Planning

Why cite?

Citing your sources allows you to properly attribute ideas and work to their original authors and creators. This helps the reader know how to learn more about the original context and research behind the ideas and information you share in your own work.

Proper citations also help you avoid plagiarism. According to the UO Student Conduct Code, plagiarism is defined as: "Presenting another’s material as one’s own, including using another’s words, results, processes or ideas, in whole or in part, without giving appropriate credit."

What should you cite?

1. Text that you quote verbatim.
2. Facts that may be challenging to find or information that is not common knowledge. (What is "common knowledge"?)
3. Ideas, theories, arguments, and conclusions that you paraphrase or summarize.
4. Arguments and methods that you build upon.
5. Ideas generated in collaboration with others.