Documentation Exercise

Objective: To examine complete and properly formatted bibliographic citations for various types of information sources.

Part One: Examine Citations in Small Groups [10 minutes]

1. Divide into groups based on the color of this instruction sheet; each group must sit around the table marked with a sheet of paper the same color as their instruction sheet. At each table you will find an information source, a transparency with a citation, a pen, and a copy of the APA publication manual.

2. Within each group, select a RECORDER and a PRESENTER. The RECORDER is responsible for writing down information about the citation on the transparency. The PRESENTER is responsible for presenting the citation to the entire class during Part 2 of the exercise.

3. After comparing the citation on the transparency to the work itself and to the samples on pp. 194-222 of the APA publication manual, determine the following:

• What sample from the APA publication manual was used to create the citation?
• What is the meaning of each element in the citation?

4. The RECORDER will record your answers on the transparency by:

• labeling each element of the citation with its meaning
• writing the number of the appropriate sample from the APA publication manual

Part Two: Presentations [5 minutes per group]

1. Each PRESENTER will display her/his group's transparency on ELMO and explain the significance of each element of the citation, using the information source and the sample from the APA publication manual as required.

2. Class members and the instructor will direct any questions they have about the citation to the PRESENTER and other members of her/his group.