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Library Videos: Generating In-Text Citations

Generating In-Text Citations

APA citation style requires in-text citations to direct readers to the References page at the end of your paper. In-text citations should appear within the body of the paper whenever you summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote someone else’s work. This tutorial will explain and provide examples of in-text citations.

 

See our "Generating In-Text Citations" Printable Guide

 

In-Text Citations Overview

When using information from a source, whether it’s a website, book, article, or other source, it is important to attribute the authors of the source material in your writing.

  •   Every resource cited in the text of your paper must be listed alphabetically in the Reference List. Likewise, every resource in the Reference List must be cited in-text. The only exceptions are classical works such as the Bible and personal communications, like an interview.

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  •    In-text citations must be used whenever paraphrasing or directly quoting information.

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  •   See our CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA for examples.

 

Why Cite?

Citing sources might seem tedious, but it's important in academic writing for several reasons. Attributing and documenting your sources:

  •   Helps you avoid plagiarism.

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  •   Allows the reader to find your sources. Think of citations as footprints leading the reader through some of the steps you took to reach your conclusions.

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  •   Helps you to develop an argument and provide evidence for your claims.

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  •   Adds credibility to your work by demonstrating that you’ve sought out and considered a variety of viewpoints.

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  •   Is standard practice for scholars and students engaged in written academic conversations. Citing source material demonstrates that you are responding to an author, agreeing with that author, and contributing to the broader academic conversation on a given topic.

 

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