Skip to Main Content
Need Help?
Reference librarians are available to help students and faculty with their research!
During Research Assistance hours, you can also chat with us using the LibChat box on this page or our Library Home Page!
Contact us:
Telephone: (819) 822-9600 ext. 2608
Text: (819) 201-0354
Why it is important to cite your sources?
Academic research does not and cannot only rely on opinions. Academic research implies that you have consulted sources (either a book, an article, a newspaper, an image, a video, etc.) when writing the paper. The majority of the research conducted by undergraduates is secondary source research. Secondary source research is looking at and citing different studies to back up your thesis or research question. Furthermore, academic research is a form of communication that links the reader to more resources on a given topic.
It is essential to cite the sources you consulted in your research paper for the following reasons:
-
To support your arguments with other sources. This makes your work more credible and scientific.
-
For the sake of integrity and intellectual honesty do not plagiarize or steal someone's ideas/work. Plagiarism is a serious offense and students found plagiarizing will face disciplinary sanctions. For more information see: Bishop's University's regulations on academic integrity.
-
To develop good work practices that will be useful for you in the near future.