How to correctly cite a web page in a thesis?
Accurate citation of web pages in a thesis is feasible and follows established scholarly referencing principles similar to print sources. These citations allow readers to verify online sources.
Proper web citation requires several key elements: the author(s) or organization responsible for the content, the publication date (or "n.d." if unavailable), the specific page title, the website name, the full and stable URL, and the date the page was accessed. Evaluate the source's authority, currency, and purpose before inclusion. Always follow the specific formatting rules (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) mandated by your institution or discipline guide, ensuring consistency throughout the entire reference list. Prefer DOIs or permanent URLs if provided.
Implement correct citation by meticulously capturing all necessary elements (author, date, title, site name, URL) when first consulting the source. Choose and strictly adhere to the required citation style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago are common). Verify accuracy of author attribution and publication date; use "n.d." only if the date is genuinely unlocatable. Format the citation precisely within the text and reference list according to the guide, including the access date. Always check that URLs are functional and correctly transcribed before submission.
