Chapter 41

Explore different methods of citing references. Go to your library and seek out the journal area for chemistry. Choose three different journals in your subject area and from a recent edition write down how they would print a typical citation for a multi-author journal paper in the 'references' or 'literature cited' section. Where used, indicate italicised text with normal underline and bold text with wavy underline. Pay attention to punctuation. Compare these methods with each other, with the methods recommended on pp. 382-384 of this book and with the recommendations your department or your course handbook makes. Are they all the same?

Make website citations. Use a search engine (p. 397) to find an informative website that covers each of the following: (a) The use of SI units. (b) Description of a Diels-Alder reaction. (c) Melting point determination. Indicate how you would cite each website at the end of an essay (follow your department's guidelines or use those in this chapter).

Compare the Harvard and Vancouver methods of citation. Pair up with a partner in your class. Each person should then pick one of the two main methods of citation and consider its pros and cons independently. Meet together and compare your lists. Given the choice, which method would you choose for: (a) a handwritten essay; (b) a word-processed review; (c) an article in an academic journal, and why?