Which citation style should I choose?

The appropriate citation style primarily depends on the academic discipline of the writing and specific publication or instructor requirements. Common styles include APA (social sciences), MLA (humanities), Chicago (history, some social sciences), and IEEE (engineering). Always prioritize style mandates from instructors, departments, journals, or publishers. If no specific style is mandated, select the one most conventional within your discipline, as these styles are designed to meet the field's specific information needs. Consider key differences like author-date versus numerical formatting. Crucially, apply the chosen style consistently throughout the manuscript, including in-text citations and the reference list, avoiding mixing styles. Adherence to a specific citation style ensures academic integrity, allows readers to trace sources effectively, and enhances the writer's credibility. Consistency reinforces professionalism and demonstrates understanding of scholarly conventions within the chosen field, facilitating clearer communication and building upon existing research with proper attribution.