Introduction
It is very important to make sure that you have cited all the references that are used in your assignment. However, it is true that proper referencing seems quite challenging as it is a detailed task. However, at the same time it is equally important to cite all the references. Moreover, it also helps you to avoid having plagiarism in your assignment. When you give credit to the authors, the readers understand where you get your information from. Moreover, they also appreciate your efforts of referencing. However, for some people, referencing can be quite tricky. Therefore, in this blog you will learn how to properly reference an assignment.
Understanding Referencing
- Definition and Purpose: Referencing is done to give credit to the people who helped you with your assignment or homework. It is a way to tell the readers who supported you when you were working on your assignment. Also, it helps you to not copy other people’s work and claim it as your own. Moreover, it also helps others to find the same sources if they want to learn more.
- Different Referencing Styles: There are many referencing styles. In other words, there are different languages to cite a source. Each style has its own rules for the formatting of citations. When you are given an assignment, you will also be told which referencing style you need to choose. Moreover, if you still have confusion in referencing then it is better that you look for Assignment Writing Service. The experts will help you with the correct referencing style.
Common Referencing Styles Explained
- APA Style: APA means American Psychological Association. This is used for assignments in psychology and social sciences. To do the citation in text, you need to add the author’s last name and the year in which they published the work that you have used. Moreover, your reference list at the end should include full details like the book title, publisher, and more.
For Example: Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Psychology. Penguin Books. - MLA Style: One more type of reference style is called MLA. Modern Language Association is the full name of MLA. It is popular for humanities subjects. For citation in the text, you need to include the author’s last name and page number. Moreover, you need to list all your sources with full details at the end of your works cited page.
For Example: Smith, John. Understanding Psychology. Penguin Books, 2020. - Chicago Style: The third type of referencing style is called Chicago style. In this style, you add footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations. Also, it has a bibliography at the end. For a footnote, you might write: John Smith, Understanding Psychology (Penguin Books, 2020), 45.
Example: Smith, John. Understanding Psychology. Penguin Books, 2020. - Harvard Style: Another common way to do the citation is using the Harvard style. For citation, you write the author’s last name and the year of publication, like this: (Smith, 2020). However, you might think that the reference style here is similar to the APA one therefore you need to understand that there are slight differences in formatting.
Example: Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Psychology. Penguin Books.
How to Cite Different Types of Sources
- Books: when you have to cite a book, you have to add the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher and the year in which it was published.
For Example: APA: Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Psychology. Penguin Books. - Journal Articles: Now, if you have to cite any journal article, then add the author’s name, the title of the article and the journal name, volume number, issue number and then the page numbers.
For Example: MLA: Smith, John. “Understanding Psychology.” Journal of Psychology, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-60. - Websites: Make sure to include the author (if you know), the title of the page, the name of the website and the URL. Don’t forget the date you accessed the site!
For Example: Harvard: Smith, J. (2020). “Understanding Psychology.” Psychology Today. Available at: www.psychologytoday.com (Accessed: 9 September 2024). - Other Sources: Now when you have to cite other things like interviews or films, then you will need to adjust your citation format based on what kind of source it is. Moreover, make sure that you give enough detail so someone else can find the same source.
In-Text Citations: How to Use Them Correctly
- Direct Quotations: In case of quoting someone directly, you will have to write the name of the author, year, and page number. For example: “Psychology helps us understand human behavior” (Smith, 2020, p. 45). This will show the readers exactly where you got the quote from.
- Paraphrasing and Summarizing: Also, when you put something into your own words, you still have to cite where you got the idea from. For example: Smith (2020) explains that psychology provides insight into human behavior.
- Multiple Citations for One Sentence: Also, please know that if you use more than one source in a single sentence, then you have to list them all in the same in-text citation. For example: (Smith, 2020; Jones, 2019).
Conclusion
To conclude, this is a brief guide to the referencing style in assignments. It could be confusing in the beginning. However, with a lot of practice you will get the hang of it. Moreover, if you feel stuck then you can always look for professional help.
