What Does Not Have to be Acknowledged?
What Does Not Need to Be Referenced?
While referencing is essential for acknowledging other people’s work, there are some cases where a reference is not required.
✅ 1. Your Own Personal Opinions and Ideas
- If you express your own thoughts, conclusions, or analysis, you do not need to reference them.
- However, if someone else uses your opinion in their work, they must credit you.
- Example (No Reference Needed):
- “I believe that positive reinforcement is the most effective dog training method because it strengthens the human-animal bond.”
✅ 2. Common Knowledge
Common knowledge is information that:
✔ Can be found in multiple sources (e.g., dictionaries, encyclopedias).
✔ Is widely accepted as fact.
✔ Cannot be traced back to a single author.
Examples of Common Knowledge That Do Not Need Referencing:
- General facts: “The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945.”
- Historical events: “Julia Gillard was Australia’s first female Prime Minister.”
- Well-known scientific names in animal care:
- “The scientific name for dogs is Canis lupus familiaris.”
- “Cats are obligate carnivores.”
- Widely accepted veterinary knowledge:
- “Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes.”
- “Horses are herbivores and have a hindgut fermentation system.”
⚠ Use Caution in Specialised Fields
While some facts are considered common knowledge in general education, specialised knowledge in veterinary nursing, animal care, and science often still requires referencing.
✔ If in doubt, provide a source – referencing strengthens your credibility and avoids any risk of plagiarism.