

Just as the ideas of other researchers can bolster your arguments, they can also detract from your credibility if their research is challenged.If you disagree with a researcher's ideas or you believe there is a gap in understanding the research problem, your citations can serve as sources from which to argue an alternative viewpoint or the need to pursue a different course of action. The ideas of other researchers can be used to explain reasons for alternative approaches.In many cases, another researcher's arguments can act as the primary context from which you can emphasize the significance of your study and to provide supporting evidence about how you addressed the "So What?" question. Other researcher's ideas can be used to reinforce your arguments.The list of sources used increases your credibility as the author of the work. Citing other people's words and ideas demonstrates that you have conducted a thorough review of the literature on your topic and, therefore, you are reporting your research from an informed and critically engaged perspective.

One of the most effective strategies for locating authoritative, relevant sources about a topic is to review footnotes or references from known sources. Citations to sources helps readers expand their knowledge on a topic. Proper citation allows readers to locate the materials you used.The act of citing sources is also your best defense against allegations of plagiarism.Ĭiting the works of others is important because: Extending the Timeliness of a Topic IdeaĬitations document for your readers where you obtained your material, provide a means of critiquing your study based on the sources you used, and create an opportunity to obtain information about prior studies of the research problem under investigation.
