Table of Contents
Students have a question of whether to cite known facts or not. Do they require a source of all? The response lies in what is common knowledge. Certain information does not need to be cited. Other facts should be attributed appropriately. This difference saves time and helps to avoid plagiarism. This manual clarifies the regulations.
What Is Common Knowledge?
Common knowledge depends on the audience and discipline. Basic facts fall into this category. The sun is the one around which the Earth revolves. The water freezes at zero degrees Celsius. No citation is required on these statements. They are found in numerous sources. They are known to most educated people.
Define Common Knowledge
To define common knowledge, consider common awareness. Common information is information that is known by many. Facts that are in several common sources are eligible. Simple historical dates and events are appropriate. Broadly held scientific principles are also included. The trick is ubiquitous familiarity.
Examples in Different Fields
History students are aware that World War II came to an end in 1945. No citation needed for this date. Biology students are aware that cells contain nuclei. This is what is found in all textbooks. Literature students are aware that Shakespeare was a playwright. These are statements that are common knowledge in their areas.
When Does Common Knowledge Need to Be Cited?
There is no easy answer to the question: does common knowledge need to be cited. Context matters greatly. What appears to be self-evident to one individual might be novel to another. Fields of study vary in norms.
Field-Specific Knowledge
Specialty knowledge might not be widespread beyond the specialty. Medical terminologies that are common to doctors must be referenced in common writing. Legal concepts familiar to lawyers need other-field sources. Always keep in mind the background of your audience.
Debatable Information
There is no such thing as controversial claims as common knowledge. Even commonly accepted things should be cited when challenged. Sources are needed to present opinions as facts. Claims made statistically must be verified. In case of doubt, cite.
Recent Discoveries
New discoveries are not considered common knowledge. They have to be accepted by the scientific community. Data of the last several years should be cited. Wait until it is widely accepted to omit sources.
It Is Known Citation Rules
The phrase it is known citation appears in some academic writing.. It is used by scholars to cite facts. However, this method has its limits.
Proper Usage
It is known to be really uncontested information. Provide several sources to support the statement. Do not use this phrase too much. Your evidence may be doubted by the readers. Give particular references where feasible.
Common Mistakes
This phrase is misused by students. They believe that they know as much as other people. What appears self-evident, might be personal experience. Always check before saying that something is known.
Common Knowledge Across Disciplines
To define common knowledge properly, look at the standards of each field. Baselines of different subjects are different.
Sciences
Basic laws and principles are part of scientific common knowledge. Objects are drawn down by gravity. Mitosis occurs in cells. These are facts that are found in introductory textbooks. Higher ideas must be cited.
Humanities
Major events and figures are part of historical common knowledge. In 1775, the American Revolution started. Shakespeare wrote Hamlet. Certain interpretations require sources. Basic facts and dates do not.
Social Sciences
Basic theories are contained in social science common knowledge. Freud developed psychoanalysis. Pavlov studied conditioning. Modern studies and information require references. Classic theories might not.
Definition of Common Knowledge in Academic Writing
There are three important elements of the definition of common knowledge. To begin with, the data is found in various sources. Second, it is accepted by the professionals in the field. Third, it is probably known by educated non-experts.
Widely Available Information
Data in most common sources is eligible. Common knowledge is found in encyclopedias and textbooks. There is no need to cite dictionary definitions. Simple geographical facts are common.
Undisputed Facts
Information that is not reasonably disputed qualifies. Scientific consensus represents common knowledge. Historical records were generally accepted here. Scandalous interpretations do not.
common Cultural Knowledge
Shared cultural experience is a fact. Significant global events are classified as such. Well-known historical figures do not require citation. Well known stories and proverbs do too.
Does Common Knowledge Need to Be Cited in Different Formats?
The rules of citation are applicable in any type of writing. Student papers and professional publications are guided by the same principles.
Academic Papers
Essays in the university have strict rules of citation. In case of doubt, include a source. Professors like over-citation rather than under-citation. Ordinary knowledge in your area might require clarification.
Theses and Dissertations
Graduate work is more demanding. What is common is shrinking at this level. Cite majority of factual assertions. Only really simple concepts do not require a source. Students who request dissertation writing service assistance usually enquire about the rules of citation.
Published Articles
Journal articles are subject to field conventions. Authors are supposed to be familiar with the standards. Cite when the readers may doubt a fact. Guard your reputation by attributing it.
What Three Types of Knowledge Do You Not Need to Cite?
Knowledge of what needs to be cited saves time. There are three types that do not require a source.
Widely Known Facts
No reference is required to basic historical dates and events. Introductory courses in science are eligible. Geographic facts such as capital cities are known. Mathematical formulas and constants are not an exception.
Personal Observations
Citations are not necessary in your own experiences. Original research data comes from your work. Findings that you have created do not require an external source. But differentiate between observation and interpretation.
Common Phrases and Proverbs
Well-known sayings need no attribution. The early bird catches the worm is no stranger. Ordinary idioms and phrases are common. But record the source of less well known quotations.
When to Add a Citation
In which cases must common knowledge be referred to, play on the safe side.
Audience Considerations
Write to your particular readers. Scholars require less references. Common audiences require greater assistance. When unsure about your readers, add sources.
Disputed Information
Any disputed assertion must be cited. Even popularly held facts must be supported when controversial. Sources are nearly always required in political statements. Statistical assertions require confirmation.
Recent Research
Recent discoveries in the last five years should be referenced. They are yet to be accepted as common in the field. Provide the original source for recent work. Consensus: Wait before dropping citations.
How Experts Build Credibility Through Citations
Graduate students and faculty have more stringent standards. Do my dissertation requests frequently citation questions.
Doctoral Standards
PhD requires strict citation. What is considered common matters a lot. Support the majority of factual statements. Only really simple concepts do not require citation. These rules should be known by those students who ask to buy dissertation.
Publication Requirements
Authors are supposed to cite extensively in journals. Papers that lack attribution are rejected by editors. Every factual claim is reviewed by the reviewers. In publishing, be overly citing.
Building Credibility
Adequate references create credibility among the readers. They demonstrate well-researched and well-written work. Your claims can be checked by the readers. This openness reinforces your argument.
Does Common Knowledge Need to Be Cited in MLA?
MLA style adheres to the common knowledge conventions. To have clear answers, common knowledge must be referenced in MLA questions.
MLA Standards
The MLA Handbook gives certain instructions. There is no need to cite information that is familiar to your audience. Common facts are those that are present in more than one source. In case of doubt, give a reference.
Examples in MLA Format
Simple historical facts do not require a source in MLA papers. Famous literary facts are no exception. Citations are necessary to particular interpretations. Direct quotes must be attributed.
Student Papers
There should be more citing of undergraduates than professionals. Research skills are desired by professors. Cite evidence of the majority of factual assertions. The simplest concepts do not require any reference.
Conclusion
Knowledge of common knowledge is time saving and avoids mistakes. What is common knowledge is relative to your field and audience. There are simple facts that do not require citation. Controversial facts never have no sources. In case of doubt, include a reference. This safeguards you against plagiarism accusations. It also enhances your academic credibility. Keep in mind the three types that do not require citation: common knowledge, personal experience, and clichés. Give a source to all the rest.
FAQ
Does common knowledge need to be cited?
Common knowledge does not have to be cited, no. But what is considered common knowledge will be different depending on your audience and academic discipline. In case of doubt, give a source.
Is it necessary to cite information that is common knowledge or widely accessible?
Information that is truly common knowledge needs no citation. Even information that is readily available must be attributed when it is not common knowledge. Use your judgment based on your readers.
What three types of knowledge do you not need to cite?
There is no need to refer to well-known facts, personal observations, and common phrases and proverbs. These three types do not usually need any attribution when writing an academic paper.
Does common knowledge need to be cited in MLA?
MLA style adheres to common knowledge conventions. There is no need to cite information that is well known to your target audience. Give a source when in doubt of what qualifies.
