What is the difference between citation and reference?

Definitions

citation

- Referring to the act of acknowledging and giving credit to a source used in academic or scholarly work.

- Describing a specific piece of information or quote taken from a source and included in a written work.

- Talking about the formal documentation of a source used in a research paper or article.

reference

- Referring to a source of information that is consulted or used to provide evidence or support in a written work.

- Describing a mention or allusion to a source or piece of information in a written work.

- Talking about a document or book that contains information or resources for further study or consultation.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve acknowledging and using external sources of information.
• 2. Both are used in academic or scholarly writing.
• 3. Both are important for providing evidence and supporting arguments.
• 4. Both require proper documentation and adherence to citation styles.
• 5. Both help readers locate and verify the information used in a written work.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Citation specifically refers to the act of acknowledging and giving credit to a source, while reference can refer to the source itself or a mention of it in a written work.
• 2. Focus: Citation emphasizes the specific information or quote taken from a source and included in a written work, while reference focuses on the source of information as a whole.
• 3. Purpose: Citation is used to give credit and avoid plagiarism, while reference is used to provide evidence, support arguments, and allow readers to access the original source.
• 4. Format: Citation follows specific formatting rules and styles (such as APA or MLA), while reference can be a list of sources or a mention within the text, depending on the citation style.
• 5. Scope: Citation is more commonly used in academic and scholarly writing, while reference can be used in various types of writing, including academic, professional, and casual.

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Remember this!

Citation and reference are both important aspects of academic and scholarly writing. While citation refers to the act of acknowledging and giving credit to a specific piece of information or quote from a source, reference encompasses the source itself or a mention of it in a written work. Citation focuses on proper documentation and avoiding plagiarism, while reference serves to provide evidence, support arguments, and allow readers to access the original source.