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How to: Reference

This guide will provide you with a quick introduction to referencing at DBS

Referencing Basics

Referencing is a standard method of acknowledging the sources of information you have consulted in compiling your assignment or exam. Anything – words, figures, graphs, theories, ideas, facts, images – originating from another source and used in your assignment or exam must be referenced (i.e. acknowledged).

In your assignment or exam you must provide the reader with precise information pertaining to every source referred to in your written work or consulted as part of your research.

Referencing is a vital part of academic research and writing. There are several reasons why it is so important, some of which are listed below:

  • To avoid plagiarism
  • To back up your argument(s)
  • To establish credibility
  • To verify your research and quotations
  • To provide your reader with the details needed to source the original documents, etc. used in your research.

You should reference every time you use someone else's ideas or work in your own - no exceptions!

You should include a citation if you use a direct quote, paraphrase or summarise another's work, or mention someone else's work.

You include a brief citation, or in-text citation in your assignment or exam where you refer to the other work. The formatting of the citation depends on the referencing style you use. This information lets your reader know what resource you are referencing so they can find it on your reference list.
You include a full citation in your reference list at the end of your assignment or exam. It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the assignment or exam.

Book a Referencing Workshop

If you are unable to attend a workshop live, be sure to register to receive a recording to view in your own time!