How does research and citation differ when writing online?

Research and citation when writing online adopts many of the same principles used when writing for traditional media. The most significant differences emerge from the internet's inherent connectivity between sources of information. Therefore, concerning research for writing online, research sources can be hyperlinked directly to the source allowing the reader instant access. The citation list also should contain links if the source is internet based.

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Research Difference

• In text citation should link directly to the research source; this example from Wikipedia provides two methods embedded hyperlink and footnote hyperlink to reference/citation list:

In computing, a hyperlink (or link) is a reference to data that the reader can directly follow, or that is followed automatically.

Citation Difference

• References may be listed in various styles similar to MLA and APA conventions. The difference online, again, materializes in the hyperlinking strength of the internet.

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Further Reading

1. The Writers' Workshop, Center for Writing Studies. Citation Styles Handbook: APA, University of Illinois.
2. The Writers' Workshop, Center for Writing Studies. Citation Styles Handbook: MLA, University of Illinois.