How to Cite Sources in a Dissertation Correctly

How to Cite Sources in a Dissertation Correctly

Correct citation is a fundamental aspect of academic integrity. Properly citing your sources not only acknowledges the original authors but also helps avoid plagiarism. Here’s a breakdown of how to cite sources in your dissertation:

  1. Follow the Required Citation Style: Most dissertations require a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Ensure you use the correct format consistently throughout your dissertation.

  2. In-Text Citations: For APA style, citations are written in the format of (Author, Year). Example: (Smith, 2020).

  3. Reference List: At the end of your dissertation, include a complete reference list of all the sources you cited. This list should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name.

  4. Tools for Citation: Use tools like Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley to automate citation formatting and reference management.