Helena: Nadine, what is the significance of correct citation in academic work and how does it contribute to competency development?

Nadine: Correct citation in academic work is not only a formal requirement but a sign of integrity and respect towards the original authors. It ensures that ideas and findings are correctly attributed and protects against accusations of plagiarism. Furthermore, it showcases thorough research and understanding of the author on the topic. Proper citation also promotes essential academic skills. It sharpens critical thinking, analytical abilities, and information evaluation. In short, it is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to establish themselves in the academic world.

Helena: What types of citations exist and how do direct and indirect citations differ?

Nadine: In academic work, there are various types of citations, with direct and indirect citations being the most common. A direct quote reproduces the original text verbatim and is usually enclosed in quotation marks. On the other hand, indirect quotes rephrase the source's content in one's own words. Herein lies the biggest challenge for many, as it's not about finding numerous synonyms or rearranging the original sentence, but about understanding the intention behind it and integrating it into one's own research project. Both forms of citation require accurate source references to clearly indicate the information's origin. It is crucial to emphasize that even when rewriting or paraphrasing, the source must always be acknowledged to avoid plagiarism.

Recognizing and distinguishing between one's own knowledge and that from external sources is crucial.

Helena: What principles should students follow to avoid plagiarism, especially regarding proper citation?

Nadine: Plagiarism can have serious academic and professional consequences. To avoid it, students should always attribute the original source of their information. This applies not only to verbatim quotes but also to paraphrased content. A common mistake is copying structures or lines of argumentation without proper citation. Recognizing and distinguishing between one's own knowledge and that from external sources is crucial. In this context, I often say: Anything that is not yours, that you have not researched, proven, or examined yourself comes from others and should therefore be cited. Correct citation is thus the key to protecting one's work from accusations of plagiarism. It is always better to cite too much than too little.

Helena: What components must a correct source citation include?

Nadine: A correct source citation aims to make the origin of information traceable. Therefore, it should include all necessary information to clearly identify the source. This typically includes the author's name, the year of publication, the title of the work, the publisher, and the page number. For online sources, the URL and access date should also be provided. It is important to adhere to the guidelines of the respective citation style, as they vary to ensure consistency and clarity in source citations.

Helena: What role do citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago play in proper citation practice, and how should students choose the appropriate style?

Nadine: Citation styles such as APA, MLA, or Chicago are more than just formal requirements. They offer clear and consistent guidelines for proper citation, ensuring the traceability and credibility of academic work. Each style has its own rules and is preferred depending on the field of study or publication. It is essential for students to familiarise themselves with the requirements of their institution or field of study. Often, there are specific manuals or guides that explain the chosen citation style in detail and provide examples for different types of sources.

It is also important to critically evaluate sources and compare information from multiple sources.

Helena: What recommendations can you give to develop the skills to identify citable sources? What distinguishes a citable source?

Nadine: Not every source is equally reliable. A citable source is characterized by its credibility, relevance, and quality. Students should pay attention to the reputation of the publisher, the qualifications of the author, and the timeliness of the information. Peer review processes or scientific publications are often good indicators of reliable sources. On the other hand, newspapers, private websites, blogs, or magazines are often not citable. It is also important to critically question sources and compare information from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive and balanced view of a topic.

Helena: What resources or tools are available to students to facilitate citing and documenting sources?

Nadine: Correct citation can be a challenge, especially in extensive works. Fortunately, there are numerous tools and software solutions that help students. Programs like Citavi or Zotero facilitate the collection, organization, and citation of sources. They offer features that automatically create citations and bibliographies in various styles. In addition, there are online platforms and databases that assist in finding and citing academic works. It is worth investing in such tools to save time and avoid errors.