Why Cite ?

Why cite?

Proper citation is a key element in academic scholarship and intellectual exchange. When we cite we:

• show respect for the work of others

• help a reader to distinguish our work from the work of others who have contributed to our work

• give the reader the opportunity to check the validity of our use of other people’s work

• give the reader the opportunity to follow up our references, out of interest

• show and receive proper credit for our research process

• demonstrate that we are able to use reliable sources and critically assess them to support our work

• establish the credibility and authority of our knowledge and ideas

• demonstrate that we are able to draw our own conclusions

• share the blame (if we get it wrong).