citations and sources for papers

Citations and Sources for Your Final Paper

Importance of Citing Sources

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of citing every source used in the final project, indicating that all projects will inherently require some form of sourcing.

• There is no minimum or maximum number of sources required; the key point is to cite everything utilized in the project.

Types of Acceptable Sources

• Peer-reviewed journal articles are not mandatory; however, appropriate sources must be selected based on the topic.

• For example, if discussing natural selection, using a source that argues against evolution would be inappropriate unless the paper specifically addresses differing viewpoints.

Evaluating Source Quality

• The speaker discusses Wikipedia's utility but warns about its potential for vandalism and bias, particularly regarding contemporary political figures.

• It’s advised to use Wikipedia as a starting point for research but to verify information by tracing back to cited sources.

Recommended Research Tools

• While peer-reviewed journals are preferred for scientific research, social science and humanities journals are also reliable.

• The speaker recommends using databases like JSTOR for academic articles and encourages students to develop their research skills.

Citation Format Requirements

• A standard format must be used for citations and bibliographies; simply listing URLs is unacceptable.

• Common citation styles mentioned include MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and AAA (American Anthropological Association). Students should choose one style and follow its guidelines closely.