What are references?

When quoting studies, statistics or supporting claims, a reference is either needed or can help to ensure your ideas are evidence based rather than just subjective.

Why should you reference?

Supporting ideas with evidence-based research is essential in establishing trust with your reader. This is especially important in today´s climate where ideas are presented as facts without necessarily drawing on relevant data that supports the underlying argument. Essentially, if you are going to claim something, then the reader should be able to see where your evidence comes from and make a judgment based on the quality of this evidence and its relation to your specific claim.

How can you reference correctly?

By following the referencing format that your school or publisher uses (e.g. APA or MLA). Most referencing frames require an in-text reference next to the information that it relates to and an end-of-essay bibliographical reference list. The in-text reference should include the author/s and the year of publication. You will need a reference when:

• Referencing studies
• Referencing statistics from studies
• Supporting claims and ideas