Citation help

This guide will help you:                                                               

  1. Understand plagiarism

     2. Learn to recognize and avoid plagiarism

        3. Cite your sources in APA, CSE, Chicago, and MLA styles

Properly documenting research sources is important because it ensures that:

Credit for information originally provided elsewhere is given

Others can find the same information again

Plagiarism does not take place

The ECSU Student Code of Conduct defines plagiarism as:

10.1. Plagiarism: Using another’s work, in whole or in part, without acknowledging the source, presenting that material as one’s own academic work or in violation of course assignment standards.

Before citing AI-generated content, such as ChatGPT, check with your instructor if this is permitted in their class.  

WARNING:  ChatGPT has significant limitations when it comes to citing real sources.

When ChatGPT is asked for sources without being given specific citation information, it will create plausible-looking citations for sources that don't exist.  ChatGPT is so good at recognizing language patterns that it can make up sources that sound scholarly and legitimate but are fabricated. Some folks refer to this as a "hallucination."  

Never assume that ChatGPT sources are real.  You can try tracking down the original source, but after a while, you'll quickly realize it isn't worth the effort because the sources are FAKE! Use PC Library's resources, such asLibrary Catalog or Databases by Subject, for real research sources.

 For writing and tutoring assistance, check out the services provided by Tutorial and Academic Support