Why are References and Citations Important in Epidemiology?
References and citations serve several critical functions in epidemiological research. They:
1. Verify Data and Findings: By citing sources, researchers enable others to verify the data and findings presented in their work. This transparency is fundamental for the reproducibility of results. 2. Provide Context: Citations help situate a study within the broader scientific literature, illustrating how it builds upon or diverges from previous work. 3. Acknowledge Contributions: Properly referencing sources gives credit to the original authors and acknowledges their contributions to the field. 4. Avoid Plagiarism: Correct use of citations is essential for avoiding plagiarism, which is a serious ethical violation in scientific research.
