Proper Website Citation Formats in English Research Papers

Introduction

When it comes to research papers, proper citation of sources is essential to both avoid plagiarism and provide credibility to the work. With the vast amount of information available on the internet, it is important to know the correct format for citing web sources in English research papers. This article will outline the proper website citation formats for both MLA and APA styles.

MLA Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) is a popular style for citing sources in humanities research papers. To cite a website in MLA format, follow the following format:

• Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Name of Website, Publisher, Publication Date, URL.

Example: Smith, John. “The Biology of Bunnies.” National Geographic, 17 July 2017, www.nationalgeographic.com/bunnies-info. In-text citation: (Smith)

APA Format

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in social sciences research papers. To cite a website in APA format, follow the following format:

• Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Title of webpage. Source. DOI or URL.

Example: Johnson, A. (2010, September 12). The effects of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology. https://www.journalofpsychology.com/social-media-mental-health In-text citation: (Johnson, 2010)

Conclusion

Proper citation of sources is essential in research papers, especially with the increasing availability of information on the internet. Both MLA and APA styles provide specific formats for citing websites, which allow readers to easily locate the sources of information. By following the correct formats, writers can provide credibility to their work and avoid plagiarism.