A citation serves as a reminder of the information source that was utilized in your study. An in-text citation is required if you explicitly quote, paraphrase, or summarize an idea that belongs to someone else in your work. A brief citation that points the reader to a longer citation—or end-of-paper citation—that includes all the pertinent information about the source of information is known as an in-text citation.
The reason why citation is important in research writing
Attribution serves as a fact-checking instrument
In any writing, accuracy is crucial, but it’s crucial whenever we publish about science. In order to double verify a direct quote, establish the veracity of a paragraph you paraphrased, or cite a study that is connected to your own, you can simply hunt up a reference to verify your claims.
Citations enhance your research abilities
The capacity to spot patterns and draw connections, as well as paying close attention to detail, are some qualities that distinguish excellent research. Using citations correctly can assist with both. Correct page numbers, author names spelled correctly, and of course, the correctness of the data you are provided in the author’s article or other work are just a few of the numerous aspects that go into proper source attribution.
Using proper citation techniques will improve your writing
We all strive to write that lovely paper where the prose is as interesting as the substance, and good attribution practices lay a solid foundation for that aspiration. The trademarks of intellectual sloth, fuzzy thinking, and sloppy writing, such as generalizations, clichés, and outright erroneous assertions are removed when we cite particular sources for the numerous facts that we present.
The goal of the research is to make sure that all material is correct and can be easily comprehended by the target audience. When you properly cite sources, there is no question in the audience’s mind as to the veracity of your argument.
A strong bibliography demonstrates your scientific literacy
Simply said, a bibliography is a list of all the sources you had read and used to support your own essay, book, dissertation, etc. A broad bibliography is thus unavoidably a sign of a well-read and knowledgeable scientist.
Citations improve the validity of your work
Before it is published in print or posted online, every piece of scholarly writing is thoroughly reviewed. It is simply better when there is fewer busy work, whether one is a book reviewer, publisher, or editing assistant whose sole responsibility is to locate references in the bibliography and ensure that citations are accurate. Therefore, if you have previously taken the care to attribute your information properly and reference all of your sources, your paper is far more likely to get through these several rounds of editing with little criticism and positive feedback.