Documentation 101

Documentation 101

Why we document Types of documentation Creating a Works Cited list in MLA Creating in-text citations

Why Document?

Acknowledging sources prevents plagiarism the unacknowledged use of someone else's information, research or

ideas, words, or illustrations

Documentation prevents a number of undesirable consequences “0” grade on the assignment, F in the course, suspension, and at the

extreme, expulsion

Citing Sources is professional and ethical conveys to the reader that the writer has taken the time to consult and

consider a mix of viewpoints on a given topic before providing his/her own synthesis.

adds to the quality of the paper.

Is ethical and responsible When students give credit where credit is due they are also practicing

ethical, responsible Imagine the consequences of being caught stealing someone else's work or ideas at the workplace.

Types of Documentation

MLA – Modern Languages Association used for literature and fine arts essays.

APA-American Psychological Association used for social science, humanities, and scientific essays

These are the most common in post secondary undergraduate programs.

Two types of documenting

Using a works cited list In-text citations

What is a works cited list

Is the list of references you used for your work

Goes on the last page of your work Is in Alphabetical order Follows MLA format

What are in-text citations In-text citations go after you use information

that you didn’t author. You use them when you Quote (1-2 sentences in quotation marks). Paraphrase (state those 2 sentences in your

own words –this is different from changing 1 or 2 words in a phrase)

Summarize –condense a longer portion of information

Use some one’s ideas Rule of thumb: use your own words. Quote

sparingly.

Where do I put the citation

1. You use (). 2. For electronic sources you just

put the first word on the citation reference

3. For e-books, you also put the page number

Works citation and In-text citation

Articles from business websitesThis model could be relevant for those business etiquette sites.

Hard Copy Newspapers

Database articles

Database Newspaper/Magazines

Articles from Web publications

Hard copy book

E-book

E-book from database

Article from an Organizational/Gov’t website

Personal Interview