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Research Tracking and Tips

Organizing your thoughts is a great way to track your research. Below are some examples of organization strategies:

  1. Start with a research plan: what is your end goal?
  2. Keep a notebook or document to track ideas as you read. Don't forget to jot down citation information if you write down a quote!
  3. Use an integrated tool like Zotero or EndNote to track your citations and keep track of what you've read.
  4. Use sticky notes, notecards, or a digital mind-mapping tool to summarize your ideas and information you've found before creating an outline.

MLA

Chicago Manual of Style

Chicago is one of the most common citation styles used in the United States. This format is most commonly used in history, humanities, science, and social sciences. History and humanities use the Humanities (footnote) style, while science and social sciences use the Author-Date style.

Why Cite?

Citing the sources you use for your research paper is important for several reasons:

  • It helps you avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is the use of work by another person without clear acknowledgment. It is a form of academic dishonesty and a violation of SCAD's rules of academic integrity. Properly attributing and documenting your sources will help you avoid inadvertently taking credit for another person's ideas.
  • It allows others to find your research sources.
  • It provides evidence to support your ideas and adds credibility to your work by showing that you have consulted reliable sources.

Image Citation

Should I cite images?

  • Yes! In addition to citing written sources (like articles and books), it's good practice to cite image sources as well.

How do I cite images?

  • The handout below, developed by the Writers' Studio, provides guidelines for image citation that are widely accepted at SCAD. The style manuals for APA, MLA, Chicago and Turabian styles can also be consulted regarding image citation.

SCADextra - Academic Resources Hub

 

 

The SCADextra - Academic Resources Hub offers assistance with all aspects of the writing process.

To find SCADextra resources, visit Blackboard> Academic Resources> SCADextra - Academic Resources Hub