Researchers have to cite the sources they use when writing study papers. This can be done in several formats.
This guide will look at the most common citation formats, as well as some citation examples.
Definition: Citation examples
Citation is a method of giving credit to individuals whenever you use their works to support your research. You have to use citation examples when you mention ideas, data, or research that doesn’t belong to you.
Citing sources is essential, even when you aren’t directly quoting the original material.1
Citation examples for various citation styles
There are many methods you can use for citation examples. The most important ones are:
- APA citation
- MLA citation
- Chicago citation
In some cases, your instructor will dictate the citation style you should use. You may also have to choose a citation style depending on your field of study.1
Citation examples: Articles
When you quote articles, you will have to include citations. The citation style will vary depending on the type of article.
Let’s look at citation examples for different articles.
Print Article
When citing a journal article or newspaper article, you can follow this basic format:
- Name. (Year). The Heading of the Article. Journal Title, Volume Number (Issue), Pages.
Online Article
Journal articles are usually cited with digital object identifiers (DOI). If the article doesn’t have a DOI, you can use the URL.
Here is the basic format for citing an online article:
- Name of Author. (Publication Date). The Heading of the Article. Name of Journal, Volume Number (Issue Number), Pages. Doi: XyXy
Citation examples: Images
For image citation examples, you should include the following details:
- Name of the image creator
- Title of the image
- Date the image was created
- Date the image was posted online
- Date you accessed the image
- Institution where the image is located
- Website or name of the database
Citation examples: Which one you should use
The citation examples will usually be determined by the field of study.
Here is an overview showing the different citation examples and the fields where they are commonly used.
APA citation examples
- Education
- Psychology
- Sciences
MLA citation examples
- Humanities
Chicago citation examples
- Business
- History
- Fine art1
FAQs
When citing an online article, you have to include:
- Author’s name,
- Year of publication
- Title of the article
- Name of the journal
- Volume number
- Issue number
- Page
You can then add its DOI or URL.
Your instructor will usually indicate the citation style they want you to use. You can also choose a citation style based on your field of study.
The DOI or digital object identifier is a unique and permanent string that is attached to online journals and publications. It makes it easier for readers to retrieve articles.
You should include citations when you use quotations, predictions, or opinions of other individuals.
Citations must also be used when you use case studies, statistics, theories from other individuals, and other visuals.
Sources
1Course & Subject Guides. “Citation Styles: APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, IEEE.” University of Pittsburgh. October 11, 2022. https://pitt.libguides.com/citationhelp.
2Mathewson, Adrienne. “8 APA Book Reference Examples.” Bibliography.com. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://www.bibliography.com/apa/apa-book-reference-examples/.
3HPU Libraries. “APA Citation Guide: (Previous/6th Edition): Print Articles.” High Point University. June 28, 2021. https://guides.highpoint.edu/c.php?g=19434&p=109622.
4HPU Libraries. “APA Citation Guide: (Previous/6th Edition): Online Articles.” High Point University. June 28, 2021. https://guides.highpoint.edu/c.php?g=19434&p=109624.