In the sections below, learn how to cite credible sources, reputable sources, and statistics.
Credible Sources
When citing statistics, include:
- Author name
- Author credentials (degree in field, prestigious job title, or experience)
- Publication year
- (if it's a study) Relevant details of how the study was conducted (ex. how many people, where, and/or population traits) and any needed definition of terms
Example: Psychologists, Drs. Campbell, Wells, and Penzler, found in their 2021 study of almost 27,000 teens ages 13-18 that more time spent on mobile devices decreased valuable sleep time.
Reputable sources
When citing reputable sources, include:
- Publisher name
- Publication year
- (if news item) Publication month
- (if reporting from a source) source's credentials
Example: In April of 2022, the New York Times reported that, of the 8,300 Amazon workers on Staten Island, 2,654 voted to unionize and 2,131 voted against.
Citing Statistics
When citing statistics, include:
- Publisher name or author name
- (if author) Author credentials
- Publication year
- Relevant details of how the statistics were gathered (ex. how many people, where, and/or population traits) and any needed definition of terms
Example: The US Census Bureau's 2020 Annual Business Survey, reporting for 2019 data, estimated 1.1 million or 18.7% of businesses were minority-owned, which they defined as "any race and ethnicity combination other than non-Hispanic and White."
