what form(s) of documentation is (are) required in all assignments using outside sources?

 When working on assignments that involve the use of outside sources, proper documentation is crucial to give credit to the original authors, provide evidence for your claims, and avoid plagiarism. The specific form of documentation required can vary depending on the citation style preferred by your instructor or institution. However, the two most common documentation styles are the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA) styles. Here's an overview of both:

1. APA (American Psychological Association) Style:

  • In-Text Citations:

    • When paraphrasing or directly quoting from a source, include an in-text citation with the author's last name and the publication year (e.g., Smith, 2020).
  • Reference List:

    • Provide a comprehensive reference list at the end of your assignment, listing all the sources cited in your work. Arrange the entries alphabetically by the author's last name.

Example (Book Citation in APA):

In-text citation: (Smith, 2020)

Reference list entry: Smith, J. (2020). Title of the Book. Publisher.

2. MLA (Modern Language Association) Style:

  • In-Text Citations:

    • MLA typically uses the author's last name and the page number for in-text citations (e.g., Smith 45). If there's no page number, just the author's last name is sufficient.
  • Works Cited:

    • Include a Works Cited page at the end of your assignment, listing all the sources cited. Arrange the entries alphabetically by the author's last name or the title of the work if there's no author.

Example (Book Citation in MLA):

In-text citation: (Smith 45)

Works Cited entry: Smith, John. Title of the Book. Publisher, Publication Year.

General Tips:

  • Consistency is Key:

    • Regardless of the citation style, be consistent in how you format in-text citations and reference lists or works cited pages.
  • Online Sources:

    • If you're using online sources, include the URL or DOI in your citation, if available.
  • Consult Your Style Guide:

    • Always refer to the official APA or MLA style guide for specific rules and examples. Both styles have guidelines for citing various types of sources, including books, articles, websites, etc.

Your instructor may specify a particular citation style or provide guidelines on how to document sources in your assignments. Always follow the requirements outlined by your instructor or institution to ensure accurate and proper documentation

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