Anyone who has done research knows how important it is to reference their work. For those who don't, the goal of referencing / citation is to allow others the benefit of your resources, whilst acknowledging the efforts of their authors - which if completed inaccurately, can be the key element of plagiarism. With this in mind, be sure to check that all the information you provide can be easily retrieved by your reader. To do this, follow the appropriate referencing style.

As for the correct referencing style, they vary (ranging from APA right through to MLA). All documents should be referenced in accordance with the accepted style for each subject area. If you have doubts as to which is the correct method of referencing, be sure to ask teachers or lecturers prior to submitting work (it is preferable to have such knowledge handy prior to beginning, as it will save you valuable time). Those who choose not to comply with appropriate styles may find to their work returned unmarked, or even fail. In reference to 'WWW' (World Wide Web) derived information, it is best to consult instructors as to the desired method for reporting.

The following documents are examples of referencing, and are divided into their subsequent styles. Be aware that even though group examples should be consistent, some variations may exist, and thus taken into account.

 

 

 

[Updated 01-02-01]