citation theory

Citation theory refers to the study of how and why people reference sources in their work. It explores the impact of citations on knowledge creation, credibility, and scholarly communication. By citing sources, authors acknowledge previous work, give credit to original ideas, and allow readers to verify information. This practice enhances the reliability of research and supports the integrity of academic discourse. Citation theory also examines the social and ethical dimensions of referencing, including issues like plagiarism and the influence of citations on academic reputation and career advancement.