A presentation of the Instructional Unit of the Sacramento State University Library

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.

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.

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

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If you make a claim like this (“largest turbine in the world”), then you need to cite the source. Next Question

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

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It is common knowledge and widely accepted that vitamin deficiencies cause health problems. This is also a very general claim, but even if you claim something specific, like “a vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy,” you still don’t have to cite that source—that fact is also common knowledge and widely accepted. Other lesser-known health problems may need to be cited. Next Question

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

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The statement contains a direct quote, and the source of all direct quotes must be cited. Vitamin C’s effect on the common cold is controversial, so the study making this claim needs to be cited. If you mention “a recent review of medical literature,” then you need to cite the articles you reviewed (or the single article you read that reviewed recent medical literature). Next Question

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

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This is the author’s opinion. No need to cite. Next Question

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

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This assertion is too detailed to have been invented by the author. Additionally, a specific survey is mentioned, so it must be properly cited (Author, year) or (Author page #). Next Question

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

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Sources of numerical data require citations. Additionally, the U.S. government is mentioned as the source; readers will want to know which of the government’s many publications provided the information. Next Question

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

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Cite the source of specific facts. Next Question

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

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No need to cite commonly accepted ideas. Next Question

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

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You may need to cite the source, since the use of oral pain relievers for teething babies is still somewhat controversial. Sometimes you will need to consider your audience and how skeptical they are. A citation may help you convince them. Next Question

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

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Always cite the source of a direct quote. Repeat Exercises