Introduction to referencing

Referencing is an integral aspect of academic writing, crucial for maintaining scholarly integrity and fostering transparent communication within the educational community.


• As a student or researcher, you actively participate in the scholarly discourse, necessitating the precise attribution of ideas to their original sources.

• Transparent acknowledgement of the origins of ideas enhances the credibility of your work, demonstrating respect for the intellectual contributions of others.

  

In writing assessments or research papers:


• Effective referencing provides a window into the depth of research undertaken, showcasing the extent to which your thinking has been influenced by existing literature.

• It facilitates easy access to your sources, enabling readers to verify the validity of the research used and assess its appropriateness for the topic at hand.

  

Maintaining academic integrity:


• Consistently providing references in your writing signifies a commitment to honesty and transparency, essential elements of ethical scholarship.

• Adhering to accurate referencing practices mitigates the risk of academic dishonesty, thereby avoiding potential penalties associated with plagiarism or unethical conduct.

You should include the source information in your work:


• When you directly quote someone else's words or paraphrase their ideas to avoid plagiarism.
  

• When you use facts, statistics, or interpret information from other sources to support your arguments or claims.
  

• When you draw original conclusions from widely known facts or data.
  

• If an idea or fact is specialized and may not be common knowledge for your audience.

  

You don’t need to provide source information for:


• Common knowledge that is widely accepted and available from multiple reliable sources.
  

• Your own ideas or opinions, unless they have been published elsewhere.

  

Remember, when in doubt, it’s better to provide a reference to maintain clarity and transparency in your writing.

Tip: Refer to the guidelines of the style you're using to properly cite specific parts of your sources. Be clear whether you're referencing the entire source or a specific page, paragraph, section, or table.

Referencing involves two main components:

In-text marker: A brief citation within your text attributing a specific quotation, paraphrase, or idea to its original source.

Reference list: This is a comprehensive list at the end of your document containing full details of all sources referenced, including:


• Author: Who created the work?

• Date: When was the work published?

• Title: What is the work called?

• Retrieval information: Where can the work be found?


The format for both the in-text citation and the reference list depends on the referencing system and style you are using

When it comes to referencing in academic writing, there are two primary systems to consider:


1. Note Systems: This method utilises sequential numbers within the text to indicate sources, directing readers to either footnotes at the bottom of each page or at the end of the document. Unlike EndNote, a reference management tool, note systems are employed by styles like Vancouver, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

2. Parenthetical Systems: In contrast, parenthetical systems involve incorporating partial references within parentheses within the text, typically including author names and publication dates. The complete reference is then listed in a bibliography or reference list at the end of the document. Popular styles utilising parenthetical systems include the American Psychological Association (APA), Harvard, and Modern Language Association (MLA).

Each system offers distinct advantages and is tailored to suit different academic disciplines and preferences. Familiarising oneself with these systems and their associated styles is crucial for maintaining consistency and accuracy in academic writing.

When deciding on a referencing system or style for your academic work, it's crucial to consider the specific requirements of your field and the preferences of your institution. Here's a brief overview to help you make an informed choice:


Parenthetical Systems (e.g., OSCOLA, Westminster Harvard…):


• Offers a concise method of citing sources within the text.
  

• Requires a comprehensive bibliography or reference list at the end of the document.
  

• Well-suited for disciplines such as psychology, social sciences, and humanities.

  

Selecting a parenthetical system ensures consistency and clarity in attributing sources throughout your writing.

When compiling your reference list or bibliography, remember to adhere to the specific guidelines of your chosen referencing style.


• List all sources cited in your work alphabetically by the author's last name.
  

• Include complete bibliographic details for each source, such as author(s), publication date, title, and source location.
  

• Double-check formatting and punctuation to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  

There are some essential distinctions between a bibliography and a reference list. Here are some key points to understand the differences:


Reference List:

• Contains only the sources directly cited within the text.
  

• Includes detailed bibliographic information for each cited source.
  

• Follows a specific format dictated by the chosen referencing style.

  

Bibliography:

• May include sources consulted during research, whether cited or not.
  

• Provides a broader view of the literature used in the work.
  

• Typically follows the same format as a reference list but may include additional resources.