1 Inline Citations and Source References: Wayne Smith, Ph.D. Department of Management CSU Northridge Crafting an Efficacious Argument with Necessary Rigor and Sufficient Relevance

2 Alternatives to Scientific Research DimensionMore RigorousLess Rigorous AuthorityLaw“Halo Effect” TraditionNorms“Just Because” Common SenseTrue Understanding “Logical Fallacies” Media MythsAccurate Summary “Convenient Sample” Personal Experience Repeated Observations “Anecdotal Finding”

3 The Relative Need for an Inline Citation (Systematic Empowerment) more persuasive Value less persuasive Origin with authorelsewhere Argument, Statement, or Finding (cogent or valid) Personal Experience, Opinion, or Speculation (reasonably subjective) Law, Evidence, or Equation (rationally objective) Material Fact, Credible Experience, or Term Definition (genuine)

4 The Relative Strength of a Source Reference (Authoritative Accountability) more accuracy Validity less accuracy Reliability low consistency high consistency Case-specific effect (narrow impact) Ideology (faith-based) Theory (science-based) Preliminary scientific finding (broad impact)

5 Differences between Theory & Ideology TheoryIdeology Conditional, negotiated understanding Offers absolute certainty Incomplete; recognizes uncertaintyHas “all the answers” Growing, open, unfolding, expanding Fixed, closed, finished Welcomes tests, positive and negative evidence Avoids tests and findings Changes based on evidenceBlind to opposing evidence Detached, disconnected, moral stand Locked into specific moral beliefs Neutral; considers all sidesHighly partial Strongly seeks logical consistency, congruity Has contradictions and inconsistencies Transcends/crosses social positions Rooted in specific position

6 Final Checklist for Case Deliverable Citations –Have I cited the facts, laws, theories, and equations? –Have I cited any secondary sources to support my arguments? References –Is this reference the strongest reference I can use? –Can a reader locate the reference? On-line references –Double-check credibility of on-line sources Is this reference relatively bias-free? –Double-check precise web URL Is this reference persistent and accessible?

7 Formatting and Style Guides Format/Style Guide –ENGL 205 (MLA) –BUS 302 (APA) –MGT/MKT (APA) –BLAW (Bluebook) –IS/SOM (IEEE) –FIN (likely follows ECON--APA? or MMA?) –ACCT (AICPA?) If it’s not clear from syllabus, etc., just ask. –You may need to do this at a firm also

8 BUS 302 Case Examples Facts Issues Questions Technical Analysis –LDC--Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Law –UDC—Finance, Marketing, Management, Operations Conclusions/Findings Strategic Considerations Ethical Considerations Recommendations

9 Sources Neuman, W. Lawrence (2003), Social Research Methods 5 th ed., Allyn and Bacon CSUN Library –