→ See also: Citing Etiquette
Citing is the evidence base of your argument. Every claim that relies on external information — so not your own data or logical deduction — needs a citation. How you use citations determines whether readers agree with your reasoning.
Audience: When writing for experts (specialised journal) in your field may not need citations for familiar concepts, while a broader audience will appreciate more guidance.
Familiarity vs. novelty:
- Well-established facts in your field: 1 citation (or none for standard knowledge)
- New or niche concepts: 3–5 citations
- Controversial claims: Cite all relevant literature to map the disagreement
Avoid overload: Excessive citations (10+ for simple points) can make you sound unsure of your own ideas.
Self-cite only if directly relevant, not to inflate metrics.
Check your field
If you’re not sure how many citations you need, check some papers in your field. How many do they use for well-established facts vs. controversial claims?
Avoid predatory journals
Choose sources that are as trustworthy and relevant as possible. If in doubt, check the journal’s reputation carefully. Not all journals have a good peer-review protocol in place.