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How to do Research for a College Paper: STEP 6: Cite your sources

Definition

pla·gia·rize   
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -rized; -riz·ing
Etymology: plagiary
Date: 1716
transitive verb : to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source
intransitive verb : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source

"Plagiarize." Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 18  Mar.  2010.

Cite your sources

 ◊   Gather bibliographic information along the way.

   •   Author
             •   Title
•   Date of Publication or Update
             •   Publisher and Place of Publication
   •   Page Numbers
◊ Does the source provide citation help?
        HINT:  Email yourself a copy of the article and most databases will allow you pick a citation format (MLA, ALA, etc.) and have that citation mailed to you.  Be sure the citation follows the information you've been given by your instructor.
   

APA Example

Paten, M. (2010, August). The accidental atomicist. History Today, 60(8), 54-55. Retrieved

from ProQuest database.

MLA Example

Paten, Maureen. "The Accidental Atomicist." History Today 60.8 (2010): 54-55. ProQuest Research

Core. Web. 8 Sept. 2010.

Plagiarism is Theft!