How to Cite an Observation
- 1). Cite a book that you may consider as an observation of style for your writing. For example, some people were heavily influenced by the style of writing in "A Catcher in the Rye," but they were not necessarily influenced by the content. You can cite this book as an observation of style in your paper using the APA format of: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Location: Publisher.
- 2). Cite a film that has perhaps helped you to perceive or gain a perspective through observation that drives your opinion on a social idea. For example, the imagery of gender in the film, "Boys Don't Cry," may have given you food for thought to consider ideas in your research. You can cite the film using the APA format of: Producer, P. P. (Producer), & Director, D. D. (Director). (Date of publication). Title of motion picture [Motion picture]. Country of origin: Studio or distributor.
- 3). Read your university or class syllabus on the specific format that you should use. In addition to APA format, there are two other well-known formats: The Modern Language Association (MLA) and The Chicago Manual of Style. Citation styles are very similar for all three formats. Check each manual, as required by your program, for specifics.
- 4). Plug the information for your book or film into the citation formula required by your program. When referring to the citation within the text of your paper, be sure to explain that the observation of this work had an influence on the development of your research paper. Otherwise, it will be expected that you would cite this text as a direct resource. Making it clear that you are citing an observation in your paper ensures that the readers will understand that you are citing the observation in its proper context.
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