred to this form of plagiarism as “tricky’ … Read more
The academic equivalent of buggering the bursar – a reference to the 1983 film Educating Rita for those who missed it – plagiarism is the ultimate sin of all University establishments. Follow these five tips to make sure you don’t get thrown off your course. Plagiarism is Plagiarism Whether you plagiarise an entire essay, or … Read more