BUT WHY? 3 Step Method of Source Citation

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the 3-Step Method of Source Citation as presented by Sandy. Understanding how to properly cite sources is crucial in academic and professional writing, as it enhances credibility and allows readers to verify your information. This method simplifies the citation process, making it easier to incorporate into your work.

Step 1: Identify Your Sources

• Begin by collecting all the sources you plan to use in your project. This can include:
  • Books
  • Journal articles
  • Websites
  • Videos
• Ensure that you gather comprehensive information for each source, such as:
  • Author(s) names
  • Title of the work
  • Publication date
  • Publisher information (for books)
  • URL (for online sources)
• Tip: Use a citation management tool or a spreadsheet to organize this information efficiently.

Step 2: Choose a Citation Style

• Select an appropriate citation style based on your field of study or the guidelines provided by your instructor. Common styles include:
  • APA (American Psychological Association)
  • MLA (Modern Language Association)
  • Chicago
• Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of your chosen style, which may include:
  • Formatting for in-text citations
  • Structure for the bibliography or works cited page
• Common Pitfall: Ensure you consistently use the same citation style throughout your document to maintain professionalism and coherence.

Step 3: Format Your Citations

• Once you have your sources identified and your citation style selected, format your citations accordingly. Here’s a brief overview of how to format entries in two popular styles:

  APA Format Example

  Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher. URL
  

  MLA Format Example

  Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Publisher, Year. URL.
  

• Double-check each citation for accuracy, ensuring that:

  • All necessary information is included
  • Punctuation and capitalization are correct according to the style guide's rules

• Tip: Use online citation generators for quick formatting, but always verify their accuracy.

Conclusion

Citing sources may seem daunting, but by following this 3-Step Method, you can streamline the process. Start by identifying your sources, choose the correct citation style, and then format your citations accordingly. By mastering this method, you'll enhance the credibility of your work and ensure proper attribution to original authors. For further practice, consider applying this method to a recent paper or project.