Using Direct Quotes

There are three ways to cite a source:

• Summary: A brief description of longer passage written by the author.

• Paraphrase: A restatement of an idea in roughly the same length as the author originally described it.

• Quotation: The exact same words as the author used, presented between quotation marks.

Citation Tips

Citations should not mislead.

Avoid taking quotations out of context or paraphrasing in a way that obscures the author’s original intention.

Cite only sources you have actually read.

If you are reading Source A and it references a study in Source B, you should not cite Source B unless you find and read it. Instead, in the body of your paper mention that the original study came from Source B, but cite Source A. Citing sources you have not actually read misleads your readers to think you researched and read materials that you did not.

Do not over-quote to avoid summarizing or paraphrasing.

The Curious Researcher suggests that a research paper “contain no more than 10 or 20 percent quoted material” (Ballenger 129). A proper summary or paraphrase lets the reader know that you have understood and analyzed what you have read.

The following video demonstrates the use of direct quotes and paraphrasing:

Sources:

“Citing Sources: Quotation.” By E.H. Little Library. Retrieved from: https://davidson.libguides.com/c.php?g=349327&p=2361769 Licensed under: CC-BY

“Quoting vs Paraphrasing – APA Style.” By SCCC Library. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiL4H09v0gU Licensed under: CC-BY