We all know referencing can be tedious, but you just need to do it! To the untrained eye reference lists may look like a confusing muddle of punctuation marks \u2013 but they\u2019re super important for your assignments and research.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a quick guide to getting started with referencing:<\/p>\n
Good academic writing is built on evidence, so referencing allows you to show that your arguments are built on a solid foundation. When you\u2019ve used an idea or information from another person\u2019s work you\u2019ll need to reference this in your own work.<\/p>\n
This takes place in-text citations that look like this:<\/p>\n
It could be argued that mental flexibility is a key factor in well-being (Palladino & Wade, 2010).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And reference list entries that look like this:<\/p>\n
Doyle, T., McEachern, D., & MacGregor, S. (2015). Environment and politics (4th ed.). Routledge.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Referencing lets your tutor know what sources you\u2019ve used, and shows that you can engage with others\u2019 ideas and use these in your own voice. Referencing also ensures you give credit to the ideas you use in your writing. This is a basic skill of academic writing and it\u2019s the right thing to do!<\/p>\n
Getting started with referencing<\/h2>\n
There are four different referencing styles commonly used at Curtin: APA, Chicago, AGLC and Vancouver. Each has a different way of writing references, so it\u2019s important to know which style your tutor prefers.<\/p>\n
Correct referencing is all about attention to detail, and there are strict rules that must be followed around the presentation of in-text citations and reference list entries.<\/p>\n
The Library has made a guide for each referencing style<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019ll find these very useful! Keep the guide handy in your browser or printed out as you complete an assignment.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re managing a lot of references you may like to look into EndNote. EndNote is a reference management program that will help you collect, organise\u00a0and store references,\u00a0and create formatted citations and reference lists in Microsoft Word. You can learn more about EndNote in the Library\u2019s online module<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Need help with referencing?<\/h2>\n
Sometimes we need a bit of extra help when learning something new. The Library has a heap of referencing workshops<\/a> about referencing where you\u2019ll get the chance to practice referencing and ask questions.<\/p>\n