Plagiarism happens when any information, words, or ideas are taken from a source without acknowledging it. When you fail to acknowledge someone else's work and take it as your own, you are stealing that person's work. Most students who plagiarize do so accidentally. You can avoid this if you know what is required in citations according to the style type that you are using. When you use any material from a source, you must cite it both in the text and on the reference page. This is true for any type of source integration. The main types of source integration are:
Determining which form of source integration to use requires a process of careful reading and understanding. When you use source integration, you are mentioning sources within the text of your paper. Signal phrases, though they are not required, are useful tools for introducing information. Even if you are not using a signal phrase, make sure that your source is clearly introduced; this allows your reader to identify when you begin using material from your source. Any information that is not in the signal phrase but is required must appear at the end of the sentence as a parenthetical citation (or as a footnote in Chicago Style). Each type of source integration requires a different type of citation. Each style of writing has its own process for citations. To see overall guides for the three main style types, click the links in the appropriate boxes.
The boxes to the right have examples of different types of source integration and how to cite them using the three main style types.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) is primarily used for writing in languages and the humanities. The most important goal for writing an MLA-format research paper is keeping track of where your information came from and how it is relevant to your topic and argument. In this way, you will build credibility with the reader by citing respected and knowledgeable professionals.
The American Psychological Association (APA) is primarily used for writing in the social sciences and nursing. The most important goal in writing an APA paper is keeping track of information sources and how they are relevant to the topic and argument. For more information about APA style, see the Basic APA Style Guide provided below.
Chicago Style writing was developed by Kate L. Turabian. It can also be called Turabian Style. Generally, Chicago Style is used for writing in history. The central focus in writing a research paper in Chicago style is the presentation of specific and general source material in an easy-to-understand format that makes distinctions without complicating citations. The genres that use Chicago style often emphasize names, dates, and places. The technical aspects are important because they demonstrate the difference between general ideas and specific evidence without cluttering the paper.
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Contributors: Amber Huett, David MacMillan III, and Dr. Robert T. Koch, Jr.
Design and development by Amber Huett. June 2011
