1. What is referencing (Referella: Harvard Referencing Video1) - 1080p

Summary

In this video, Refer Ella, the 'Cinderella of referencing,' explains the importance of referencing in academic work. She highlights how referencing not only gives credit to others' ideas but also enhances the credibility of your own work. Refer Ella introduces the concept of referencing styles—Harvard, APA, MLA, Chicago, and others—and emphasizes the need to follow the prescribed style in your program. She encourages students to understand the basics of referencing to navigate any style easily. The video aims to make the topic of referencing more engaging and accessible.

Takeaways

• 😀 Referencing is crucial for giving credit to the original authors and showing integrity in your work.
• 😀 Referencing helps demonstrate that you've researched your topic and used credible sources.
• 😀 Referencing styles are like formulas or recipes, with each style having its own rules and guidelines.
• 😀 Many referencing styles exist, such as Harvard, APA, MLA, Chicago, and Oxford, among others.
• 😀 To succeed, you need to know which referencing style your faculty has chosen for your program.
• 😀 The referencing style is not a place to express individuality—it's about following established rules.
• 😀 Referencing adds credibility and weight to your work, making it more trustworthy and professional.
• 😀 Always check with your librarian if you're unsure about the correct referencing style for your program.
• 😀 While referencing styles may seem boring at first, once you understand one, using others becomes much easier.
• 😀 The purpose of referencing is to ensure that you give proper credit to others’ ideas and avoid plagiarism.
• 😀 In this series, the Harvard referencing style will be used to explain the basics of referencing.

Q & A

What is the purpose of referencing in academic work?

Referencing is crucial to give credit to the original authors of ideas and information you use in your work. It shows your academic integrity and ensures that the reader can trace the sources of the information used.

Why is it important to follow a specific referencing style?

A referencing style is a standardized method for citing sources. Following a specific style ensures consistency and helps readers understand how and where you sourced your information.

What are some examples of common referencing styles?

Some common referencing styles include Harvard, APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), Chicago, and Oxford. Each style has its own rules for citing books, articles, and other resources.

Can you create your own referencing style?

While you can't create your own referencing style for academic work, if you start your own university, you could develop your own style. Until then, you must follow the prescribed style set by your institution.

How does referencing contribute to the quality of academic work?

Referencing adds credibility to your work. It demonstrates that you've researched thoroughly and used reliable sources, which in turn strengthens the arguments and points you make in your writing.

What should you do if you're unsure about which referencing style to use?

If you're unsure about which referencing style to use, you should consult your course guidelines or ask a librarian for assistance. They can direct you to the correct style for your program.

What does the phrase 'potato potato' mean in the context of referencing styles?

'Potato potato' is a playful way to express that although there are different referencing styles, the key is understanding the basic principles of referencing. Once you grasp the concepts, switching between styles becomes easier.

What are the key points to remember about referencing?

The key points to remember are: 1) Always give credit when using someone else's ideas; 2) Follow the specific referencing style prescribed by your institution; and 3) Referencing enhances the credibility and integrity of your work.

What is the role of a librarian in helping with referencing?

Librarians can assist you with understanding and applying different referencing styles. They are a great resource for clarification and can help you find the guidelines for the prescribed style.

What is the Harvard referencing style?

The Harvard referencing style is one of the most widely used styles, particularly in the UK. It was developed by a group of librarians at Harvard University and provides a standardized method for citing sources in academic writing.