Academic integrity is essential in any field of study, and nursing is no exception. Proper citation not only ensures academic honesty, but also acknowledges the hard work of other researchers, provides support for your own arguments, and allows readers to locate and verify the sources you have used. This article will guide you through the process of citing your sources in your nursing capstone project, including when to cite, citation styles, types of sources, citation management software, common citation errors, and frequently asked questions.
When Should You Cite Your Sources?
Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is when you use someone else’s work or ideas without proper attribution or permission, presenting it as your own. Plagiarism can include:
- Copying and pasting text
- Paraphrasing without proper citation
- Using ideas without giving credit
- Submitting work previously submitted for another course without permission
- Paying another person to write your work
Types of Information That Require Citation
To avoid plagiarism, you must cite any information that is not common knowledge or your own ideas. This includes:
- Direct quotes
- Paraphrased information
- Ideas or concepts
- Statistics
- Images or illustrations
- Tables or graphs
Common Misconceptions About What Requires Citation
Some information may seem like common knowledge, but it still requires citation if it is not widely known in your field of study. Additionally, just because you found the information on a credible website or in a reputable source does not mean you can use it without proper citation. Always err on the side of caution and cite any information that is not your own original idea or common knowledge.
How to Cite Different Types of Sources
There are various citation styles used in nursing, but three of the most common are APA, MLA, and AMA. Your nursing program or capstone instructor may specify which citation style to use.
Books
In-text Citation
- APA: (Author’s Last Name, Year of Publication)
- MLA: (Author’s Last Name Page Number)
- AMA: (Author’s Last Name and Page Number)
Reference List Entry Format
- APA: Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of Book. Publisher.
- MLA: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- AMA: Author’s Last Name First Initial. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year of Publication.
Journal Articles
In-text Citation
- APA: (Author’s Last Name, Year of Publication, Page Number)
- MLA: (Author’s Last Name Page Number)
- AMA: (Author’s Last Name and Page Number)
Reference List Entry Format
- APA: Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of Article. Title of Journal, Volume, Page Numbers.
- MLA: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Article.” Title of Journal, Volume, Issue, Year, Page Numbers.
- AMA: Author’s Last Name First Initial. Title of Article. Title of Journal. Year; Volume (Issue): Page Numbers.
Websites
In-text Citation
- APA: (Author’s Last Name or Organization, Year of Publication, Page or Paragraph Number)
- MLA: (Author’s Last Name or Title of Web Page)
- AMA: (Author’s Last Name and Number of Paragraph if Applicable)
Reference List Entry Format
- APA: Author’s Last Name or Organization. (Year of Publication). Title of Web Page. URL.
- MLA: Title of Web Page. Name of Website, Publisher or Sponsor of Website, Date of Access, URL.
- AMA: Author’s Last Name First Initial. Title of Web Page. Name of Website. Year. URL. Accessed Month Day, Year.
Importance of Evaluating Website Credibility
When citing information from websites, it is important to evaluate their credibility. Look for:
- Author credentials
- Domain name (.edu, .gov, .org are typically more credible than .com or .net)
- Date of publication or last update
- Citations or references to other sources
Other Sources
Conference Proceedings
- APA: Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of Paper. In Editor’s First Initial and Last Name (Eds.), Title of Conference Proceedings (Page Numbers). Publisher.
- MLA: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Paper.” Title of Conference Proceedings, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year, Page Numbers.
- AMA: Author’s Last Name First Initial. Title of Paper. In Editor First Initial Last Name (Eds.). Title of Conference Proceedings. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year: Page Numbers.
Dissertations and Theses
- APA: Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of Dissertation or Thesis. Institution Name.
- MLA: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Dissertation or Thesis. Institution Name, Year of Publication.
- AMA: Author’s Last Name First Initial. Title of Dissertation or Thesis [master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation]. Place of Publication: Institution Name; Year.
How to Use Citation Management Software
Definition of Citation Management Software
Citation management software is a tool that automates the process of creating citations, managing references, and formatting bibliographies. Some popular citation management tools include EndNote, RefWorks, and Zotero.
How to Use Citation Management Software to Properly Cite Sources
To use citation management software:
- Download and install the software.
- Import references from various sources (e.g. databases, websites, PDFs).
- Create and organize a bibliography.
- Choose a citation style.
- Insert in-text citations as needed.
- Generate a formatted bibliography.
Avoiding Common Citation Errors
Omitting Important Citation Information
Be sure to include all necessary information in your citations, including author name(s), publication date, title, and publication information.
Incorrect Citation Placement
Citations should be placed immediately after the information being cited, before any punctuation marks or line breaks.
Using Too Many or Too Few Citations
Use citations when necessary to support your own arguments and acknowledge the ideas of others, but avoid over-citing or including irrelevant citations.
Failing to Use Quotation Marks for Direct Quotes
Direct quotes should always be enclosed in quotation marks and include the author, publication date, and page number(s).
Conclusion
Proper citation is crucial in any nursing capstone project. Use the guidelines and examples provided in this article to ensure that your citations are accurate and complete. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance with citation if needed.
FAQs
Q. What citation style should I use for my nursing capstone project?
Your nursing program or capstone instructor may specify which citation style to use. If not, choose APA, MLA, or AMA.
Q. How do I know if I need to cite a source or not?
If the information is not common knowledge or your own original idea, it should be cited.
Q. Can I use information without citing it if it seems like common knowledge?
No, if in doubt, cite the source.
Q. What should I do if I’m not sure how to cite a particular source?
Consult a style guide or ask your instructor for guidance.
Q. Is it necessary to use citation management software, or can I manually enter citations in my paper?
It is not necessary, but it can save time and reduce errors.
Q. What do I do if I accidentally forgot to cite a source in my paper after submission?
Contact your instructor immediately to discuss options for resolving the issue.
Q. How can I avoid accidental plagiarism in my nursing capstone project?
Use proper citation, paraphrase information in your own words, and seek assistance if needed.
