Summary (^93)
Use a Standard Format for Source Citation
To avoid plagiarism and build and maintain credibility, list each source in a bibliography
at the end of your outline. Alphabetize your sources, and use the standard bibliographic
format found in the style or publication manual your instructor recommends. Because
so many formats are available, this text does not provide specific examples of the various
styles. The basic elements of any source citation include the author(s), date, title, publisher
or source, and place of publication or location in a database or on an Internet site.
A few tips can help you cite sources correctly:
• The most common style manuals are available online; in addition, check your campus
writing center’s or library’s website for citation guidelines.
• Some library database or academic articles tell you how to cite the material in a
variety of styles.
• Finally, easy-to-use programs such as Citation Machine or EasyBib are available
online. A search for “online source citation program” should provide several links.
Whichever style you use, remember two additional rules: (1) use the style your
instructor recommends, and (2) use it consistently.
Many online resources now have a digital object identifier (DOI), which locates
intellectual property online.^39 This series of numbers and letters comes at the end of the
reference. If an online source lacks the DOI, write out the URL where it was located.
Here’s an example (in APA style, with no end punctuation):^40
Elder, S. D., Lister, J., & Dauvergne, P. (2014, January). Big retail and sustainable
coffee: A new development studies research agenda. Progress in Development Studies,
14 (1), 77–90. doi: 10.1177/1464993413504354
In summary, a vital aspect of research is recording the information so that it is
readily available when you need it. If you prefer a structured, linear method, writing
out notes on note cards may be your best choice. If you approach the research task
holistically, you might download or photocopy your materials and use highlighters to
identify important information. Whichever method you choose, always use a standard
bibliographic format to list your sources alphabetically.Summary
Part of your competence in speechmaking is your ability to gather information. To be
more effective, set aside plenty of time to explore your topic, and use a research plan
that is appropriate for the subject.
Look for written materials in hard copy or digital books and reference materials, in
periodicals, in both legacy and native digital news sources, and in opinion pieces from
credible sources. Consider also nonprint sources such as personal experience, interviews,
or lectures and performances. Throughout your research, seek out diverse perspectives
from a variety of viewpoints.
Think critically about your materials using the MAPit strategy—a combination
of M (message) plus A (author or source) plus P (purpose). Discern whether or not
the message is biased, up-to-date, accurate, original, and organized. Ask if the source
is primary, secondary, or tertiary. Check the Internet domain for further information
about the entity that accepts responsibility for the material. Then decide if the purpose
is informative, persuasive, entertaining, or commemorative. An online organization’s
mission statement can provide clues to its reason for being.
Finally, consistently record your findings using a method that meets your
learning style preferences, such as source and information cards or downloading ordigital object identifier
(Doi) series of numbers
and letters that locate
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