Learn about citation styles and practical tools such as MyBib or Zotero to perfect APA citation and other formats.
When writing scientific papers, correct citation is not only a duty, but also a skill to ensure clarity and credibility. Each citation style has its own rules, adapted to different disciplines, so it is important to know their differences and the tools that facilitate their application.
APA citation and others. Comparison of styles
- APA (American Psychological Association) style. Popular in the social sciences, APA style uses an author and date format for in-text citations (e.g. Smith, 2020). The bibliography will include the title, year of publication and DOI for online sources, ensuring precise referencing.
- Harvard style (used in Sage scientific journals). Similar to APA, it is based on the author-date system, but differs in minor details such as the order of initials or italics in book titles. Example of article notation: Smith, J., 2020 Journal of Examples.
- Chicago style (Taylor & Francis research journals). A versatile style, offering two options: footnotes and bibliography for the humanities and author-data for the social sciences and sciences. Chicago, with its rich tradition of footnotes, is ideal for detailed academic analysis.
- Citation style of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University Publishing House. Used at my university, among other things in our theses. The style combines national guidelines with international rules. Its uniqueness lies in the inclusion of specific types of sources, such as religious or cultural texts.
Tools to facilitate citation
APA citaton with MyBib
MyBib is a free, intuitive citation generator that supports a variety of styles, including APA, Harvard and Chicago. Updated in 2024. Once a style is selected, simply enter the source data and the tool automatically formats the citation. Also great for citing websites. Export to Word or PDF for easy integration into your text.
Zotero
For extensive research projects, Zotero is an invaluable bibliography management tool. It integrates with browsers, allowing quick saving of references, and synchronises data between devices. I should add that I was the one who prepared the citation styles of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University Publishing House for the repository.
Citation uniformity in theses
Consistency is key in dissertations. Universities often require the use of a single citation style throughout the document, which increases the readability and professionalism of the work.
It is also important for thesis reviewers. In addition to the substantive assessment, they pay attention to the formal one. Above all, the table of contents, introduction and conclusion, bibliography and footnotes. This is why, in my seminar, we devote a lot of space to what we call the ‘art’ of footnote preparation.
Mastering the art of citation not only reflects your academic discipline, but also adds credibility to your work. With tools such as MyBib and Zotero, using styles such as APA, Harvard or Chicago becomes simple. Whether you are writing a thesis or publishing an article, accurate citations are the cornerstone of your academic journey.
APA citation. Semiotic reflection
Let me add, from my perspective as a media semiotician, that quotations are not merely signs; rather, they are symbols that represent the intellectual foundations of your work. In addition, they indicate connections between texts and ideas, thereby creating a web of meaning that is central to learning. Moreover, this intertextuality simultaneously confirms that science is an intergenerational effort. For instance, one individual begins to study a particular topic, and then the next person enters the conversation and develops the issue further. In this way, we create a progression of knowledge.