Referencing is a critical aspect of academic writing, ensuring that sources of information are properly credited, allowing readers to locate the original sources if they wish to explore further. The Cardiff Harvard Referencing Style is one such system, widely used in academic institutions. This guide will delve into the details of the Cardiff Harvard Referencing Style, providing comprehensive instructions on how to cite various types of sources.

Introduction to Cardiff Harvard Referencing Style

The Cardiff Harvard Referencing Style is a variation of the Harvard referencing system, which is an author-date citation style. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for students and researchers. This style requires in-text citations that include the author's surname and the year of publication, with a corresponding reference list at the end of the document.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations in the Cardiff Harvard style typically include the author's surname and the year of publication. These elements are usually enclosed in parentheses. For example:

• (Smith, 2020)

If you are directly quoting from a source, you should also include the page number:

• (Smith, 2020, p. 15)

For multiple authors, the format is as follows:

• Two authors: (Smith and Jones, 2020)
• Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020)

Multiple Works by the Same Author

If you are citing multiple works by the same author from the same year, differentiate them by adding letters (a, b, c, etc.) after the year:

• (Smith, 2020a)
• (Smith, 2020b)

Citing Secondary Sources

When citing a source that you found in another work, mention both the original and secondary sources:

• (Smith, 2020, cited in Jones, 2021)

Reference List

The reference list should be alphabetically ordered by the authors' surnames and should provide full details of each source cited in the text. Here are the formats for various types of sources:

Books

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s). (Year) Title of the book. Edition (if not the first). Place of publication: Publisher.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) Understanding Psychology. 2nd ed. London: Psychology Press.

Journal Articles

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the article', Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page numbers.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) 'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety', Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56(3), pp. 123-135.

Chapters in Edited Books

Format:

• Author(s) of the chapter surname, initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the chapter', in Editor(s) surname, initial(s) (ed(s).) Title of the book. Edition (if not the first). Place of publication: Publisher, Page numbers.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) 'Therapies for Anxiety', in Jones, A. (ed.) Innovations in Clinical Psychology. London: Routledge, pp. 45-67.

Online Articles

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the article', Title of the Journal [Online]. Volume(Issue), Page numbers. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) 'Online Therapy Effectiveness', Journal of Internet Psychology [Online]. 12(4), pp. 89-102. Available at: http://www.journalinternetpsychology.com (Accessed: 15 June 2021).

Websites

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s) or Corporate Author. (Year) Title of the web page. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

Example:

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2020) Depression. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (Accessed: 15 June 2021).

Conference Papers

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the paper', Title of the Conference, Location, Date, Page numbers.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) 'New Approaches to Anxiety Treatment', International Conference on Psychology, London, 15-18 May, pp. 123-130.

Theses and Dissertations

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s). (Year) Title of the thesis. Degree level. University.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) The Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety. PhD thesis. University of London.

Reports

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s) or Corporate Author. (Year) Title of the report. Report number (if applicable). Place of publication: Publisher.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) Annual Report on Mental Health. Report No. 45. London: Health Publications.

Newspapers

Format:

• Author(s) surname, initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the article', Title of the Newspaper, Day and month, Page number(s).

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020) 'Mental Health Crisis in the Modern World', The Guardian, 15 June, p. 5.

Audiovisual Media

Format:

• Title of the program/film (Year) Directed by. [Medium] Production company.

Example:

• Understanding Anxiety (2020) Directed by Jane Doe. [Film] Mindful Productions.

Additional Considerations

Consistency

It is crucial to maintain consistency throughout your document when using the Cardiff Harvard Referencing Style. Ensure that all citations and references adhere to the same format.

Accuracy

Double-check all references for accuracy, including spelling of authors' names, titles, and publication details. Any discrepancies can lead to confusion and affect the credibility of your work.

Comprehensive Information

Provide as much information as possible for each reference. This not only aids readers in locating the original sources but also demonstrates thoroughness in your research.

Use of Italics

Italicize the titles of books, journals, and websites, but not the titles of articles or book chapters. This helps in distinguishing different types of sources.

Electronic Sources

For electronic sources, always include the date you accessed the information, as online content can change or be removed over time.

Conclusion

Mastering the Cardiff Harvard Referencing Style is essential for academic writing. It ensures that sources are properly credited, aiding in the integrity and traceability of academic work. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can accurately and effectively cite various types of sources, enhancing the credibility and professionalism of your academic writing. Consistent and accurate referencing not only acknowledges the work of others but also strengthens your own research by providing a clear trail of evidence.