https://researchguides.ccc.edu/c.php?g=736200&p=5262272
Why is a citation important?
A citation is important for several reasons:
- They allow your audience to know the source of a specific quotation or idea that appears in your work. The citation works as a road-map from your paper to the original source.
- They build your credibility. When your audience (i.e. professor) can easily see the high quality of your sources, they know you have put in the time and effort to build your own knowledge on the topic, making your conclusions more convincing.
- They show respect to the creators of the original content.
- And most importantly...using citations helps you avoid plagiarism!