Glossary of Terms

A glossary of terms is a specialized dictionary of words that are all related to a certain topic. This glossary of terms includes definitions of some of the important words related to bibliographies and the research process. You may want to refer back to this page, as you develop your bibliography and research skills.

Bibliography - a list of all information sources used in the research process

Information source - anywhere we can find credible, relevant, authentic or authoritative information on any given topic. There are many forms of information sources: books, websites, databases entries, encyclopedia entries, journal articles and podcasts are just a few examples. There is a specific format and set of rules for citing or referencing each type of information source.

Style - refers to a specific set of rules used to cite or reference sources of information.

Style Guide - refers to the “handbook” outlining all of the formatting citations and references in any given style.

MLA - stands for Modern Language Association. One of the most commonly used styles.

Works Cited - refers to the list of sources when using MLA style (MLA speak for bibliography)

APA - stands for American Psychology Association. One of the most commonly used styles.

Reference List - refers to the list of sources when using APA style (APA speak for bibliography)

Research - the process of gathering information on any given topic

Academic Responsibility - as a student, you have an academic responsibility to research responsibly and give proper credit the sources of information used in your research process.

Plagiarism - refers to either passing off someone else’s work as your own, or failing to properly cite/reference your information sources.

Direct Quote - refers to a portion of text that is copied, word-for-word from the original source, incorporated in your work, marked with quotation marks and followed by an in-text citation. To be used sparingly, often for emphasis or dramatic effect.

In-text Citation - refers to the way in which we cite or reference a source in our writing (as opposed to in list-form, at the end of our work)

Paraphrase - refers to a portion of original text that you summarize in your own words, incorporate into your own work and follow up with an in-text citation. We should paraphrase when the source has an original, unique concept or idea that is not general knowledge.