Source text:
(The student didn’t cite anything because s/he learnt the information sometime ago)
Writer’s text:
However, spontaneous mutation occurs more frequently than induced because spontaneous mutations can occur simply due to natural radiation, and during replication in DNA.
Writer’s comment:
I learnt it some time ago. There is no need to give references for information or knowledge learnt in the past.
Student’s comment:
- Oh, I think it would be hard to find a reference. So I guess I would agree that from previous learning, references are not required. I guess “previous learning” for me would be if you can source where it came from, if can think “yes, I learned this in such and such class.” Then you should cite the class that was learned. And if you don’t remember where it came from, it just kind of exists in your mind without knowing where it is from, then of course you can not source it, you don’t have to cite. (Graduate student in Library & Information Studies)
- I think if it’s something generally known or common knowledge, and is not particularly quoted to any particular person in the past, or any particular, like school of thought, etc., it’s just general to me, I think that that’s fine. I think because the text seems hardly scientific, if the person themselves is also hardly scientific and has a proven background in this kind of area, then I think that will be fine. ( Graduate student in Business)
Faculty member’s comment:
- I wouldn’t say you always have to go back, but if it’s something scientific that you could not have found by yourself…I mean like this, pretty scientific, so you would need citation. Even if they don’t remember where they found it, you would have to find the reference. But if they say… due to rain, there is often a rainbow, they don’t need to go back and find XX for that. That’s general knowledge. (Professor in Education)
- I don’t think it’s necessary to cite a source but it is in a sense smart to identify claim, for example a knowledge claim, so that it’s clearly flagged as representing one view among several with respect. So at any point if there is knowledge that is debatable, it’s intelligent though not absolutely necessary requirement in academic communication to identify a source.(Professor in Education)