APA Style Citation
4 When Do We Cite?
You are encouraged to gather ideas from other sources in your work, and when you put them in your work you must indicate where you found the ideas. When uncertain, err on the side of caution and cite your source. It’s better to provide more information than to risk unintentional plagiarism. To guide you as you get used to academic writing, the following points clarify when citations are not needed and when they should be included.
Do not cite
1. Your ideas
No need to cite your original thoughts and opinions, if you have not used them previously. Be aware that using the same paper and rehashing the same ideas in multiple classes may be considered self-plagiarism. Contact your instructor if you want to include previous classwork to ensure you follow your institutions’ academic integrity standards.
When your ideas have been influenced by someone else’s work or research, cite them to support your argument or show its roots.
Do not Cite: Examples
Your ideas:
- If you research a particular nursing intervention and write down some
conclusions, these are your ideas and don’t require citation.
Common knowledge:
- In the field of nursing, a statement like “handwashing prevents the spread of
infection” may be common knowledge.
2. Common knowledge
Determining what constitutes common knowledge can be context-dependent. Consider your audience’s background and familiarity with the subject matter when determining whether to cite or not to cite.
General, widely accepted facts don’t require citation, such as:
- Basic historical events or dates (Canada Day is July 1, common knowledge for Canadians).
- Fundamental scientific principles (“Water freezes at 0°C” is common knowledge for most people).
- Generally known geographic or demographic information (Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan is common knowledge for Canadians).
Cite
1. Information that is not common knowledge
If the information, idea, image, or data is not commonly known or easily accessible, it needs citation.
2. Direct quotes and paraphrased material
When you directly quote or rephrase someone else’s work. Even if you’re presenting the information in your own words, acknowledging the original source is essential.
Cite Examples
Information that is not common knowledge:
- Scientific findings, a new treatment or the results of a clinical trial.
- Statistical data derived from research or surveys that isn’t widely circulated.
- Interpretations or analyses that diverge from established views in the field.
Direct quotes and paraphrased material:
- Using a famous nursing theory like Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory of Nursing, requires citing the original text or a reputable source where the theory is discussed.
Specific references to studies or theories:
- Include credible references when discussing the impact of evidence-based
practice in health care.
3. Specific references to studies or theories
If your work relies on or mentions specific studies, theories, or concepts developed by others, provide citations to give credit.
Key Takeaways
Cite:
- Ideas, images or data that are not widely known or easily accessible
- Include citations to avoid unintentional plagiarism
- Consider the background and expertise of your audience
*Tip* It might help to think: is this my own idea or did I read or hear about it in one of my sources? If it came from somewhere else, cite it!
