How many references should a scientific paper have?

The optimum number of references in the References Section of a research paper is the exact number of papers quoted or paraphrased in the body of the paper! One reference is too little, because then you are not comparing and contrasting sources. One hundred is too much for a student paper.

How do you cite a scientific research paper?

Give the author’s last name and initials (if known) and the date of publication (or last modification). Next, list the full title of the work (e.g. the specific web page), and then the title of the complete work or site (if applicable) in italics (if possible).

Do you have to cite a quote?

All well-known quotations that are attributable to an individual or to a text require citations. You should quote a famous saying as it appears in a primary or secondary source and then cite that source.

How can you give credit to the source?

Citing: Identifying In-Text Sources. Once you have brought source material into your writing (via quotation, summary, or paraphrase), your next task is to cite or identify it. This is essential because giving credit to the creator of the source material helps you avoid plagiarism.