Citing A Survey In Mla

Citing a Survey in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

Surveys are invaluable tools for gathering data in various fields, from social sciences to market research. When incorporating survey findings into your academic papers, it’s crucial to cite them correctly using the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original researchers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of citing surveys in MLA, covering various scenarios and providing clear examples. Understanding how to correctly cite surveys is essential for maintaining academic integrity and strengthening the credibility of your research.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics

Before delving into the specifics of citing surveys, let's review the fundamental principles of MLA citation. MLA style emphasizes brevity and clarity, prioritizing the author and the source. The core components of an MLA citation generally include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information (publisher, date, etc.), and the location of the source (page numbers, URL). The specific formatting will vary depending on the type of source, as we'll see with surveys.

Types of Surveys and Their Citation

The method of citing a survey in MLA depends largely on how you accessed the survey data. Did you access a published report based on the survey, participate in the survey yourself, or consult a raw data set? Each scenario requires a slightly different approach.

1. Citing Published Reports Based on Surveys:

This is the most common scenario. Many organizations release reports summarizing their survey findings. These reports function as published works, and their citation follows the standard MLA format for books, articles, or online sources, depending on the publication format.

• Example: Published Report (Book):

Pew Research Center. The Changing Demographics of the American Electorate. Pew Research Center, 2023, www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/report-on-electorate/.

In-text citation: (Pew Research Center 2023).

• Example: Published Report (Journal Article):

Smith, John. "Public Opinion on Climate Change." Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 15, no. 2, 2024, pp. 55-72.

In-text citation: (Smith 58). (Note: The page number refers to the specific page where the survey data is discussed).

• Example: Published Report (Online):

Gallup, Inc. "Gallup Poll Social Series." Gallup, www.gallup.com/poll/168995/gallup-poll-social-series.aspx. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

In-text citation: (Gallup, Inc.).

2. Citing Unpublished Survey Data:

If you have access to raw survey data or an unpublished report, the citation will differ significantly. You'll need to provide more detailed information to help your reader locate the source.

• Example: Unpublished Survey Data (provided by a researcher):

Jones, Sarah. "Survey on Social Media Usage Among College Students." Unpublished survey data, provided by author, 20 Oct. 2024.

In-text citation: (Jones).

3. Citing Your Own Survey:

If you conducted your own survey, you should cite it as "personal communication" within the text. This information does not usually appear in the Works Cited page as it is considered personal and not publicly accessible.

• Example: (Smith, personal communication, October 26, 2024).

4. Citing Survey Data from a Secondary Source:

Sometimes, you might find survey data mentioned in another publication, rather than the original survey report. In this instance, you cite the secondary source, but you must also acknowledge the original survey if you know the source.

• Example:

Brown, Jane. "Analyzing Trends in Consumer Behavior." Marketing Insights, vol. 12, no. 3, 2023, pp. 88-99. (citing data from a 2022 survey by the National Retail Federation).

In-text citation: (Brown 92, citing National Retail Federation, 2022). (It is vital to be as precise as possible regarding the citation here).

Key Elements for Accurate Citation

Regardless of the type of survey, several key pieces of information should be included, either in the in-text citation or the Works Cited entry (or both):

• Author or Organization: The name of the individual or organization that conducted the survey. If there's no identified author, use the name of the organization.
• Title of the Survey or Report: The title of the report or document that presents the survey findings.
• Date of the Survey: The date when the survey was conducted. This is important for understanding the context of the results.
• Date of Publication (if applicable): The date when the report based on the survey was published.
• Publisher (if applicable): The name of the organization that published the report.
• URL (if applicable): If the survey or report is available online, provide the URL.
• Access Date (if applicable): If you accessed the data online, provide the date you accessed it.
• Specific Data Points: Whenever possible, specify the statistic or result you are referencing from the survey (percentage, average, etc).

In-Text Citations: Integrating Survey Data into Your Writing

In-text citations are brief references that signal to the reader that the information is taken from a specific source. For survey data, these citations usually include the author's name and the year of the survey or publication, sometimes followed by a page number if referencing a specific part of the report.

• Example: A recent survey indicated that 75% of respondents favored stricter environmental regulations (Pew Research Center 2023).

Works Cited Page: Giving Full Credit

The Works Cited page provides a complete list of all the sources you have cited in your paper. It is an essential part of any academic paper and serves as a guide to further research for your readers. Each entry on the Works Cited page provides full details of the source, ensuring that readers can easily locate and verify your information.

Handling Specific Challenges in Citing Surveys

Certain situations require careful attention when citing surveys. Here's how to handle some common challenges:

• Missing Information: If you're missing some information, such as the exact publication date, do your best to find it. If you cannot find it, use what you do have, and note that some information is missing (e.g., "n.d." for "no date"). Be transparent about any limitations.

• Multiple Authors: If the survey report has multiple authors, list them all in the in-text citation and the Works Cited page, using appropriate punctuation (e.g., Smith, Jones, and Brown 2024).

• Anonymous Surveys: If the survey lacks an identified author or organization, you can use the title of the report or a descriptive phrase in the citation (e.g., National Health Survey 2024).

• Confidentiality Concerns: If the survey involved sensitive information and the data is not publicly available, you must obtain appropriate permissions before using and citing it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need to cite survey data if it's considered common knowledge?

A1: No, you don't have to cite widely known facts. However, even generally accepted data often has a source, and it's good practice to cite the primary source whenever possible, particularly for academic papers.

Q2: What if I only used a small portion of the survey data?

A2: You still need to cite the survey properly. Even a small snippet of data should be acknowledged to avoid plagiarism.

Q3: How do I cite a survey included as a supplement to a journal article?

A3: Treat it like a supplementary material and specify where to locate it in your Works Cited entry (e.g., mention it is in the online supplementary materials of the journal article).

Q4: Can I cite a survey mentioned in a news article?

A4: While you can cite the news article, it's better practice (and strengthens your work) to try and locate the original survey report if possible. This improves the credibility and validity of your reference.

Q5: What if the survey doesn't have a clear title?

A5: If there's no formal title, create a descriptive title that accurately reflects the content of the survey within brackets [ ]. For example, [Survey on Consumer Attitudes toward Online Shopping].

Conclusion

Accurately citing surveys in MLA format is vital for academic honesty and rigorous research. By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of different types of survey data, you can confidently incorporate survey findings into your academic work while upholding the highest standards of scholarship. Remember, if you are ever unsure, consulting your instructor or referring to the official MLA Handbook is always advisable. Mastering this skill strengthens your academic writing and demonstrates your commitment to responsible scholarship.