Answer:
How to Format a Citation
There are two basic approaches to citation:
In-text citations + a list of references at the end of the paper
Endnotes or footnotes +/- a bibliography at the end of the paper
Scholars writing in the sciences and social sciences typically use in-text citations, while humanities scholars utilize endnotes/footnotes.
While the two basic approaches to citations are simple, there are many different citation styles.
What is a citation style?
The way that citations appear (format) depends on the citation style, which is a set of established rules and conventions for documenting sources.
Citation styles can be defined by an association, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA), publisher, such as the University of Chicago Press, or journal, such as The New England Journal of Medicine.
What citation style should I use?
The citation style that you use depends on the discipline in which you are writing, and where, or by whom, your work will be published or read.
When in doubt, ask your professor if there is a particular style that he/she would like you to use.
Where can I find more information on how to cite a specific type of source in a particular style?
The library has style manuals in print and online for several commonly used styles such as American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA) and Chicago. In addition, there are several excellent citation style guides on the web. (See below)
Examples of APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual of Style
For examples of APA and MLA and Chicago Manual of Style, visit Purdue's OWL (Online Writing Lab) site.
Citation Styles: American Psychological Association (APA)
Example
Frank, H. (2011). Wolves, Dogs, Rearing and Reinforcement: Complex Interactions Underlying Species Differences in Training and Problem-Solving Performance. Behavior Genetics, 41(6), 830-839.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
Print manual for the APA style, available in the Sciences and Rockefeller libraries.
Purdue University Online Writing Lab
Well-organized, easy-to-follow guide, with numerous examples.
APA Style
American Psychological Association website for the APA Style. Provides tutorials, answers to frequently asked questions, and more.
