How to cite stimulus materials in AP Seminar

Purpose of Citing Stimulus Materials

Demonstrates understanding of sources, supports claims, and avoids plagiarism.

Stimulus Materials

Sources provided in AP Seminar to help frame arguments and connect research to central themes

MLA Citation Format

 A citation style that uses in-text citations like (Author’s Last Name Page Number) and includes full details in a "Works Cited" list

APA Citation Format

A citation style that uses in-text citations like (Author, Year, Page Number) and includes full references at the end

Minimum Citation Requirement

At least one stimulus material must be integrated and cited in both the Individual Written Argument (IWA) and Individual Multimedia Presentation (IMP).

In-text Citation

A brief reference within the body of the text to identify the source of information.

MLA In-text Citation Example

“Happiness comes from our own actions” (Dalai Lama and Tutu 45).

APA In-text Citation Example

Ritualistic synchrony fosters group unity (Gelfand et al., 2020, p. 5).

Works Cited Page

A list of all sources referenced in MLA format at the end of the essay

References Page

A list of all sources used in APA format, including author, year, title, and publisher

Proper Source Integration

Stimulus materials should be quoted or paraphrased to directly support arguments in the research

Direct Quote

Word-for-word use of material from a source, enclosed in quotation marks, with proper citation.

Paraphrasing

Restating information from a source in your own words while citing the original source

Stimulus Material Example in MLA Works Cited

Dalai Lama and Tutu, Desmond. The Book of Joy. Penguin Random House, 2016.

Stimulus Material Example in APA References

Dalai Lama, & Tutu, D. (2016). The Book of Joy. Penguin Random House

Overgeneralization

Referencing a stimulus material without providing specific analysis or context.

Connection to the Argument

Explain how the stimulus material supports or contrasts with your thesis.

Citation for Multimedia Presentation

All images, charts, and quotes from stimulus materials must be cited in slide footnotes or verbally in the presentation.

Citation Tools

Apps and websites like EasyBib and Purdue OWL that help generate properly formatted citations

Common Citation Errors

Missing page numbers, inconsistent formats, or failing to include all sources in the final bibliography

Annotating Stimulus Materials

Highlighting or making notes on key parts of the material for easy integration into your work

Blending Stimulus with External Research

Combine evidence from stimulus materials with additional scholarly sources to strengthen your argument

MLA Direct Quote Example

“Industrial collapse led to cultural breakdown” (Thompson 6).

APA Direct Quote Example

"Economic instability often results in social fragmentation" (Thompson, 2017, p. 45).

Final Review Checklist for Citations

Ensure all stimulus materials are properly cited in-text and in the Works Cited or References page, with accurate formatting and page numbers