How To Mla Cite A Survey

How to MLA Cite a Survey: A Comprehensive Guide

Surveys, as a primary or secondary source of data, are increasingly used in academic research across various disciplines. Properly citing surveys within your MLA-formatted paper is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different scenarios you might encounter and provide detailed examples of how to correctly cite surveys in your MLA works cited page and in-text citations. We will explore both formal surveys conducted by research institutions and informal surveys you might have conducted yourself.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics

Before diving into the intricacies of survey citations, let's refresh our understanding of the fundamental principles of MLA style. MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes brevity and clarity. The core components of any MLA citation include:

• Author: The person or organization responsible for creating the survey.
• Title: The title of the survey or report presenting the survey results.
• Publisher: The entity that published or disseminated the survey data (this could be a university, research institution, or even a website).
• Publication Date: The date the survey was conducted or the report was published.
• Location: For online sources, this is usually the URL. For print sources, this may be the page numbers.

These elements form the foundation of both in-text citations and your works cited list.

Citing Formal, Published Surveys

Formal surveys, often conducted by reputable institutions like government agencies, universities, or market research firms, follow a more structured format and usually have readily available information for citation.

Example 1: Survey Report from a University

Let's imagine a survey on student satisfaction conducted by the University of California, Berkeley. The report is titled "Student Satisfaction Survey: 2023 Report," and it's available online.

In-text citation: (University of California, Berkeley 2023, 15). (Assume the relevant finding is on page 15 of the report.)

Works Cited entry:

University of California, Berkeley. Student Satisfaction Survey: 2023 Report. University of California, Berkeley, 2023, [URL].

Example 2: Government Survey Data

Suppose you use data from a national health survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In-text citation: (CDC 2024, Table 3). (Assuming the relevant data is in Table 3 of the CDC report.)

Works Cited entry:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health Survey Data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024, [URL].

Handling Multiple Authors/Organizations

If a survey was conducted by multiple organizations or authors, list them in the order they appear in the source. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author/organization in both the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry.

Citing Informal or Self- Conducted Surveys

If you have conducted your own survey, the citation process differs slightly, as it doesn't follow the traditional structure of published reports.

In-text citation: (Author's Last Name, Year, survey question number or description).

Works Cited entry:

Last Name, First Name. "Title of Your Survey." Your affiliation (e.g., Unpublished research), Year.

Example 3: Self-Conducted Survey

You've conducted a survey on social media usage among college students.

In-text citation: (Smith 2024, Question 5). (Assuming the relevant data is from question 5 of your survey.)

Works Cited entry:

Smith, John. "Social Media Usage Among College Students." Unpublished research, 2024.

Including Survey Methodology

For both formal and informal surveys, consider including a brief description of the survey methodology in your paper if it's relevant to your argument. This might include sample size, population, data collection methods, etc. This information doesn't need to be included in your citation but can strengthen the credibility of your findings.

Addressing Specific Challenges in Survey Citations

Several situations might present unique challenges when citing surveys:

1. Accessing Survey Data Through a Third-Party Source:

If you accessed survey data through an intermediary source (like a journal article that analyzed a specific survey), you should cite both the original survey and the intermediary source. This is to ensure proper attribution and allows readers to trace back to the original data.

2. Citing Data Tables or Charts:

When citing specific data from a survey presented in tables or charts, make sure to specify this in your in-text citation. Use clear and precise language, such as "Table 2," "Figure 3," or "Appendix A."

3. Citing Online Surveys without Clear Authorship:

If you encounter a survey without clearly identified authors or publishers, use the name of the website or platform hosting the survey as the author. If no clear name is available, use a descriptive title of the survey instead.

4. Citing Multiple Surveys in One Paper:

When incorporating findings from multiple surveys, ensure each is properly cited in both your in-text citations and the Works Cited page, using distinct entries for each survey.

Improving the Quality of Your Survey Citations

To maximize the impact and credibility of your work, consider these tips:

• Be precise: Your citations should be accurate and clearly identify the source of your information.
• Maintain consistency: Use the MLA style consistently throughout your paper.
• Verify accuracy: Double-check your citations before submitting your paper.
• Contextualize your findings: Don't just present data; explain its relevance to your argument.
• Use appropriate language: Use clear and concise language to describe the survey data and its implications.
• Consider the ethical implications: When using survey data, be mindful of ethical considerations, especially regarding privacy and data protection.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Survey Citation

Accurately citing surveys is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By carefully following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure the credibility and integrity of your research. Remember to always prioritize accuracy, consistency, and clear attribution. By mastering the art of survey citation, you strengthen your academic work and contribute to the broader scholarly conversation. Remember to consult the latest MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines and further clarification on specific citation scenarios. With careful attention to detail, you can effectively integrate survey data into your research and present it in a compelling and academically sound manner.