Referencetekst

Referencetekst, or reference text, is the portion of a document that identifies sources consulted or cited. Its primary role is attribution and traceability: it allows readers to verify claims, locate original materials, and assess the reliability of the work. A referencetekst typically appears in two forms: in-text references, which appear near the relevant material, and a reference list or bibliography at the end of the document.

A reference entry generally includes author(s), year of publication, title, and publication details; for online sources, a DOI or stable URL and an access date may be required. Different domains use different formats, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Vancouver; the chosen style dictates order and punctuation. In-text references may be parenthetical or narrative, depending on the style, and the reference list should correspond to every citation in the text.

In a well-edited text, referenceteksten are complete and consistent; every citation in the text corresponds to a full entry in the reference list. They should be accurate and up-to-date, and DOIs or URLs should be valid when possible. Use of reference management tools helps generate and maintain consistency, reduce mistakes, and simplify updates when sources change.

In education and research, referencetekst supports scholarly integrity and enables further study; missing or incorrect references can undermine credibility and promote plagiarism. Common practices include checking for completeness, ensuring style conformity, and using stable identifiers such as DOIs to aid long-term access. See also citation, bibliography, plagiarism, DOI.