Carrington College Library: Start Your Research Here!: Citing Sources and Plagiarism

Why do I need to Cite My Sources?

Why is it important to cite references in your research paper?

It gives credit to the authors of the sources you used.
It provides your reader with more information about your sources so they can find them if they want to read more about your topic.
It shows your credibility and that you did your research before you came to your conclusion.
It prevents plagiarism!

Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction (1:54)

Citing Sources: Why & How to Do It (5:37)

Citing Sources and Plagiarism: Why is this Important?

PLAGIARISM...

is copying someone else's work or idea without giving them credit.
To avoid plagiarism, it is essential to reference where you got the information.

The Carrington College Student Handbook explains the consequences of plagiarism on page 12:

Plagiarism and Critical Thinking Skills

Saturday Night Live -
Plagiarism skit (6:07)

TIPS TO AVOID PLAGIARISM

Keep track of your resources
Quote and Paraphrase - Use in-text citations for both
Credit the author with in-text citations and in the Reference List
Ask if you need Help

Citing and Writing Resources

Carrington College uses the APA (American Psychological Association) 7th edition style for all submitted work.

Citation & Writing Assistance

Copyright Q&A

Ember Education Copyright Q & A May 2020 Release This Copyright Q&A has been developed by Ember Education’s Legal Department and is intended to provide general guidance to faculty, staff, and students of Carrington College, San Joaquin Valley College, and Santa Barbara Business College (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Colleges”) on the use of copyrighted works, including the use of digital media.
Copyright Basics Created by the U.S. Copyright Office, this document gives you the basics of copyright laws, coverage, and more.

What is Copyright?
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, "Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works" (click here for more information).

What does Copyright protect?

According to the U.S. Copyright Office, "Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed" (click here for more information).

Copyright Law of the United States This document includes the Copyright Act of 1976 and all subsequent amendments to copyright law; the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984, as amended; and the Vessel Hull Design Protection Act, as amended. The Copyright Office is responsible for registering intellectual property claims under all three.