What is the Value of Citations?

Do you know what a citation is? Most academic writers employ citations because they are used for several important reasons. One such reason is that the use of a citation goes a long way toward preserving intellectual honesty. There is some credence to the fact that at this point in the development of humanity there are really few new ideas. Using a citation allows the author of a specific article, paper or book to attribute ideas to the sources where these thoughts have been read. This allows the reader to independently determine if the author’s source upholds his or her argument put forth in their writing.

Selecting a Citation Style

There are several types of citations that are used based on the particular publishing system desired that include MLA, American sociological Association (ASA), Oxford, American Psychological Association (APA), Harvard, Chicago as well as other citations systems. Each one of these citation systems has both advantages and disadvantages and are typically chosen based on the needs relevant to the type of publishing and involved presenting the work to the public or a close group of readers. Usually, when editors are dealing with academic writers they will specifically note the citation system required to be used.

Most Popular Citation System

The most popular citation system that many scholarly publication editors and grant providers require for manuscripts to follow is one is prepared through APA, or American Psychological Association format. However do not let the word "Psychological" fool you. Use of this citation system is not limited to the discipline of psychology. It has become widely acceptable for a number of reasons. It provides a standard set for conventionally formatting a manuscript. This citation contains detailed instructions for making in-text references, creating reference lists, conducting pagination, setting margins, creating a sub heading hierarchy along with many other formatting chores.

Citations Make Scholarly Papers Easier To Read

A great need to make scholarly papers easier to read has produced the need for format standardization so non-scholars can understand technical and academic writing. This makes comprehension much easier in the text can be read with greater efficiency. The use of citations is a method that allows the author to strengthen specific viewpoints presented. Obviously, any good research paper or other academic writing should present more of the author’s thoughts as opposed to information that is found elsewhere. However, citations are used as a tool to show the author has indeed conducted research.

Citation use also proves an author's credibility strengthening the belief in their expertise.