Autocitação

Autocitação, or self-citation, refers to the practice of an author citing their own previously published work within a new or subsequent piece of writing. This academic and scholarly practice is common across various disciplines, including literature, science, and social sciences. Self-citations serve several key purposes: they provide context for readers by referencing earlier work, reinforce the author’s contributions to a field, and allow for the expansion or refinement of previously published ideas.

In academic writing, autocitação is generally encouraged when it is relevant and necessary. For instance, an author may cite their own earlier research to demonstrate continuity in their work, clarify a point, or build upon prior findings. However, excessive self-citation can raise concerns about objectivity and may be viewed as self-promotion rather than scholarly rigor. Many academic journals and reviewers assess autocitação critically to ensure it adheres to ethical standards and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

The use of autocitação varies by field and institutional norms. Some disciplines, such as those in the humanities, may accept it more frequently, while others, particularly in the sciences, may require stricter justification. Additionally, plagiarism policies often explicitly address autocitação, distinguishing it from self-plagiarism—a form of academic misconduct where an author reuses their own work without proper attribution or significant transformation. Proper autocitação involves clear citation formatting, acknowledgment of the original publication, and a clear connection to the new work’s objectives.