citation for not citing

Citations, identify published information so that someone can locate that particular item again. They usually include

  • the author
  • the title
  • the name of the journal or magazine
  • page numbers
  • publication information

Also, citations of Web documents include a URL and the day the information was accessed.

In the research world, citations have nothing to do with traffic tickets -- though you may get in trouble with your professor if you don't cite your material correctly. The proper way to cite sources that you use for your research can be found in style guides such as MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association) or Chicago Manual of Style.

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