Lesson 5.2: In-Text Citation and Reporting Sources

Introduction

In today's lesson, we will explore the critical aspect of academic writing—citing sources within the text of our work. Accurate citation not only adds credibility to your writing but also upholds academic integrity by giving proper credit to original authors and ideas. We will specifically focus on understanding how to incorporate citations effectively, the difference between integral and non-integral citations, the use of reporting verbs, and how to cite various types of sources. By the end of this lesson, students will be equipped with the skills to properly cite and report sources in their academic work while honoring the principles of academic integrity.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to cite in the text, including author, date, and (for quotations) page number.
• Differentiate between integral and non-integral citations (author-prominent versus information-prominent).
• Learn how to use reporting verbs to indicate stance (e.g. argues, suggests, claims, demonstrates).
• Cite paraphrases, summaries, and direct quotations correctly.
• Handle citations for multiple authors, secondary sources, and works with no named author appropriately.

Citing in the Text: Author, Date, and Page Number

When you incorporate a source into your writing, it is essential to provide clear information about where that information originated. This process typically includes two parts: an in-text citation and a reference in the bibliography or works cited page.

Basic Format

In most citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, an in-text citation generally includes the author's last name and the year of publication. If you’re quoting directly, you should also include the page number. It follows a formula:

1. For a single author: (Author’s Last Name, Year, p. Page Number)

• Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 15)

1. For two authors: (Author 1's Last Name & Author 2’s Last Name, Year, p. Page Number)

• Example: (Brown & Patel, 2019, p. 42)

1. For three or more authors: (First Author’s Last Name et al., Year, p. Page Number)

• Example: (Johnson et al., 2021, p. 58)

Worked Example

Let us take a passage from a fictitious book by John Smith, which states that social media impacts mental health in adolescents. To cite this within your text correctly:

According to Smith (2020), "social media can significantly impact adolescent mental health, leading to anxiety and depression" (p. 15).

Here, you provide a contextual introduction to the quote along with the citation format.

Common Misconception

A common misunderstanding involves the placement of citations. Some students think that citations can be included at the end of a sentence without referring back to the author. However, proper practice includes integrating citations into the text, reinforcing your argument while also maintaining academic honesty.

Integral versus Non-Integral Citation

Incorporating sources can be done in two different styles: integral and non-integral citations. Understanding these distinctions will help students frame arguments more effectively in academic writing.

Integral Citations (Author-Prominent)

Integral citations emphasize the author of the work being referenced. This approach can enhance your argument by foregrounding the author's contribution.

Example:

• Smith (2020) argues that social media influences the mental health of teenagers significantly.

In this example, the author’s name is integral to the argument being made.

Non-Integral Citations (Information-Prominent)

Non-integral citations focus less on the author and more on the information being cited. This technique can be useful when discussing widely accepted facts or statistics.

Example:

• A recent study found that "approximately 30% of adolescents report symptoms of anxiety related to social media use" (Smith, 2020, p. 22).

Here, the focus is on the study’s findings rather than the author, indicating a non-integral citation approach.

Worked Example

Consider a scenario in which you need to reference a fact about social media usage:

In 2020, Smith reports that social media platforms have up to 2 billion users worldwide.

In this case, the emphasis is on the fact rather than on Smith himself, which shows a non-integral citation approach.

Using Reporting Verbs to Signal Stance

The choice of reporting verbs can subtly change the tone and strength of your arguments. These verbs indicate your stance towards the information you are presenting.

Types of Reporting Verbs

• Assertive Reporting Verbs: such as claims, argues, and states demonstrate confidence in the information presented.
• Hesitant Reporting Verbs: such as suggests and proposes indicate that the author is presenting a possibility rather than a certainty.

Worked Example

Using reporting verbs might look as follows:

• Smith (2020) asserts that the economic benefits of social media are significant.
• Conversely, Johnson (2021) suggests that the harms of social media may outweigh its benefits.

Citing Paraphrase, Summary, and Direct Quotation Correctly

Understanding how to cite different forms of information is crucial for doing it correctly in your academic writing.

Paraphrasing

When paraphrasing an author’s ideas, it is essential to retain their original meaning while expressing it in your own words. Even when paraphrasing, you still need to provide an in-text citation.

Example:

• Original text: "Social media can lead to various mental health issues" (Smith, 2020, p. 15).
• Paraphrase: Smith (2020) highlights that the use of social media has been linked to multiple mental health challenges.

Summarizing

Summarizing involves condensed representation of the main idea from several pages or sections. This, too, requires an in-text citation.

Example:

• Smith (2020) delves into the multiple ways social media affects individuals, including anxiety and depression.

Direct Quotations

When using direct quotations, maintain the integrity of the source’s words and ensure proper citation.

Example:

• "The influence of social media extends beyond mere communication, affecting personal identities" (Smith, 2020, p. 30).

Handling Multiple Authors, Secondary Sources, and Works with No Named Author

In some cases, students will encounter additional complexity when citing sources:

Multiple Authors

For works by multiple authors, follow the guidelines outlined previously regarding citation format:

• For more than three authors, use the first author’s name followed by "et al." in your in-text citation.

Example:

• (Jones et al., 2020, p. 44)

Secondary Sources

Sometimes you might have a source that cites another source. It is crucial to ensure proper citation when referencing a secondary source. Generally, cite both sources, noting that you are referencing a secondary source.

Example:

• Smith’s theory (as cited in Johnson, 2021) suggests that...

Works with No Named Author

If a work does not have a named author, use the title in place of the author.

Example:

• The American Psychological Association (2021) provides guidelines on...

Conclusion

Through this lesson, students has been introduced to the foundational principles of in-text citation, integral and non-integral citations, the significance of reporting verbs, and the proper methods for citing diverse types of sources. Mastery of these skills not only enhances academic writing but also contributes to fostering a culture of integrity and respect for intellectual property in academia. Proper citation is integral for any student aspiring for success in their research and academic endeavors.

Study Notes

• Citing in the text requires author, year, and page number for direct quotes.
• Integral citations focus on the author; non-integral citations focus on the information.
• Reporting verbs signal the stance (assertive vs. hesitant).
• Paraphrasing and summarizing require citations just like direct quotes.
• Handle multiple authors with appropriate guidelines, and remember to manage secondary sources and unnamed works accurately.