Tutorial: When to Cite and When Not to Cite

Tutorial: When to Cite and When Not to Cite A presentation of the Instructional Unit of the Sacramento State University Library

To cite or not to cite? • That is the question many students have. • In general, cite the sources of… • Dates, statistics, and other numerical data. • Facts, especially if someone might dispute them. • Specific information. • Information that is new to you. • Direct quotes.

You still might be unsure. • The following slides provide examples of when you need to cite and when you don’t. • Read each example, consider whether or not you would cite the source of the information, and then choose your answer by clicking Cite or No Need to Cite.

Question 1: • 1. As of 2012, the largest wind turbine in the world will be located in California. • Cite • No Need to Cite

Question 2 • Vitamin deficiencies can cause a variety of health problems. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 3 • A recent review of medical literature concluded that “regular vitamin C consumption may reduce the duration but not the severity of cold symptoms.” • Cite • No need to cite

Question 4 • English is one of the easiest college majors. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 5 • When surveyed by the National Teachers’ Association, high school English teachers indicated high job satisfaction despite feeling overworked and underpaid. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 6 • The United States government considers a family of four to be living in poverty if the annual household income is less than $22,314. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 7 • Steve Jobs holds 245 U.S. patents. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 8 • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is an effective fever reducer. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 9 • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are effective pain relievers for babies who are teething. • Cite • No need to cite

Question 10 • “Nurses, in general, find their work rewarding and challenging.” • Cite • No need to cite

Tutorial: When to Cite and When Not to Cite