- Assignment Semester : 4
- Paper Name : Research Methodology
- Paper : 209
- Paper Code : 22416
Hello everyone, I’m writing this blog as a written assignment on Research Methodology. In this blog I have try to give answer of a question that is given below,
Documenting sources is a critical aspect of academic writing and research. It involves citation or referencing the information and ideas that are not originally yours, which you have used to support your arguments, provide evidence, or give context to your work. The process of documenting sources serves several important purposes:
Acknowledgment of Original Authors : By documenting sources, you give credit to the original authors of the ideas or information you are using. This is a fundamental practice in the academic community to respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism.
Verifiability : Proper documentation allows readers to verify the sources of information. This is crucial for maintaining the credibility and reliability of your work. If readers can check the original sources, they can confirm the accuracy of your representation of those sources.
Academic Integrity : Documenting sources upholds the standards of academic integrity. It shows that you have engaged with the literature in your field and that you are contributing to the academic conversation by building upon the work of others.
Reader's Guidance : Documentation provides a roadmap for readers who may be interested in delving deeper into the topic. By providing references, you guide readers to additional resources that may offer more detailed information or alternative perspectives.
Supporting and Strengthening Arguments : By citing authoritative sources, you can strengthen your arguments and lend weight to your conclusions. Documented sources act as evidence that can support your thesis or research findings.
The basic rule for documentation is to cite any specific ideas, opinions, and facts that are not your own, except for common knowledge, which does not require citation. Common knowledge includes facts that are known to the general public or information that is agreed upon by most people in a professional field. There are various styles and methods for documenting sources, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard, each with its own set of rules for citation and formatting. The choice of style often depends on the discipline and the preferences of the institution or publication.
In practice, you must identify your sources in two places in your research paper: within the text (in-text citations) and at the end of the document (bibliography or reference list). The in-text citation provides a brief reference that points to the full citation in your bibliography, where readers can find complete information about the source.
Documenting sources is not just a technicality; it is an ethical practice that reflects the quality and integrity of your work. Whether you are writing a research paper, a thesis, or any other academic document, proper documentation is essential for academic success and intellectual discourse.
What is MLA Style citation ?
MLA Style citation, also known as MLA format, is a method of formatting and citation that is widely used in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. Developed by the Modern Language Association, the style provides a consistent format for writing and documentation of sources used in academic writing. It is designed to be as streamlined and straightforward as possible. The MLA Handbook, currently in its 9th edition, is the authoritative source for MLA Style citation. The handbook lays out the principles of citing in MLA format, which include the use of a Works Cited page at the end of the document, as well as in-text citations that direct the reader to the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.
Here's a detailed note on MLA Style citation :
Works Cited Page :
The Works Cited page is a comprehensive list of all the sources that have been cited in the text. Each entry follows a template of nine core elements:
1. Author : The author's name is listed with the last name first, followed by a comma and the rest of the name as presented in the work.
2. Title of Source : The title of the cited source is listed next. Depending on the type of source, it may be italicized or placed in quotation marks.
3. Title of Container, if any : This refers to the larger whole that the source is a part of, such as a database, a book containing an essay, a website, etc.
4. Other Contributors, such as editors or translators, if they are relevant to your citation.
5. Version, if the source has multiple versions, such as an edition of a book.
6. Number, if the source is part of a numbered sequence, such as a journal issue or a TV episode.
7. Publisher
8. Publication Date
9. Location : This could be a page range, a URL, or a physical place if necessary.
In-Text Citations :
In-text citations in MLA Style are brief and usually include the author's last name and a page number. The purpose is to point the reader to the full citation found in the Works Cited page. For example, an in-text citation might look like this: (Smith 123).
Formatting Guidelines :
MLA Style also includes specific formatting guidelines :
- Margins should be set to one inch on all sides of the paper.
- Font should be a readable size and style, such as 12 pt. Times New Roman.
- Line Spacing should be double throughout the entire document, including quotations and the Works Cited page.
- Indentation for paragraphs should be set to one-half inch from the left margin.
- Heading should include the writer's name, instructor's name, course, and date, aligned to the left margin of the first page.
- Title should be centered and written in standard capitalization, not underlined, bolded, or italicized.
MLA Style is designed to be flexible and adaptable to a wide variety of sources. As digital texts become more prevalent, the guidelines have evolved to accommodate new types of publications and formats. For those looking to delve deeper into MLA Style, the Purdue OWL website offers a wealth of resources and examples.
Understanding and correctly implementing MLA Style citation is crucial for academic integrity and scholarly communication. It allows readers to locate the sources you've used and assess the breadth and depth of your research. Whether you're a student, educator, or researcher, mastering MLA Style is an essential skill in the humanities. For more detailed examples and explanations, the MLA Handbook and the Purdue OWL website are invaluable resources.
What is APA Style Citation ?
Understanding APA Style Citations :
The APA citation style is an author-date system, which means that you must include the author's last name and the year of publication when you're referencing another work in the body of your paper. This system allows readers to find the sources cited in the text in the reference list, where each source is listed alphabetically.
In-Text Citations :
In-text citations are brief references within your text that direct readers to the full citation in the reference list. For example, if you're referencing a book by Smith published in 2020, the in-text citation would appear as (Smith, 2020).
There are two types of in-text citations :
- Parenthetical Citations : These are enclosed in parentheses and placed at the end of the sentence that references the cited material. For example,
"The data was consistent with the theory (Smith, 2020)."
- Narrative Citations : In this type, the author's name is part of the narrative, and only the year is enclosed in parentheses. For example,
"Smith (2020) found that the data was consistent with the theory."
Reference List :
At the end of your paper, you'll include a reference list that provides full details of all the sources you've cited throughout your work. Each entry in the reference list has four main parts: the author, the date of publication, the title, and the source.
Here's an example of a book citation in APA format :
Smith, J. (2020). The Theory of Everything. Universe Publishing.
Formatting Guidelines :
The APA manual provides specific guidelines for formatting your paper and your references. Some key points include:
- Double-spacing your entire paper, including the reference list.
- Using a standard font like 12-pt Times New Roman or 11-pt Arial.
- Including a page header with the title of your paper and the page number.
- Indenting the first line of every paragraph by 0.5 inches.
The Importance of APA Style :
Using APA Style ensures that your audience understands the sources you're referencing and can locate them if needed. It also helps to prevent plagiarism by giving proper credit to the original authors of the ideas and information you're incorporating into your own work. For more detailed information on APA Style citations, you can refer to the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual or visit online resources such as Scribbr and BibMe, which offer comprehensive guides and tools to help with your citations.
Difference between MLA and APA :
When it comes to academic writing, adhering to the appropriate citation style is crucial for ensuring clarity, consistency, and credibility. Two of the most commonly used citation styles are Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA). While both serve the same essential purpose, to credit sources and avoid plagiarism, they differ in format and application. Here's a detailed look at the key differences between MLA and APA citation styles,
In-text Citations :
In APA, the in-text citation includes the author's last name and the year of publication. For direct quotes or specific paraphrasing, a page number is also included. For example :
- One author: (Smith, 2020, p. 15)
- Two authors: (Smith & Jones, 2020, p. 15)
- Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020, p. 15)
In contrast, MLA only requires the author's last name and the page number, without the publication year. For example :
- One author: (Smith 15)
- Two authors: (Smith and Jones 15)
- Three or more authors: (Smith et al. 15)
Reference List vs. Works Cited :
APA utilizes a 'References' list at the end of the document, where full citations are provided for all sources cited within the text. MLA, on the other hand, refers to this list as 'Works Cited', which also includes full citations but follows a different format.
Title Capitalization and Author Names :
APA style capitalizes only the first word of the title and subtitle, as well as proper nouns. MLA style capitalizes all major title words. Regarding author names, APA uses initials for first and middle names, while MLA uses full first names.
Examples :
APA Journal Article Citation :
Doe, J. (2021). The impact of social media on communication. Journal of Social Research, 45(2), 234-245.
MLA Journal Article Citation :
Doe, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Communication." Journal of Social Research, vol. 45, no. 2, 2021, pp. 234-245.
Medium of Publication :
MLA citations include the medium of publication, such as Print or Web. APA does not typically require this information.
Usage Across Disciplines :
APA is predominantly used in the sciences, social sciences, and education fields. MLA is favored in the humanities, particularly in language and literature disciplines.
Understanding these differences is essential for academic writers to ensure they are using the correct style for their field and type of work. By following the specific guidelines of each style, writers can effectively communicate their research and respect intellectual property rights. For more detailed information and additional examples, you can refer to the latest editions of the APA and MLA manuals or visit educational resources like Scribbr and the APA Style website. These resources provide comprehensive guides and templates to help you navigate the nuances of each citation style.
Thank You…
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References :
Greg Armento. “Evaluating the ‘Mla International Bibliography’ for Social Science Content: What Information Can Be Found?” The Library Quarterly: Information, Community, Policy, vol. 69, no. 4, 1999, pp. 476–500. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4309374. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Lewis, Leslie A. “From the Front Lines: An Academic Librarian Reports on the Impact of APA’s New Electronic References Guidelines.” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 48, no. 2, 2008, pp. 128–31. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20865031. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
SHIGWAN, RAMCHANDRA. “CHICAGO AND APA STYLE MANUAL IN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.” Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute, vol. 76, 2016, pp. 163–72. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26264780. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
