4.3 When to Cite Information
When should you cite a source in your work?
You should cite your sources whenever you take words, ideas, figures, images, etc. from another place. Cite any piece of information you take from another source.
The citation should appear at the first use of information. Include the in text citation right after the information used so that readers know where each piece of information came from. See the examples below for the correct way to cite information in a paragraph.
Correct way to cite information
Incorrect way to cite information
What information should you cite?
You must cite any:
- Facts, ideas, or other information that comes from a resource or publication
- Figures, images or tables that were created by another person
- Any exact wording or quotations that come from a resource or publication (always include this in quotation marks)
You do not need to cite:
- Information that is common knowledge (ie. DNA has a double helix structure, squids are a type of mollusc)
What is common knowledge?
Common knowledge is considered either:
- Information known by most people (ie. the sky is blue); or
- Information known by people in a specific field of study (ie. Giardia have two nuclei).
As this information is commonly known, it not require a citation. A good rule of thumb is that common knowledge is information you can find uncited in at least 5 credible sources.
Background Information
Common knowledge is not the same thing as background information. Background information provides overview and context to the arguments you share in your work. This information needs to be cited.
Tip
If you are not sure information is common knowledge, be safe and cite your source!
