Tips for using citations to better support your research

Citations can be used to support your research effectively. Think of citations as your research's supporting crew. They not only back up your ideas but also show that you've done your homework.  They build upon your claims too by supporting them with the work of other experts.

Imagine you're chatting with a friend about how important it is for students to get a good night's sleep. You can casually drop a citation like this: "A recent study (A, 2023) found that getting at least eight hours of sleep can boost exam performance. So, sleep matters for students!"

Now, when you're discussing school uniforms and someone says they're uncomfortable, you can calmly respond with, "I hear you, but there's research from B (2023) suggesting that uniforms actually increase student attendance. Interesting, right?"

In addition, citations can be useful for

• Introduction of new ideas into your discussion: Talking about the benefits of exercise on mental health, you might say: "Did you know, according to XX (2021), exercise not only improves physical health but also positively impacts mental well-being? It's not just about staying fit!"
• Comparing various perspectives: When discussing climate change causes, you could mention: "Some say natural factors drive climate change (YY, 2020), while others, like ZZ (2019), argue that human activities are the main culprits. It's a complex issue with different viewpoints."
• Refuting opposing arguments: In a tech and social interaction debate, you might respond with: "I get it; some believe tech isolates us (AA, 2018). But BB's research in 2022 actually suggests that technology can foster meaningful connections among people. So, it's not all doom and gloom."

Related Infographic

Visual storytelling: Differences between graphical abstracts and infographics

Are you tired of struggling to communicate your…

1.4k

Now, here are four super-easy tips to make your citations work effectively:

1. Accuracy: Verify that the in-text citations and references are complete and accurate. You may consult a citation guide if you are unsure how to cite a source.
2. Appropriate choice of sources: Don't overuse citations. Only cite sources when you are using their information to support your own claims or arguments.
3. Seamless integration: Citations should be smoothly integrated into your writing. Avoid simply tacking them on at the end of sentences. Rather than using too many direct quotations, paraphrase or summarize the information from your sources.
4. Effective usage: Citations provide evidence from experts in the field and can help to strengthen your argument. To build upon your research claims, when citing other sources, be sure to explain how the work supports your own.

If you follow these tips, you will be able to use citations effectively to support your research and build a stronger argument.