APA Citation and Style Workshop Notes

Introduction

• Importance of participation in workshop.
• Goals for the session:
  • Explain APA style and its significance.
  • Define plagiarism and how to avoid it.
  • Identify sources for help with APA.
  • Basic steps to create an APA citation.

Overview of APA Style

• APA stands for American Psychological Association.
• Guidelines for formatting academic papers.
• Key elements covered by APA:
  • Structure of papers (font, headings, layout).
  • Citing sources to uphold academic integrity.
  • Importance of giving credit to original authors to prevent plagiarism.

What is Plagiarism?

• Definition: Presenting someone else’s work as one’s own:
  • Copying another person's words without citation.
  • Using someone’s ideas without credit.
  • Improper paraphrasing.
• Paraphrasing: Involves summarizing ideas in your own words.
  • Must rewrite the entire idea, not just change a few words.
• Plagiarism can occur accidentally or intentionally.

Importance of Citing Sources

• Necessary to cite:
  • Any ideas not your own, even if paraphrased.
  • Direct quotations, images, graphs, etc.
• Not necessary to cite:
  • Your own opinions or experiences.
  • Common knowledge (e.g., "Water freezes at 0°C").
• Activity: Discuss whether various statements require citation.

In-Text Citations

• Include author's last name and publication year:
  • For direct quotes: include page number.
• Paraphrasing requires citation as well.
• Example formats:
  • (Author, Year)
  • Author (Year) argues...

Reference List

• Separate page titled "References" at the end.
• Must include all in-text citations.
• Elements of a citation:
  • Author(s), Year, Title, Source, etc.
• Formatting rules (e.g., double-spaced, alphabetical order).

Steps to Create an APA Citation

1. Identify the source (book, article, website).
2. Use the APA quick reference guide.
3. Fill in the necessary elements in the right order.

Resources for APA Style

• UCW Library has resources for APA and plagiarism.
• The APA Quick Guide: downloadable PDF for citation formats.
• Templates and sample papers available in the library.

Using Citation Generators

• Can be used for initial citations but must be checked for accuracy.

Getting Help

• Contact UCW librarians for assistance via email or live chat (AskAway service).
• Email: ucwlibrary@ucanwest.ca
• Include your questions about APA citation and plagiarism in your emails.

Conclusion

• Understanding and using APA is essential for academic integrity.
• Encourage practice and patience in learning APA citation skills.
• Available resources and support from the library and workshops.