DES 136 Principles & Elements of Design II

Why Do I Have to Cite?

To Build Upon the Research of Others
Citing your sources demonstrates to your audience that your arguments and conclusions are not based solely upon your own opinion or biases, but are supported by the findings of other researchers.

To Give Credit When It's Due
Citing information allows you to demonstrate exactly what information you took from another researcher and it shows what information is original to your work.

To Allow for Further Research
When you cite others' research in your work, you are giving your audience the sources they need to seek out additional information related to your topic.

To Avoid Plagiarism!
Plagiarism is a serious offense at Randolph Community College and is subject to disciplinary action. Plagiarism is the act of not giving credit to the sources of information you use in your writing. 

What Do I Have to Cite?

Direct Quotes
When you quote directly from a source.
When you rephrase, reword, or summarize information from a source.

Arguments and Terminology
When you make use of another person's argument, idea, or specific terminology.

Graphs, Charts, Photographs, Drawings, etc.
When you use or glean information from another person's graph, chart, photograph, drawing, or other representation of information.