Citing an article in a research paper is essential to give credit to the original author and to avoid plagiarism. Proper citation also helps readers locate the original source and strengthens the credibility of your research.
What Is a Citation?
A citation is a reference to a source from which information, ideas, or data have been taken. Citations usually appear in two places:
In-text citation within the paper
Reference list at the end of the paper
The citation format depends on the style required by the journal or institution.
Common Citation Styles
Different journals follow different citation styles. The most commonly used styles are APA, IEEE, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Style (Common in Science & Social Sciences)
In-text citation:
(Author, Year)
Example:
(Smith, 2022)
Reference list format:
Smith, J. (2022). Title of the article. Journal Name, 10(2), 45–55.
IEEE Style (Common in Engineering)
In-text citation:
[1]
Reference list format:
[1] J. Smith, “Title of the article,” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 45–55, 2022.
MLA Style (Common in Humanities)
In-text citation:
(Smith 45)
Reference list format:
Smith, John. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2022, pp. 45–55.
Steps to Cite an Article Correctly
First, collect all the required details of the article, including author name, year of publication, article title, journal name, volume, issue number, and page numbers. Then choose the citation style specified by the journal. Insert the in-text citation at the point where the information is used and add the full reference in the reference list.
Online Articles and DOIs
If the article is accessed online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the official URL. DOIs are preferred because they provide permanent access to the article.
Common Citation Mistakes to Avoid
Many authors forget to cite paraphrased content, which can still be considered plagiarism. Using inconsistent citation styles or missing reference details can also lead to paper rejection. Always double-check citations before submission.
Conclusion
Correctly citing articles is a fundamental part of academic writing. By following the required citation style and maintaining accurate references, researchers can avoid plagiarism and improve the acceptance chances of their papers.