This module introduces how citations are used to document and credit people's work. Citing sources correctly is one way scholars avoid plagiarism, but citations also help them find information, notice connections between sources, and show respect for fellow researchers. The content and activities on this page are designed to develop the knowledge and skills that are key to this stage of college-level research:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Watch the three videos: 1. Keeping track of the conversation with citations, 2. When to cite, and 3.Putting sources in conversation. Use the arrow commands below the media player to move on to the next video.
Citation parts help us identify different voices and perspectives in the broader conversation about a subject. For example, publication dates can tell us who shared an idea or finding first. Sometimes it can be challenging to find citation details because each source and search tools display this information differently. Part of college-level research is keeping track of citation information and sharing it with readers.
Review the source or record linked in each question. Fill in the blanks with the correct citation information for each source. Use the "Show Solution" button to see if you found the right answer.
Part of college-level research is communicating to your audience where you got your information. Citations help you do this. Information has value, and it's considered unethical to use someone else's words or ideas without giving them proper credit. We call this plagiarism. At best, failing to distinguish your ideas from the work of others can ruin your credibility. At worst, plagiarism can perpetuate systems of oppression like racism and gender-based bias.
Read the Twitter thread embedded below. In this series of related posts, Dr. Samantha Ege, a professional Musicologist and pianist, shares her experience with having her work plagiarized by a powerful colleague. A text-only transcript of the Twitter thread is located below the embedded tweet.
A few years ago King-Dorset asked to use the #FlorencePrice photo I used in my article. He wanted it for his book and wanted me to send it and GRANT PERMISSION. I said no as I don’t own it. I told him who to contact. No response. Such a red flag 2/10 pic.twitter.com/uXpQxDcwnF
— Dr. Samantha Ege (@samantha_ege) January 16, 2020
This was the paragraph that made me realize what was happening and it was devastating 4/10 pic.twitter.com/jKbs8pF0oM
— Dr. Samantha Ege (@samantha_ege) January 16, 2020
And this 6/10 pic.twitter.com/4KRibNEwQi
— Dr. Samantha Ege (@samantha_ege) January 16, 2020
Same structure. Unbelievable. 8/10 pic.twitter.com/aq0A4mi8Wz
— Dr. Samantha Ege (@samantha_ege) January 16, 2020
Here’s my article: https://t.co/hTp4aUaVBM Read it, enjoy it, let it inspire new research of your own.
— Dr. Samantha Ege (@samantha_ege) January 16, 2020
All I ask, though I shouldn’t have to, is that you cite my work. Respect the scholarship that makes yours what it is.
The End 10/10#MusicologyTwitter #AcademicTwitter
SECOND UPDATE: McFarland has pulled the book (pictured) from publication. They have notified vendors that the book is out of print and will destroy existing inventory. Really pleased with the action they're taking! pic.twitter.com/siAdJg9ixz
— Dr. Samantha Ege (@samantha_ege) January 18, 2020
Discuss with classmates or reflect on your own
UWM College-level Research Tutorial 2020 by Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System is licensed under a
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