How To Cite A Research Paper
Blog

How to Cite a Research Paper: A Comprehensive Guide

As a researcher or student, citing sources is an essential aspect of writing a research paper. Not only does it give credit to the original authors, but it also helps readers to track down the sources used in the paper. However, citing a research paper can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to cite a research paper in different styles.

Understanding Citation Styles

A student writing a research paper with various sources within reach.
A student writing a research paper with various sources within reach.

Before citing a research paper, it is crucial to understand the different citation styles. There are three primary citation styles used in research papers: APA, MLA, and Chicago. Each of these styles has its unique format for in-text citations and reference lists.

APA Citation Style

The APA citation style is commonly used in the social sciences field. In APA style, in-text citations include the author’s last name and publication year. For example, (Smith, 2021). The reference list format for APA style includes the author’s name, publication year, title of the article, title of the journal, volume number, and page numbers.

MLA Citation Style

The MLA citation style is typically used in humanities research papers. In MLA style, in-text citations include the author’s last name and the page number of the source. For example, (Smith 7). The works cited format for MLA style includes the author’s name, title of the source, title of the container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, location, and page numbers.

Stay tuned for the next sections, where we will delve deeper into how to cite a research paper in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.

How to Cite a Research Paper in APA Style

When citing a research paper in APA style, there are two parts: in-text citations and the reference list. In-text citations should include the author’s last name and the publication year, separated by a comma and enclosed in parentheses. For example, (Smith, 2021). If you are citing a direct quote, include the page number after the publication year, separated by a comma. For example, (Smith, 2021, p. 10).

The reference list format for APA style includes the author’s last name, first initial, publication year, title of the article, title of the journal (in italics), volume number (in italics), and page numbers. The format should follow this pattern:

Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range. DOI or URL (if applicable)

For example:

Smith, J. D. (2021). The effects of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 78(4), 245-260. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.81.2.215

How to Cite a Research Paper in MLA Style

When citing a research paper in MLA style, in-text citations should include the author’s last name and the page number of the source, separated by a space. For example, (Smith 7). If you are citing a direct quote, include the page number after the author’s last name, separated by a space. For example, (Smith 7).

The works cited format for MLA style includes the author’s last name, first name, title of the source, title of the container (in italics), other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, location, and page numbers. The format should follow this pattern:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Source.” Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location, Page Numbers.

For example:

Smith, John D. “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health.” Journal of Psychology, vol. 78, no. 4, 2021, pp. 245-260.

In the next sections, we will explore how to cite a research paper in Chicago style.

How to Cite a Research Paper in Chicago Style

The Chicago citation style is commonly used in history, social sciences, and humanities research papers. Unlike APA and MLA styles, Chicago style uses footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations. The footnote citation format includes the author’s name, title of the source, publisher, publication date, and page numbers. For example:

  1. John Smith, The History of America (New York: Penguin Press, 2020), 45.

The bibliography format for Chicago style includes the author’s name, title of the source, publisher, publication date, and page numbers. For example:

Smith, John. The History of America. New York: Penguin Press, 2020.

Conclusion

In conclusion, citing a research paper is a crucial aspect of writing a research paper. It helps to give credit to the original authors and ensure that readers can track down the sources used in the paper. Understanding the different citation styles and their formats for in-text citations and reference lists is essential in writing a well-cited research paper. Accurate citation also helps to avoid plagiarism, which is a serious offense in academic writing. Therefore, it is crucial to take the time to learn how to cite sources accurately and to use reputable citation tools to ensure consistency and accuracy. By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you can ensure that your research paper is well-cited and meets the highest academic standards.