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COMM 30000: Human Communication Theory: Cite Sources

Cite Sources

Get help citing your sources the right way.

What is a citation?

A citation tells readers how to find a source you used—like a book, article, website, or video.

Different disciplines have rules for how to format citations, usually explained in style guides (like APA, MLA, or Chicago).

Why cite your sources?

Give credit to the original author
Avoid plagiarism
Help others find your sources
Show your research is credible

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is using someone else's work—published, unpublished, or AI-generated—without giving credit.

This includes copying and pasting from the internet or online sources, whether you use the exact words or rewrite them.

Check the Student Academic Responsibilities section of the Hiram College Catalog for the definition of plagiarism and its repercussions.

Avoid Plagiarism

How to Not Plagiarize - Answers frequently asked questions about plagiarism and gives examples on how to paraphrase.
Paraphrasing Basics from Purdue Owl - Explains how to paraphrase with examples.
Plagiarism in the News - Headlines from Google News
Test Your Knowledge - How well do you understand plagiarism?
Citation: A Very Brief Introduction - What is citation? And why do we do it? NC State University Libraries explains (video).

APA Citation Style Resources

APA Formatting and Style Guide - (OWL @ Purdue)

Sample APA Paper - (OWL @ Purdue)

Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association by American Psychological Association
ISBN: 9781433832154

Publication Date: 2019-10-01

The official guide to APA style, providing rules for formatting papers, citing sources, and using headings, tables, and figures. It also offers guidance on clear, professional scholarly writing and reporting research, making it an essential resource for students and researchers.
Concise Guide to APA Style by American Psychological Association
ISBN: 9781433832734

Publication Date: 2019-12-01

Concise Guide to APA Style, Seventh Edition is the official APA Style resource for students. Designed specifically for undergraduate writing, this easy-to-use pocket guide is adapted from the seventh edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

MLA 9th Edition Style Resources

MLA Handbook (eBook)

MLA Citation Formatting (OWL @ Purdue)

Sample MLA Paper (OWL @ Purdue)

MLA Handbook by The Modern Language Association of America
Call Number: 808.027 Mla 2021

ISBN: 9781603293518

Publication Date: 2021-04-06

The MLA Handbook is published by the Modern Language Association and is the only official, authorized book on MLA style.

Chicago Style Resources

Chicago Style Guide (OWL @ Purdue)

Chicago Manual of Style Online

The Chicago Manual of Style by The University The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff
ISBN: 9780226817972

Publication Date: 2024-09-19

The definitive guide to style, usage, and grammar—now in its 18th edition, the most extensive update in 20 years. This edition emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and real-world usage, with expanded coverage of pronouns, capitalization, Indigenous languages, fiction, self-publishing, and evolving technologies like AI. A trusted reference for writers, editors, and students alike.

More Style Resources

ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication (ACS Publications)

AMA Style Guide (OWL @ Purdue)

ASA Manuscript Formatting (OWL @ Purdue)

The College Student's Research Companion by Arlene Rodda Quaratiello
ISBN: 9780838938386

Publication Date: 2023-09-12

Stop wasting time on unreliable Google results! This guide teaches how to find, evaluate, and use quality sources, plan research, and cite correctly. Review questions and exercises help you practice key skills for better essays and projects.

A Very Brief Intro to Citations

An introduction to MLA, APA, & Chicago Styles, plus frequently asked questions and tips!

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