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CHEM 5395: Fundamentals of Research: 5. When to Cite?

Citing

Step 5: Note-taking and citing

These two steps go together!  By taking good notes, you can:

  • organize them by main idea, which makes writing easier, and
  • keep track of when you need to cite others' work.

Use the Grad Note-Taking Spreadsheet (below left) to help you take and organize your notes.  And watch the YouTube video to refresh your memory on when to quote, paraphrase, and summarize.  More information about citing and plagiarism (and where to get help) in other boxes on the page.

*The next page is about using the citation manager EndNote.  If you want information about it and other citation managers, see the Citation Manager Guide.

Grad Note-Taking Spreadsheet

Texas State Honor Code

The Texas State Honor Code:

WE ARE HONEST. We do our own work and are honest with one another in all matters. We understand how various acts of dishonesty, like plagiarizing, falsifying data, and giving or receiving assistance to which one is not entitled, conflict as much with academic achievement as with the values of honesty and integrity.  Click here to read the entire Texas State Honor Code. 

For More Information:

Read the Plagiarism Guide.

Plagiarism is Detectable

How violators WILL be caught:

  • The quality of writing is inconsistent.
  • Writing includes specialized vocabulary that is inconsistant with the student's level of knowledge.
  • The paper cites references that are not included in the reference list (works cited).
  • Anti-plagiarism software is readily available to instructors to make catching plagiarism cases easy.
  • The reference list is incomplete.

When to Cite

This video covers when to cite, whether you are directly quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing another person's work.

*Thanks to Kirkwood Community College Library for this video!

What is Plagiarism?


Plagiarism is a very serious offense. 

Examples of Plagiarism Include:

  • Using someone else's ideas or writings and presenting them as your own
  • Using someone else's paper or paying someone to write your paper
  • Restating someone else's ideas or writings too closely
  • Not citing quotations

 

This image is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, and was created by Carrot Lord.

Who can help me make sure I'm NOT plagiarizing?

If you have specific questions about citing your sources, writing tips, or help with editing, go to:

Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC)

Get in-person tutoring at the Student Learning Assistance Center, or SLAC, located on the 4th floor of Alkek Library. Check the website for hours and availability.

SLAC also maintains good handout page for quick reference.

Texas State University Writing Center

The Writing Center is located on the first floor of ASB North. You can get help with all types of writing, including papers, essays, and resumes.

The Writing Center offers in-person and online tutoring (check their website for more information). You can also print out documentation handouts.

 

ACS Citations

Using ACS Citation Style?
ACS has a Citation Style Quick Guide for you!

Cite Tool

Use the cite tool in Start Your Research:

  • From your results page, click on the title of an article.
  • Click on the "Cite" tool in the right column.
  • Scroll down to the MLA style citation.
  • Copy and paste that into your reference page.
  • Don't forget to check it for accuracy!