cite why we do it

Why do we cite and or reference our sources in college

A major concept of why we cite in college, rather than just take personal opinions or feelings about things when what is being asked for are the results of studies and or opinions of recognized industry experts, is that someone has vetted their information through the academic processes.


If the information you took was the fruit of someone else's research and an academic gauntlet; not only do we need to credit that source and or those people because each may have a unique background or bias or procedure for which help decipher that truth. If we know who the source is, we can verify the information through that filter. For example, if the genetically modified organism industry fights against the labeling of GMOs in our food supply, we cannot rule out the profit incentive when trying to learn the truth. 'Consider the Source.'

Another reason why we cite, is so that I can verify that the information you are bringing to the course is a bonifide academic source, because we are an academic institution. And yes, that too, carries it's own bias; however it is a chosen bias because one has volunteered and pursued such an academic endeavor as a college degree.

Still, a popular reason is for copyright reasons. And there are more, it is just that these are the basic reasons for getting into the habit of establishing your sources.