Ympyräviittausketju

Ympyräviittausketju, also known as a circular citation chain, refers to a situation in academic or legal writing where a citation points to a source that itself cites the original source, creating a loop. This can occur when a writer uses a secondary source to find information, and then cites that secondary source as if it were the primary source, while the secondary source itself is referencing the original work.

The primary concern with a circular citation chain is that it can obscure the origin of the information and potentially introduce inaccuracies. If the secondary source misinterprets or misrepresents the primary source, this error is perpetuated down the chain. Furthermore, it can make it difficult for readers to trace the original evidence and verify its authenticity. This practice is generally discouraged in scholarly work where direct access to primary sources is valued for accuracy and integrity.

In some contexts, such as legal briefs, citing secondary sources that reference primary sources might be permissible, but it is crucial to do so transparently. A writer should ideally consult the primary source directly whenever possible. If direct access is not feasible, citing the secondary source with a clear indication that it is a secondary reference is the more appropriate method. The existence of a circular citation chain can sometimes be a sign of insufficient research or a misunderstanding of citation best practices.