Module 5: Citing Sources

Citation Styles

A number of different citation styles are used in academic writing, including the APA and MLA styles. Citation styles are standardized ways to show the publication information for a source. The main purpose for using citations is to enable the reader of your work to verify the sources of your ideas and quotes, either clarify the meaning or to find additional information. Other reasons for citing sources include:

• Intellectual honesty
• Giving your work credibility by showing the authority of your sources
• Following the guidelines of your instructor

Citation styles most commonly used at LSSC include:

• APA (American Psychological Association)
  • -- Most often used in science classes
• MLA (Modern Language Association)
  
  • -- Most often used in composition and humanities classes