ABSTRACT

If past research can be cited in support of a claim, less new evidence is required. Thus, in IMRD more citations are associated with importance than any other component, but in IPTC more are associated with need, reflecting differences between science and engineering research goals. Similar differences are noted in the attention given to interpretations and comparisons. Past research is cited not only to document specific methods, results, or conclusions, but also to evaluate general models, approaches, or theoretical frameworks. Definitions may require citations but, like general background knowledge, may not require citation if they are widely used and well known in the field. After examining the location of citations, the chapter distinguishes author-prominent (integral) from information-prominent (non-integral) citations, noting why the difference is far more important with the numerical citations common in engineering than with the author-year format common in science. Citation (reporting) verb choice differs not only by field, but also by sub-field. The chapter concludes by considering how citation type, verb choice, and verb tense and voice interact to reveal the writer’s opinion of the research cited (stance).