Skip to Main Content

DIY: Research Help

A continually evolving suite of research help content focused on helping you navigate the research process.

What Citation Style Should I Use?

With so many different citation styles, how do you know which one is right for your paper? 

Ask your instructor. Check your assignment.

First, we strongly recommend asking your instructor. There are several factors which go into determining the appropriate citation style, including discipline (priorities in an English class might differ from those of a Psychology class, for example), academic expectations (papers intended for publication might be subject to different standards than mid-term papers), the research aims of an assignment, and the individual preference of your instructor. 

The most important thing to consider is citing correctly and avoiding plagiarism.

How-to Guide