Citing sources

When writing a paper, it is important that you cite your sources.

Elin Hecker | 29.03.2011

As a Bachelor level student at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences it is mandatory to use the APA Style. As a Master level student, you may use other citation styles than APA Style. The essential is that you document your sources in a correct and consistent manner.

 
> APA Style Homepage

> APA 6th edition - guide in English

 

Authors of academic work often borrow from other sources, which include material such as words, ideas, arguments, research results, tables etc.
 
You must document these sources in your own work because:
  • It is important to credit other authors
  • Your reader should be able to identify and locate the sources cited
To pass other people’s work as one’s own is plagiarism. When handing over your assignment it will be regarded as such whether it was your intention or not.
 
You do not have to document facts that are considered common knowledge, or easely checked in a reference book. When in doubt, document your source.
 
As a general rule, you should only cite sources that you have actually read; avoid citing secondary sources.
  
Cite your sources by:
  • Quoting (using the exact words)
  • Paraphrasing (using your own words)