If you need help with citing your sources, we recommend consulting one of these websites below.
It's important to properly cite sources in a research paper or project so you can accurately give credit for information that is not common knowledge or an original idea. Proper citation will help you avoid plagiarism, and is an essential part of the research process.
The State University of New York at Albany (SUNY) has provided a useful resource for understanding when, where, and why to provide citations.
SUNY's resource explains when you should provide citations:
While professors and scholars may have specific requirements based on the needs of their discipline, there are cases where you should always cite your sources.
1. Direct quotes of more than one word
If the author’s words are powerful or you need to be specific for your argument, the authors’ words can be used as a direct quote.
2. Paraphrasing or summarizing
If you want to use someone else’s idea to help you make your point or to support your own ideas, in this case you would “translate” the ideas into your own words.
3. Information which may be common knowledge but still unfamiliar to your reader
This would also include statistical information which may be familiar information but still requires confirmation.
4. Not just books or articles should be cited
Any source that you use for information can and should be cited including interviews, websites, TV programs, etc.
5. Whenever you are not sure if something should be cited, err on the side of caution and cite sources.
This book is the official guide to citing sources in APA style.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by 
