It is very important to give credit to the sources of information that you use in academic writing. This is done by using a referencing style. There are four common referencing styles: MLA, APA, Harvard, and MHRA. In this article, we will discuss the basics of each of these styles, whether you are a freshman trying to turn in the right paper or interested in the best sportsbook.
MLA (Modern Languages Association)
The MLA citation style is most often utilized in the humanities, such as literature and history. In-text citations and a Works Cited list are the primary characteristics of this form. In-text citations are short references made inside your paper’s text, whereas the Works Cited list is a complete record of all of the sources you have referenced throughout your work.
APA (American Psychological Association)
The APA style is most often used in the social sciences, such as psychology and sociology. The primary characteristics of this style are in-text citations and a Reference List. In-text citations are brief references that may be found within the body of your document, whereas the Reference List is a comprehensive list of all of the sources you have referenced throughout your paper.
Harvard System
In the humanities and social sciences, the Harvard system is most common. The primary features of this method are in-text citations and a bibliography. In-text citations are short remarks included in the body of your paper, while the bibliography is a comprehensive list of all of the sources you have referenced, whether or not you have cited them in-text.
MHRA (Modern Humanities Research Association)
The MHRA system is most often used in the humanities. The hallmark of this style is footnotes or endnotes, which are small citations at the bottom of each page. On the other hand, endnotes are short references that appear at the conclusion of your paper. Furthermore, you must include a bibliography (similar to a Works Cited list) and a thesis statement and research design.)
Which Referencing Style Should You Use?
There is no single “correct” referencing style. Different disciplines and publishers have varying preferences, so it’s vital to check with your instructor or publisher about which style they prefer. However, the four styles described here are the most frequent, and they provide a solid basis for any student. So, next time you’re stumped on what to do with your citations, try one of these four approaches!