APA 7
APA 7th Edition is the most commonly used referencing style here at the University of Portsmouth. Below you will find general guidance on how to reference and cite using APA 7th Edition, as well as examples for the specific sources you are likely to use in your assignments.
Your department or lecturer may prefer you to reference sources differently from the guidance given here. Always follow the requirements of your department or lecturer.
External visitors are welcome to use this guide, but note that your institution's requirements may differ from those suggested here.
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You should reference and cite in your text...
Direct quotations
Paraphrased information or ideas
Someone else's ideas or theories
The results of someone else's research
Statistical information collected by someone else
Statements of law or fact
Definitions
You don't need to reference and cite...
Concrete facts easily verifiable in a reference book
Knowledge which is so generally available as to be taken for granted in any general reader (common knowledge)
Your own ideas or theories
Results of your own empirical research
Results of a survey you have personally conducted
Anything you have read but not used in your work
If you are in any doubt, it is better to cite and reference where your information came from, than to risk being accused of plagiarism. For more information about this please the University policy on plagiarism here.