An Introduction to Referencing

WHY do you need to reference?

  • To show where your information came from
  • To allow your reader to identify your sources and verify your data
  • To show the extent of your research
  • To strengthen your academic argument
  • To avoid plagiarism

WHEN do you need to reference?

  • Quote using someone else’s exact words
  • Paraphrase or summarize what they said
  • Use their idea

WHAT do you need to reference?

  • Books
  • Journal articles
  • Web sites
  • Reports
  • Anything you have referred to in your academic work
Adapted from University of Liverpool

Copy + Paste = Theft

Plagiarism is a form of theft. Learn more about WHY and HOW to avoid this in your research.

Understand Plagiarism