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Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Sciences: Referencing & Writing

General citing & referencing

Citing or referencing the ideas and research you use in your essays is a vital part of all academic work because it:

  • acknowledges how others' work has influenced your thinking
  • provides evidence for your arguments; and
  • assists other researchers to locate the sources you use

The University of Otago takes plagiarism seriously. These resources will help you understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.

A citation or referencing style is a standardised way of acknowledging sources (e.g. articles, books, websites, etc.) that you use in your academic work.

A citation is used in the main part (body) of an essay, article, or book (chapter).
A reference is found in the list of references (or bibliography) at the end of the essay, article, or book (chapter).

Check with your lecturer or supervisor if you are unsure which style to use. You can find information on other Referencing styles commonly used at Otago.

Annotated Bibliography

Help with writing

Pencils | Amir TajWant to improve your writing skills?

Check out the resources at Student Learning Development, including advice and support with: study skills, writing and language development, and stats and maths.

Their research and thesis writing development page has links to helpful resources, and you can sign up for excellent workshops. You can even book an individual consultation with learning development staff.

 

Need further help? Check out:

The links below include a sample of the books available in the Library:

Options for Managing References

Options for Managing References

Tips on choosing and using citation styles (also called referencing styles) plus using systems such as EndNote, Zotero and Mendeley.