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How to cite one's previous research in writing?

October 30, 2025
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Citing one's previous research is permissible and often necessary to establish context, justify methodology, or build upon established findings. It serves a legitimate academic purpose when the prior work is directly relevant to the current manuscript's arguments or contributions. Self-citations should primarily occur when strictly necessary to support claims or provide essential background, avoiding excessive or gratuitous references solely for self-promotion. Ensure the cited work is clearly relevant and contributes meaningfully to the current discussion. Transparency is paramount; accurately represent the relationship between the new work and prior publications. Consistency in citation style and verb tense (generally using past tense) is required. Always distinguish clearly between the new contributions presented in the current paper and conclusions drawn from cited prior work. Integrate the citation smoothly within the narrative, explaining its relevance to the current argument or methodology. Use neutral language (e.g., "As demonstrated previously [citation]...") rather than self-referential phrases. This practice allows authors to place their new research within the trajectory of their scholarly work, demonstrating the development of their ideas and strengthening the academic narrative, while maintaining scholarly integrity.
How to cite one's previous research in writing?
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