Simply put, a citation is a reference to a published source.
Whenever you use someone else's words (direct quotation) or put their ideas into your own words (paraphrase), you must cite the original source. This will allow your instructor, and any other reader, to locate the sources referenced in your assignment. A complete citation generally includes the author, title, publication date, page numbers and more depending on the citation style and the type of resource.
Why cite?
- To give credit to the creator
- Provide related materials and allows your reader to look up the sources used
- Add credibility to your claims
- It's stealing, or plagiarism, if you don't