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Citations


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What do I need to cite?

Description of when and when not to cite sources. See below for discussion.

If you are quoting or paraphrasing information, reusing an image, restating information presented in a table, or if you otherwise did not think of the information you are using, a source should be cited. Citations give authors/creators/researchers credit for their work.

What is Plagiarism?

Failure to properly cite sources is considered plagiarism, whether intentional or not. Plagiarism is:

  • Using others work/ideas without citing sources
  • Making up citations/sources
  • Passing off another’s work as your own
  • Paraphrasing someone's work without citation

How Do You Avoid Plagiarism?

  • Keep track of your sources and cite everything.

  • If you’re not sure whether something needs to be cited, ask your instructor or a librarian.

  • Make sure you cite even when you paraphrase – not just when you use direct quotes.

  • When you do paraphrase, use your own words. Don’t just rearrange sentences or replace select words. You need to show that you understand this information and are using it for a reason.

The UC San Diego Libraries' Avoid Plagiarism video gives an excellent overview of how to avoid plagiarism.

Plagiarism Checkers

Before you turn your work in, check for accidental plagiarism.

WriteCheck

Grammarly