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APA referencing

This guide introduces the APA referencing style and includes examples of citations. Mae'r canllaw hon hefyd ar gael yn Gymreag.

Introduction to USW APA style referencing

This guide demonstrates how to reference using the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. Referencing styles include two parts – the in-text reference (in the body of your assignment) and the reference list (the list of sources used, at the end of the assignment). APA in an author-date system and indicates the origin of the material in the text with the author’s surname or family name and the date of publication. 

This guide highlights some of the sources that can be referred to when writing an assignment. The various referencing requirements for each source are presented and include an in-text example and reference list example. The guide does not include all possible sources and you should consult the APA Manual for sources not included in this guide. The APA Manual is the definitive source for APA style and referencing guidelines. Please see the list of useful terms for explanations of words or phrases used in this guide. 

If you need more help please ask your lecturer, the Student Development and Study Skills Service or your Librarian. 

Acknowledgements

This guide is based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: the official guide to the APA style, 7th edition, 2020. 

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association: the official guide to the APA style. (7th ed.). 

 

What is referencing?

Referencing is indicating in assignments when you have used material that has not originated with you. This might include factual information, data, images, opinion, direct quotation, or when you summarise or paraphrase the work of other people.
 

Why reference?

The majority of academic assignments measure your ability to understand, analyse and evaluate the work of others. Consequently, referencing is a crucial part of this as it informs the reader of the texts you have consulted during research; you will also be assessed on the quality and relevancy of these sources. It is important to remember that referencing carries a percentage of the overall marks if undertaken appropriately.
 

Academic integrity

The avoidance of plagiarism is an important aspect of Academic integrity. Plagiarism is when a person tries to pass off someone else's work as their own. It is essential that other people's work is acknowledged and referenced properly. 

The University has a page with information and guidance on Academic misconduct and Academic integrity, including information about plagiarism and good academic practice.

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