How to Cite References in a Lab Report

If you're writing a lab report for a science class and find that you need to quote or paraphrase information from another source, it's important to cite the source properly. You must cite basic information about the source within the text to let the reader know that you're borrowing from the another author's work. Then, you must list basic bibliographic information in a works cited page at the end of your paper.

Cite the author's last name and the year of publication parenthetically within the text whenever you quote or paraphrase a source. For example:

The paths of the Monarch butterfly have "changed significantly due primarily to the actions of global climate change." (Smith, 2008).

Format your reference list entry in the following format if you are citing a book: Author's Last Name, First Initial. Year of Publication. Title (in italics). City: Publisher.

Format your reference list entry in the following format if you are citing an article: Author's Last Name, First Initial. Year of Publication. Title of Article. Name of Journal (in italics) issue number: pages.

Format your reference list entry in the following format if you are citing an author whose work you accessed over the Internet: Author's Last Name, First Initial, Title (in italics), (full web address), Day Month, Year of access.

If the author's name isn't listed, simply use the phrase "Author unknown."

Format your reference list entry in the following format if you are citing someone you interviewed: Author's Last Name, First Initial, Day Month, Year of interview.

Alphabetize entries in your reference list by the author's last name.

It is permissible to underline titles instead of italicizing them. Ask your teacher or professor which style they prefer.