Citing correctly displays academic integrity and a clear understanding of the subject matter. Your sources will help increase the credibility of your academic text. It should be easy for the reader to trace the original sources. 

You have to list all the sources from your text in a reference list. It should include key bibliographic information, so that the reader easily can find the sources you've used. 

When to cite?

Exam regulations, The Guidelines of Research Ethics and The Intellectual Property Law dictates that you should cite all the sources used in an academic text.

When writing an academic text that is not based on your own findings, experiences or reasoning, you must cite the original sources both as citations in the text and in the bibliography. The Citation Compass and Search & Write demonstrates correct use, whether your are paraphrasing or use a direct quote. 

Be aware that the rules apply to both scientific and non-scientific sources. If you use material (or ideas, arguments, data, results or conclusions) that is not originally yours, you must cite your sources. This applies whether they are taken from traditional publishers (i.e. books, articles), or from unpublished material (i.e. student assignments, social media, websites). 

Be aware that there are citation rules regarding use of tables, images and other audiovidual material. 

There are two ways of referencing sources:

• Directly, by using quotations.

• Indirectly, by summarising something you have read in your own words.

You can read more and see examples on how to use both quotes at the Search & Write web site. You need to cite the sources in both of these cases. If you do not give credentials when needed, you may be accused of plagiarism and have your paper dismissed on the basis of copying.

Every time you quote a source, it should be made visible in your text by using a reference. This consists of the author’s name, publication year, and pages (when using a direct quotation). Remember to give the complete information about the source in the reference list at the end of your paper.

Citation Styles

There are different recommended citation styles for how to format references in the text and the bibliography. You will often be told which style to use by your teacher, mentor or in the assignment text. If you are submitting your text for publication in a journal, the journal will usually specify which reference style to use. It is important to follow the chosen style consistently throughout the text (i.e. never mix different styles in your paper). You can either choose to insert your references manually, or use a reference management tool.

Resources on how to cite

The Citation Compass: bibliographic references. Made by USN, UiA and UiS.

Search & Write: how to cite. Made by HiB, NHH, UiB and UiS.

Using and Citing Sources. Made by NTNU.