References are an essential part of academic work

Citing your sources allows readers to locate the information you have used, verify the facts, and understand where your ideas come from. This strengthens the credibility of your work and helps both you and others explore the topic further. To do this effectively, all sources must be presented clearly. You must always include:

In-text citations: brief references inserted immediately after quotes, paraphrases, or facts.
A reference list at the end: complete details for every source cited in the text.

**Visual example**
In-text citation	Reference list entry
In large projects, it is not uncommon for consultants from independent organisations to be brought in, contributing new knowledge and working methods (Sparkes & Smith, 2014, p. 292).	Sparkes, A. C., & Smith, B. (Eds.). (2014). Qualitative research methods in sport, exercise and health: From process to product. Routledge.

Citing a source is not enough — you must do it in the right way!

Citations must follow a consistent structure so that readers can easily understand and trace the information. This is why we use an internationally recognised referencing style, which makes citations and reference lists consistent across languages and subject areas. At NIH, all students are required to use APA style, with the exception of master's students.