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Inline Citations and Source References:

Wayne Smith, Ph.D.Department of

ManagementCSU Northridge

Crafting an Efficacious Argument with Necessary Rigor and Sufficient Relevance

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Alternatives to Scientific Research

DimensionMore Rigorous

Less Rigorous

Authority Law “Halo Effect”

Tradition Norms “Just Because”

Common Sense

True Understanding

“Logical Fallacies”

Media Myths Accurate Summary

“Convenient Sample”

Personal Experience

Repeated Observations

“Anecdotal Finding”

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The Relative Need for an Inline Citation (Systematic Empowerment)

morepersuasive

Value

lesspersuasive

Originwith author elsewhere

Argument, Statement,or Finding(cogent or valid)

Personal Experience, Opinion,or Speculation(reasonably subjective)

Law, Evidence,or Equation(rationally objective)

Material Fact, Credible Experience, or TermDefinition(genuine)

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The Relative Strength of a Source Reference (Authoritative

Accountability)more

accuracy

Validity

lessaccuracy

Reliabilitylowconsistency

highconsistency

Case-specificeffect(narrow impact)

Ideology(faith-based)

Theory(science-based)

Preliminary scientificfinding(broad impact)

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Differences between Theory & Ideology

Theory Ideology

Conditional, negotiated understanding

Offers absolute certainty

Incomplete; recognizes uncertainty

Has “all the answers”

Growing, open, unfolding, expanding

Fixed, closed, finished

Welcomes tests, positive and negative evidence

Avoids tests and findings

Changes based on evidence Blind to opposing evidence

Detached, disconnected, moral stand

Locked into specific moral beliefs

Neutral; considers all sides Highly partial

Strongly seeks logical consistency, congruity

Has contradictions and inconsistencies

Transcends/crosses social positions

Rooted in specific position

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Final Checklist for Case Deliverable

• Citations– Have I cited the facts, laws, theories, and equations?– Have I cited any secondary sources to support my

arguments?

• References– Is this reference the strongest reference I can use?– Can a reader locate the reference?

• On-line references– Double-check credibility of on-line sources

• Is this reference relatively bias-free?– Double-check precise web URL

• Is this reference persistent and accessible?

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Formatting and Style Guides

• Format/Style Guide– ENGL 205 (MLA)– BUS 302 (APA)

– MGT/MKT (APA)– BLAW (Bluebook)– IS/SOM (IEEE)– FIN (likely follows ECON--APA? or MMA?)– ACCT (AICPA?)

• If it’s not clear from syllabus, etc., just ask.– You may need to do this at a firm also

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BUS 302 Case Examples

• Facts• Issues• Questions• Technical Analysis

– LDC--Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Law– UDC—Finance, Marketing, Management,

Operations• Conclusions/Findings• Strategic Considerations• Ethical Considerations• Recommendations

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Sources

• Neuman, W. Lawrence (2003), Social Research Methods 5th ed., Allyn and Bacon

• CSUN Library– http://library.csun.edu/Research_Assistance/eval.html