How To Cite Poste Rpresentations That Weren't Published

How to Cite Unpublished Poster Presentations

Presenting your research at a conference, often in poster format, is a valuable way to disseminate your findings and network with other researchers. However, because these presentations aren't typically published in traditional journals or books, citing them requires a slightly different approach. This guide will show you how to properly cite unpublished poster presentations using common citation styles. Understanding how to correctly cite this type of source ensures academic integrity and allows others to easily locate your reference.

Understanding the Challenges of Citing Unpublished Work

Unlike journal articles or books which have persistent identifiers like DOIs, unpublished poster presentations lack standardized identification. This makes citing them slightly more complex, requiring more specific information to ensure accurate referencing. The key is to provide enough detail that someone else could, theoretically, locate the presentation if they tried.

Essential Information for Your Citation:

To accurately cite an unpublished poster presentation, you'll need the following information:

• Author(s) of the poster: List the authors in the same order as they appear on the poster.
• Year of presentation: The year the poster was presented at the conference.
• Title of the poster: Include the exact title as it appears on the poster.
• Name of the conference: The full name of the conference where the poster was presented.
• Location of the conference: The city and state (or country) where the conference was held.
• Month of presentation: The month the conference took place. (Often, this is optional but helpful)

Citation Styles: Examples

Here are examples of how to cite an unpublished poster presentation using three common citation styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago. Remember that specific formatting requirements might vary slightly, so always consult the most up-to-date style guide.

Example Data:

Let's use this example data for our illustrations:

• Authors: Jane Doe and John Smith
• Year: 2023
• Title: The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health
• Conference: Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association
• Location: Washington, D.C., USA
• Month: August

APA (7th Edition):

Doe, J., & Smith, J. (2023, August). The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health. Poster presentation presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

MLA (9th Edition):

Doe, Jane, and John Smith. “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health.” Poster presentation, Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C., August 2023.

Chicago (Author-Date):

Doe, Jane, and John Smith. 2023. “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health.” Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C., August.

Tips for Accurate Citation:

• Double-check all information: Ensure accuracy to avoid errors.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your bibliography or works cited page.
• Use a citation manager: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can help manage and format citations.
• Consult style guides: Always refer to the official style guide for the most current and accurate formatting instructions.

Conclusion:

While citing unpublished poster presentations might seem challenging, it's a crucial aspect of academic honesty. By following these guidelines and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure your citations are accurate and consistent, contributing to the overall credibility of your work. Remember to always prioritize accuracy and consult the latest guidelines for your chosen citation style.