As a PBSC student you may be asked to write a research paper (or another written assignment) that will require you to incorporate outside sources. You will need these outside sources to help support your assignment/claim by lending it credibility and authority.
If an outside source is not cited correctly, or not at all, it can be considered plagiarism. To avoid plagiarism, you will need to incorporate these sources properly according to a citation style. The Modern Language Association (MLA) is the creator of one type of citation style, commonly referred to as MLA Style. This style is used most often with English, Literature, and other branches of the Humanities.
This guide will help you in better understanding the latest version of MLA Style, the 9th Edition.
FINE PRINT: Always follow your instructor's directions regarding citations. Also, if you are assigned a writing guide such as The Bedford Handbook, The Little Seagull Handbook, or A Pocket Style Manual, use your assigned guide for citation examples.
From North Carolina State University Libraries
Citing your outside sources will help you to avoid plagiarism and its consequences. To learn more about plagiarism, what it is and how to avoid it, visit our Plagiarism Resource Center.