Online Life
Citations
Citations are the secret ingredient to responsible writing, but knowing what actually needs a citation can be tricky. This video breaks it down into three simple categories—common knowledge, your ideas, and other people’s ideas—so you can understand when and how to cite properly. Watch the video to learn a clear, stress-free approach to citations that keeps your work honest, readable, and research-friendly.
What's About
This video unpacks the often-confusing world of citations by starting with a simple but powerful framework: every idea in your writing can be grouped as common knowledge, your own thinking, or someone else’s work. By learning to recognize these distinctions, writers can understand exactly when citations are needed—and why they matter.
First, the video explores the idea of “common knowledge,” like basic facts that are widely accepted and don’t require a citation. Then, it discusses “your ideas,” which include your personal insights, opinions, or original research. These, too, typically don’t need to be cited.
The video then turns to “other people’s ideas”—quotes, stats, insights, and arguments from outside sources. These must be cited because they’re not your original work. The video explains how using citations isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism—it’s about crediting the right people and helping readers learn more.
Finally, it introduces how citations work: in-text citations flag when you’ve used outside material, while full citations provide all the details about the source. Examples show how these two parts work together to keep your writing clear and responsible.
First, the video explores the idea of “common knowledge,” like basic facts that are widely accepted and don’t require a citation. Then, it discusses “your ideas,” which include your personal insights, opinions, or original research. These, too, typically don’t need to be cited.
The video then turns to “other people’s ideas”—quotes, stats, insights, and arguments from outside sources. These must be cited because they’re not your original work. The video explains how using citations isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism—it’s about crediting the right people and helping readers learn more.
Finally, it introduces how citations work: in-text citations flag when you’ve used outside material, while full citations provide all the details about the source. Examples show how these two parts work together to keep your writing clear and responsible.
What it Matters
Understanding how to use citations responsibly is essential for anyone writing papers, reports, or articles. This video builds citation confidence by teaching you to identify which ideas need to be cited and how to do it in a way that supports both the reader and the writer.
You’ll be able to:
- Recognize the difference between common knowledge, your own ideas, and other people’s ideas.
- Understand why common knowledge and your thoughts don’t usually need citations.
- Explain why and when you should cite other people’s work.
- Use in-text citations and full citations correctly to guide the reader.
- Appreciate how citations support learning and build trust with your audience.
You’ll be able to:
- Recognize the difference between common knowledge, your own ideas, and other people’s ideas.
- Understand why common knowledge and your thoughts don’t usually need citations.
- Explain why and when you should cite other people’s work.
- Use in-text citations and full citations correctly to guide the reader.
- Appreciate how citations support learning and build trust with your audience.
Standards Aligned
- ISTE Standard: Digital Citizen Indicator 2c
- ACRL Info Literacy Frame: Information Has Value
Part o the course: Smarter Search
Cut through the noise with critical thinking skills. Learn how to spot credible sources, detect bias, and navigate academic research with confidence.
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