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{{essay|WP:UNDERKILL|WP:UNDERCITE|WP:UNDERREF|WP:CITEEVERYTHING|WP:TOOFEWREFS|interprets=the [[Wikipedia:Verifiability|Verifiable policies]] and the [[Wikipedia:Citing sources|Citing Sources guidelines]]}}
{{essay|WP:UNDERKILL|WP:UNDERCITE|WP:UNDERREF|WP:CITEEVERYTHING|interprets=the [[Wikipedia:Verifiability|Verifiable policies]] and the [[Wikipedia:Citing sources|Citing Sources guidelines]]}}
{{nutshell|It is always best to cite each idea or concept, even those that may seem obvious: as you may be wrong; or they may be less-than obvious to others. Instead of putting accuracy, neutrality and verifiability stake, simply source all your statements.}}
{{nutshell|It is always best to cite each idea or concept, even those that may seem obvious: as you may be wrong; or they may be less-than obvious to others. Instead of putting accuracy, neutrality and verifiability stake, simply source all your statements.}}
[[Image:Homère, Odyssée, Fondation Martin Bodmer (Incunable).jpg|thumb|275px|A single [[Wikipedia:Reliable sources|good]] source is often enough to support a statement — however, it is best for statements to be sourced than to go unsupported.|alt=A single reliable source is often enough to support a statement — however, it is best for statements to be sourced than to go unsupported.]]
[[Image:Homère, Odyssée, Fondation Martin Bodmer (Incunable).jpg|thumb|275px|A single [[Wikipedia:Reliable sources|good]] source is often enough to support a statement — however, it is best for statements to be sourced than to go unsupported.|alt=A single reliable source is often enough to support a statement — however, it is best for statements to be sourced than to go unsupported.]]

Revision as of 07:25, 1 July 2017

A single reliable source is often enough to support a statement — however, it is best for statements to be sourced than to go unsupported.
A single good source is often enough to support a statement — however, it is best for statements to be sourced than to go unsupported.

Wikipedia lives and dies by its sources; our material is required by the Wikipedia:Verifiability policy to be verifiable with reliable sources. Maintaining article standards is possible by following core content policies. The Verifiability policy maintains that "all material must be attributable to reliable, published sources." This means, when adding information: you must be able to back up each statement with a source. It must not only be possible to verify a claim, but also feasible. This is best achieved by using inline citations, and plenty of them.

One cause for "citation underkill" is the thought that it does not matter when good content is unsourced — or that general knowledge needs no citations. The line separating general knowledge from folk knowledge, folk belief, and superstition is thin. By allowing certain statements to go unreferenced, Wikipedia risks furthering false beliefs and spreading errors in reasoning and widely held misconceptions.

Without citations, it is difficult to know that material isn't just made up. It is critically important for an article to be verifiable, especially when sources disagree, in order to maintain a neutral point of view. Changing single words can cause a statement that was sourced, to become a statement which fails verification. When no citation is nearby, this error risks being missed. By arguing that a source shouldn't be included, when it can be — we make it hard to verify our articles — putting their neutrality at risk and diminishing their encyclopedic value.

The integrity of content depends on where a citation is placed. Misplaced citations cause citation confusion, which makes it harder to verify claims. Placing citations where they clearly correspond to specific claims improves the verifiability in accordance with guideline on footnotes. When no citation is placed to verify a claim or if the citation is a commented out, it decreases the verifiability of content, and readers may incorrectly hold that those statements are unsourced. Unsourced material on Wikipedia risks (rightly or wrongly) being considered as original research.

Controversial claims usually require only single citations, but additional citations may decrease the degree with which the claim is likely to be challenged. "Citation overkill" only occurs when many (often weak) sources are used to support the same statement, in order to give a false sense of authority. Using as many sources as you need to ensure verifiability is not overkill.

Citations improve article content

The color of the sky varies.
The color of the sky varies.[1]

It is possible that an editor who is trying to promote an article to GA-class (good article status) might add citations to basic facts such as "...the sky is blue...".[3] This is a good thing, and the fact that the sky is not always blue does benefit from adding a citation. We can add citations for things that are well-known, and the citation can contain additional information to benefit our readers. If a claim is only verifiable via Wikipedia:Verifiability#Access to sources then it is best to provide a citation. Where you may think citations are not needed they may be needed. For example, stand-alone lists such as List of electronic cigarette brands are required to be sourced in the same manner as other articles. Wikipedia has no firm rules, but by following the rules it is very possible to maintain a high quality of article content.[4]

Citing common knowledge

Electric fans in South Korea commonly feature a timer, due to a widely held misconception that leaving them on while asleep can be fatal. If you really can't find a source to cite for your "obvious" statement, is it really true?
Electric fans in South Korea commonly feature a timer, due to a widely held misconception that leaving them on while asleep can be fatal.[2]
If you really can't find a source to cite for your "obvious" statement, is it really true?

One cause for "citation underkill" is the thought that it does not matter when good content is unsourced — or that general knowledge needs no citations. The line separating general knowledge from folk knowledge, folk belief, and superstition is thin. By allowing certain statements to go unreferenced Wikipedia risks furthering false beliefs and spreading errors in reasoning and widely held misconceptions. Without a citation, the content may be thought to be a misconception, which may result in it being deleted.

As a Wikipedia editor it is your duty to be humble and to remember that you may be wrong. This is not necessarily because you don't know what you are talking about, but you know there are others that don't. Set an example by citing your content properly, and they can't use the fact that you aren't citing as an argument.

Citations in the lead

Adding citations to the lead can be very helpful, both for readers as well as editors. Without citations in the lead, our readers may think the content is not neutral or is original research, even if sourced in the body. We cannot expect our readers to always read the body to try to verify the content they read in the lead. Citations in the lead also help readers and editors find their way in the body of the article, when the citation supports the same or similar statements in different parts of the article. Contentious articles or articles on contentious topics benefit especially from citations in the lead.

Bundling citations

When multiple citations are bundled into a single footnote, especially when bundling all the citations at the end of the sentence or paragraph it can be difficult to verify them. When different citations support different parts of the same sentence bundling can cause citation confusion. It is best to unbundle bundled citations and place them where they verify each statement when different sources verify different parts of a sentence or paragraph.

A less argument against bundling it that it presents an extra step for anyone wanting to review the source for a claim. Ease of verification helps readers and editors.

In certain cases bundling citations may help readability, but if you're only talking about a handful of references — it likely doesn't. Bundling properly can be difficult and time-consuming, if you're not willing to put in the work — you're likely to leave a botched mess. It's better to leave sources visible unless you really know what you're doing.

  • Example of bundling correctly, and incorrectly with explanation of why it is correct:
  • If all the sources verify the same content then it may be appropriate to bundle the citations together. This is done by a case by case basis.
  • If the sources verify different parts of the sentence or paragraph then bundling the citations will make it take longer to verify each statement. Therefore, putting all the citations at the end would make it difficult for a reader to know which piece of content comes from which citation.
Bundling correctly

When the sources verify the exact statement the citations may be bundled this way: The color of the sky changes at the beginning and at the end of the day.[1]

  1. ^ References:
    • Frank Staub (2005). The Kids' Book of Clouds and Sky. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. pp. 10–. ISBN 978-1-4027-2806-8.
    • Lucia Ronchi (1 April 2014). The semantics of Color Sharing The Laboratory with Color Vision: Volume II. Lucia Ronchi. pp. 69–. ISBN 978-88-88649-41-2.
Bundling incorrectly

Bundling all the citations at the end of the sentence would make it difficult to verify each specific piece of content when multiple pieces of content require verification from difference sources or when 17 different pieces of content require verification from difference sources such as the following sentence: Aluminum, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silicate, silver, strontium, tin, titanium, zinc, and zirconium have been found in the electronic cigarette aerosol.[1] For this particular case, it easier to verify each piece of content when each citation is placed where it verifies each claim.

  1. ^ References:

Hidden references

Shortcuts

If consecutive sentences are supported by the same citation, it is better for them to be all visibly shown. Hiding citations with the markup <!-- --> makes it difficult for our readers to verify claims. If citations are hidden it often is better to make them visible. References can occur after each sentence, which is the preferred style for medical content. Hiding citations can cause confusion in the future.[5] For example, putting only one reference at the end of a section can require ongoing maintenance as other editors may mistakenly add {{cn}} tags or delete content that they believe is unreferenced.

Necessary repetition

Shortcuts

To improve verifiability, material that is repeated multiple times throughout an article should have an inline citation for every mention. Doing so also increases the chance readers and editors will find the appropriate source for each statement. Without an inline citation next to each claim, it is difficult for readers to verify claims. Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable to provide inline citations repeatedly. For example: to state that human hand has four fingers and one thumb[6] in multiple places in an article, you would do well to provide a citation after each mention. This can be accomplished by adding to the main citation a markup like this: ​<ref name=Latash2008>, while using a corresponding short citation like this: ​<ref name=Latash2008/>.

Citation underkill often occurs when:

  • Inline citation is provided only at the end of a paragraph
  • In certain circumstances, when all sources are placed at the end of a sentence

     An example of how to place sources in the middle of a sentence, in an example where it is appropriate:

Tomato products, such as ketchup, tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, and pizza sauce are high in lycopene,[1] which research indicates likely plays a role in protecting against cardiovascular disease and various cancers.[2]

  1. [1]
  2. [2]
  1. ^ Arab, Lenore; Steck, Susan (2000). "Lycopene and cardiovascular disease". Am J Clin Nutr. 71 (6 Suppl): 1691S–5S, discussion 1696S-7S. PMID 10837319.
  2. ^ Omoni, Adetayo O.; Aluko, Rotimi E. (2005). "The anti-carcinogenic and anti-atherogenic effects of lycopene: a review". Trends in Food Science & Technology. 16 (8): 344–350. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2005.02.002. ISSN 0924-2244.

Bundling all the citations together in one citation at the end of a sentence or paragraph often make it difficult to determine which citation verifies which claim. An extreme example where specific claims are verified individually is this:

Aluminum,[1] barium,[2] cadmium,[3] chromium,[4] copper,[5] iron,[6] lead,[7] manganese,[8] mercury,[9] nickel,[10] silicate,[11] silver,[12] strontium,[13] tin,[14] titanium,[15] zinc,[16] and zirconium have been found in the electronic cigarette aerosol.[17]

  1. [1]
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
  6. [5]
  7. [3]
  8. [2]
  9. [6]
  10. [3]
  11. [5]
  12. [5]
  13. [2]
  14. [5]
  15. [2]
  16. [2]
  17. [2]
  1. ^ Grana, R; Benowitz, N; Glantz, SA (13 May 2014). "E-cigarettes: a scientific review". Circulation. 129 (19): 1972–86. doi:10.1161/circulationaha.114.007667. PMC 4018182. PMID 24821826.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Farsalinos, Konstantinos; Voudris, Vassilis; Poulas, Konstantinos (2015). "Are Metals Emitted from Electronic Cigarettes a Reason for Health Concern? A Risk-Assessment Analysis of Currently Available Literature". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 12 (5): 5215–5232. doi:10.3390/ijerph120505215. ISSN 1660-4601. PMC 4454963. PMID 25988311.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  3. ^ a b c Rom, Oren; Pecorelli, Alessandra; Valacchi, Giuseppe; Reznick, Abraham Z. (2014). "Are E-cigarettes a safe and good alternative to cigarette smoking?". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1340 (1): 65–74. doi:10.1111/nyas.12609. ISSN 0077-8923. PMID 25557889.
  4. ^ Cheng, T. (2014). "Chemical evaluation of electronic cigarettes". Tobacco Control. 23 (Supplement 2): ii11–ii17. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051482. ISSN 0964-4563. PMC 3995255. PMID 24732157.
  5. ^ a b c d e Farsalinos, K. E.; Polosa, R. (2014). "Safety evaluation and risk assessment of electronic cigarettes as tobacco cigarette substitutes: a systematic review". Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety. 5 (2): 67–86. doi:10.1177/2042098614524430. ISSN 2042-0986. PMC 4110871. PMID 25083263.
  6. ^ Dagaonkar RS, R.S.; Udwadi, Z.F. (2014). "Water pipes and E-cigarettes: new faces of an ancient enemy" (PDF). Journal of the Association of Physicians of India. 62 (4): 324–328. PMID 25327035.
  • This example is extreme, and for certain situations can be rewritten, but to avoid readers or editors needing to scour through different sources — one citation is needed after each statement.

Wikipedia:Citation overkill claims using repeated single inline citations is overkill, but by not using repeated single inline citations an editor or reader may mistakenly assume the content is unsourced. Citations are usually placed at the end of each specific passage that they support. It is better to place each citation at the end of each sentence to support each claim. If one source alone supports consecutive sentences in the same paragraph, one citation of it at the end of the final sentence is not sufficient. It is a better option to provide a citation for each individual consecutive sentence.

Sentence merging

Merging a sentence without a citation with a sentence that does have a citation can render the newly formed sentence, as partially failed verification. This can occur when a sentence was added into a paragraph without a citation. Merging sentences together without using the appropriate citations cause citation craziness. If you want to delete a sentence then be sure that the citation left behind is not misplaced. If you delete a sentence that verified only that claim then you should also delete the citation that verified that claim. If you leave behind the citation it may not verify the previous statement. If more than one source is being used to verify a claim and you are changing the wording that is verifiable to only one source, then be sure to remove the other sources that do not verify the new claim.

Citation confusion

Shortcuts

When multiple sources support different parts of a paragraph or passage it is important to place each citation where they verify each specific concept or idea. This also acts to increase the life-span of text on Wikipedia. If you write a paragraph, which later gets a new statement added in the middle of it — citing a different source – you will have citation confusion.

Simple claims can become confusing to verify. In certain circumstances, to avoid citation confusion it is easier to verify each specific claim by placing the citation where it verifies each claim, rather than place all the citations at the end of the sentence or paragraph.

A clear example of this can be found at Malaria, where one citation is broken up by another, and where citations at the end of a paragraph makes it more difficult to verify:

Most useful

The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begin 8–25 days following infection;[1] however, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken antimalarial medications as prevention.[2] Initial manifestations of the disease—common to all malaria species—are similar to flu-like symptoms,[3] and can resemble other conditions such as sepsis, gastroenteritis, and viral diseases.[2] The presentation may include headache, fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, hemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage, and convulsions.[4]

Less useful

The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begin 8–25 days following infection;[1] however, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken antimalarial medications as prevention.[2] Initial manifestations of the disease—common to all malaria species—are similar to flu-like symptoms, and can resemble other conditions such as sepsis, gastroenteritis, and viral diseases.[2][3] The presentation may include headache, fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, hemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage, and convulsions.[4]

Least useful (nearly pointless)

The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begin 8–25 days following infection; however, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken antimalarial medications as prevention. Initial manifestations of the disease—common to all malaria species—are similar to flu-like symptoms, and can resemble other conditions such as sepsis, gastroenteritis, and viral diseases. The presentation may include headache, fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, hemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage, and convulsions.[1][2][3][4]

References

[1] [2] [3] [4]

  1. ^ a b c d Fairhurst RM, Wellems TE (2010). "Chapter 275. Plasmodium species (malaria)". In Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R (eds.). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Vol. 2 (7th ed.). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. pp. 3437–62. ISBN 978-0-443-06839-3.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Nadjm B, Behrens RH (2012). "Malaria: An update for physicians". Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 26 (2): 243–59. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2012.03.010. PMID 22632637.
  3. ^ a b c d Bartoloni A, Zammarchi L (2012). "Clinical aspects of uncomplicated and severe malaria". Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases. 4 (1): e2012026. doi:10.4084/MJHID.2012.026. PMC 3375727. PMID 22708041.Open access icon
  4. ^ a b c d Beare NA, Taylor TE, Harding SP, Lewallen S, Molyneux ME (2006). "Malarial retinopathy: A newly established diagnostic sign in severe malaria". American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 75 (5): 790–7. PMC 2367432. PMID 17123967. Open access icon

Benefits of proper citation are not limited to medicine, and a good example of proper use of citations can be found in the Featured article on Ukiyo-e (exhibited on the main page on 25 June 2017):

Determining at what prices prints sold is a challenge for experts, as records of hard figures are scanty and there was great variety in the production quality, size,[1] supply and demand,[2] and methods, which went through changes such as the introduction of full-colour printing.[3] How expensive prices can be considered is also difficult to determine as social and economic conditions were in flux throughout the period.[4] In the 19th century, records survive of prints selling from as low as 16 mon[5] to 100 mon for deluxe editions.[6] Jun'ichi Ōkubo suggests that prices in the 20s and 30s of mon were likely common for standard prints.[7] As a loose comparison, a bowl of soba noodles in the early 19th century typically sold for 16 mon.[8]

  1. ^ Kobayashi & Ōkubo 1994, p. 216.
  2. ^ Ōkubo 2013, p. 31.
  3. ^ Ōkubo 2013, p. 32.
  4. ^ Kobayashi & Ōkubo 1994, pp. 216–217.
  5. ^ Ōkubo 2008, pp. 151–153.
  6. ^ Kobayashi & Ōkubo 1994, p. 217.
  7. ^ Ōkubo 2013, p. 43.
  8. ^ Kobayashi & Ōkubo 1994, p. 217; Bell 2004, p. 174.

Different page numbers using the same source

Citing the page number or page numbers for the specific content that is used to verify the content or quotation, makes it easier to verify the claim rather than a page range using the same repeated citation.

One way to verify each specific page number without creating duplicate full citations is like this:

Enhancing the availability of drinking water can lead to clear benefits to health.[1] Drinking water containing nitrate and nitrite has been linked to methaemoglobinaemia, in particular to bottle-fed babies.[2] It is recommended that water be absent of tastes and odors that would be unpleasant to most people.[3]

  1. ^ WHO 2016, p. 1.
  2. ^ WHO 2016, p. 6.
  3. ^ WHO 2016, p. 7.

A ​== Bibliography == section can be created for adding the main citation and a short citation is used for each page number. The short citation is placed specifically where it verifies the claim.

The main citation looks like this: ​​{{cite web|url=http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/gdwq0506.pdf|title=Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality|publisher=World Health Organization|year=2006|ref={{harvid|WHO|2016}}}} and the short citation looks like this: ​{{sfn|WHO|2016|p=7}}.

Another way to provide a page number for each citation is by using the markup ​{{rp|}}. This is accomplished by placing it at end of the citation like this: [1]​: 7 

  1. ^ ​"Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality" (PDF). World Health Organization. 2006.

Changing single words or certain phrases

Shortcut
Stating "Some weasels are white." may be engaging in original research if the source does not explicitly state that "some" are white.
Stating "Some weasels are white." may be engaging in original research if the source does not explicitly state that "some" are white.

Altering the original meaning of the content may violate verifiable policy. Adding a modifier to a sentence not supported by the source alters the original meaning of the source. Weasel words or unsupported attributions are words and phrases that give an appearance that something explicate has been stated, when in actuality only a vague or ambiguous claim has been presented.[7] When a source only indicates a vague or ambiguous claim then the content added to an article should also indicate a vague or ambiguous claim. Even changing single words or certain phrases can render content from being sourced, to content that has failed verification. If the source expresses a specified viewpoint such as using the word "some" then the content can also specify that viewpoint or similar viewpoint which avoids giving a misleading or vague impression. We can use the exact weasel word or a synonym to that word when the source has used that specific word. If the source does not use the word "some" or by combining different sources together to come to the conclusion that it is "some", then it probably is original research or a synthesis violation. Wikipedia:No original research (in particular, § Synthesis of published material) clearly indicates we don't conduct our own reviews of the sources on Wikipedia. For example, when two reviews said the something thing we can't say "Two reviews found...". This would in effect be combining material from different sources to reach a conclusion not explicitly stated in any individual source.

For example, "There is some evidence that following this diet may lead to improvements in terms of body composition and metabolic effects as compared to the typical Western diet.[3]"[8] This is incorrect. The part "some" has failed verification. The word some is an unsupported weasel word because the source does not explicitly use the word some to support that word in reference to that content. See Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch § Unsupported attributions. The following is correct: The evidence indicates that following this diet may lead to improvements in terms of body composition and metabolic effects as compared to the typical Western diet.[1]

  1. ^ Katz, D.L.; Meller, S. (2014). "Can We Say What Diet Is Best for Health?". Annual Review of Public Health. 35 (1): 83–103. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182351. ISSN 0163-7525. PMID 24641555.

Another example is the following: E-cigarettes are likely safer than tobacco.[1] This is incorrect. The part "likely" has failed verification. The following is correct: E-cigarettes are generally considered safer than tobacco.[1]

  1. ^ a b Knorst, Marli Maria; Benedetto, Igor Gorski; Hoffmeister, Mariana Costa; Gazzana, Marcelo Basso (2014). "The electronic cigarette: the new cigarette of the 21st century?". Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 40 (5): 564–572. doi:10.1590/S1806-37132014000500013. ISSN 1806-3713. PMC 4263338. PMID 25410845.

Editors mistakenly use unsupported weasel words even when they believe they are correct. For example, as of 18:05, 28 June 2017‎ Wikipedia's Electrical disruptions caused by squirrels states: "In the U.S., squirrels have been the cause of many power outages in Pennsylvania.[n 1]"[9] This is incorrect. The word "many" has failed verification. Adding up different sources together to come to a new conclusion is a novel synthesis. Another example is the following: "Some have described the Mannings as football's 'royal family'.[302][303][304][305][306]"[10] The word "some" has failed verification. Again, an individual source must make the claim. We don't tell readers what to think. Combining multiples sources to reach a new conclusion does not make it true. When multiple sources say the same thing it does not equate to "some". Even if you believe it to be true, it still must be verifiable.

Bear in mind that we are required to avoid copyright infringement and plagiarism. This requires us to use our own words to express the information we get from the reference. It is possible to construct an alternative wordings without violating the principle of verifiability.

Controversial claims

This barber thinks he has the right idea...trimming away the citations may not be the best practice.
This barber thinks he has the right idea...trimming away the citations may not be the best practice.

Adding too many citations especially for non-controversial claims is overciting content. When too many citations are used you may be able to trim the excessive citations. One citation after each sentence is usually sufficient. More than three citations for non-controversial claims may be excessive. For controversial claims one citation is usually enough for content that is likely to be challenged. In certain circumstances, it may be better to add usually up to three citations to verify the same claim like this:

The benefits and the health risks of e-cigarettes are uncertain.[1][2][3]

  1. ^ Ebbert, Jon O.; Agunwamba, Amenah A.; Rutten, Lila J. (2015). "Counseling Patients on the Use of Electronic Cigarettes". Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 90 (1): 128–134. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.11.004. ISSN 0025-6196. PMID 25572196.
  2. ^ Siu, AL (22 September 2015). "Behavioral and Pharmacotherapy Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Women: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement". Annals of Internal Medicine. 163: 622–34. doi:10.7326/M15-2023. PMID 26389730.
  3. ^ Harrell, PT; Simmons, VN; Correa, JB; Padhya, TA; Brandon, TH (4 June 2014). "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems ("E-cigarettes"): Review of Safety and Smoking Cessation Efficacy". Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 151: 381–393. doi:10.1177/0194599814536847. PMC 4376316. PMID 24898072.

Feasability

You don't need to cite the entire library to back up an idea or a concept, but it is better to cite something than nothing. Your goal is to cite the best possible source, and to cite in the best possible way.
You don't need to cite the entire library to back up an idea or a concept, but it is better to cite something than nothing. Your goal is to cite the best possible source, and to cite in the best possible way.

To say that verification must be feasible does not mean:

  • that the source must be available online;
  • that the source must be free;
  • that the source must remain in publication; or
  • that the citation must include a DOI or ISBN (even if including such an identifier is a good idea).

It does mean:

  • It must be possible to figure out which source supports which statement.
    It cannot be expected for an editor or reader to go through 250 sources (or even 10) in order to find out if the statement is supported by one of them.
  • The source must be specified in some general way.
    You can't source "that big book with the blue cover I have in the bookshelf in the downstairs bedroom" — while theoretically verifiable (by one editor), it is in reality not at all verifiable by readers.
  • The statement must be generally accepted and not constitute original research.
    For example, not "You can verify this by walking around outside", or "I was listening to an interview".

Templates

See also

Userbox

Code Result
{{User:UserBox/NOTBLUE}}
This user believes Wikipedia
needs more inline citations.
 Usage

References

Examples

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