Citations let your readers know where you got the information you used in your writing.
They give credit to your sources and situate your work within the context of your field.
Citing sources accurately and thoroughly demonstrates that you understand where your work fits in scholarly discourse and that you have reviewed literature relevant to your topic.
Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction (NCSU) (Video Tutorial)
Citation Styles & Disciplines
Your professors will often require a particular format, but if they have no preference, these guidelines may be helpful. Each discipline typically has a preferred citation style.