What is referencing?
When you write an assignment it is
necessary to identify the work of
other authors by making reference
to it — both in the text of your
assignment and in a list at the end
of your assignment. This practice of
acknowledging authors is known as
referencing.
What to reference?
References must be provided whenever you
use someone else’s opinions, theories,
data or organisation of material.
You need to reference information from
books, articles, videos, computers, other
print or electronic sources, and personal
communications.
When reference is required?
If you:
• Quote (use someone else’s exact words).
• Copy (use figures, tables or structure).
• Paraphrase (convert someone else’s
ideas into your own words).
• Summaries (use a brief account of
someone else’s ideas).
Why should you reference?
References enhance your writing and
assist your reader by:
• Showing the breadth of your research.
• Strengthening your academic argument.
• Showing the reader the source of your
information.
• Allowing the reader to consult your
sources independently.
• Allowing the reader to verify your data.
What about public domain information?
• Public domain information is
information that is so widely
known that it is considered
everybody would be aware of its
source.
• Use public domain information
freely (specific citation may not
be required)
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the intentional
use of someone else’s
ideas, words or concepts in
your assignment work. It is
considered serious
misconduct at educational
institution and should be
avoided at all times.
How to avoid plagiarism?
Acknowledge the
resources upon
which you have
based your ideas.
Which referencing system should you use in
this institution?
Author-Date systems
commonly known as
“Harvard" and
“APA” (American
Psychological Association)
Principles of Harvard referencing
There are two parts to the Harvard system of
referencing:
1. The author and the date are referred to in the
text or main body of your writing (called
embedded or in-text referencing).
2. All of the resources referred to in the body of the
writing are included in the reference list at the
end of the assignment.
(All information is included in this list: author, date, title of
publication, publisher and where it was published).
Other features of Harvard referencing system
• A specific order in which this
information should be structured.
• The in-text reference which should
be placed (cited) in such a way that
it causes minimal disruption to the
flow of your writing—this usually
means at the very end or the very
beginning of your sentences.
You should include the following regardless
of whether you Quote, Copy, Paraphrase
or Summarise:
• The author’s surname (family name).
• The year of publication (latest edition).
• Page numbers when directly quoting or
closely paraphrasing an author’s
words/material.
• Correct punctuation and spacing.
Ways of citing
There are two ways of citing references:
1. Author prominent. This way gives prominence to the
author
• Direct quote example
Cowie (1996, p. 91) argues that ‘socialism rejected the
liberal ideals of individualism and competition’.
• Paraphrase example
Cowie (1996) suggests that unlike capitalism, socialism
promotes the good of the whole before
the good of the individual.
2. Information prominent.
• Direct quote example:
It has been argued that ‘socialism rejected the liberal
ideals of individualism and competition’ (Cowie 1996, p.
91).
• Paraphrase example:
Unlike capitalism, socialism promotes the good of the
whole before the good of the individual (Cowie 1996).
Verbs that help with author-prominent
referencing
State Point out Describe
Remark Add Suggest
Maintain Assert Affirm
Agree Claim Clarify
Disagree Contest Contend
Highlight Find Show
Imply Theories Offer
Predict Question Dispute
Justify Confirm Reason
Advice
It is preferable that you
paraphrase as too many
quotations can lead to a
poorly written assignment.
A general rule in academic circles
is that no more than 10% of an
assignment should be in the
form of direct quotations.
Thank You
See You Next
Time
In Sha Allah
