A quotation is a phrase, sentence, or passage that is taken from another source and repeated or referred to in speech, writing, or other forms of communication. It is often used to support or illustrate a point, add credibility, or provide evidence for an argument.
The proper way to cite a quotation depends on the citation style being used (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago). In general, you should include the author's name, the source (e.g. book, article, website), and the page number or paragraph number where the quotation can be found. You may also need to include the publication date and other information depending on the style guide.
In most cases, it is not recommended to alter a quotation as it can change the intended meaning or misrepresent the original source. However, if you need to make a small change for clarity or grammatical purposes, you can use square brackets [ ] to indicate the alteration.
Using quotations in research serves several purposes. It can add credibility to your arguments by showing that you have done thorough research and have evidence to support your claims. It can also provide a different perspective or add depth to your analysis. Additionally, it allows you to acknowledge and give credit to the original source.
When selecting quotations for your research, it is important to consider their relevance, accuracy, and how well they support your argument. You should also make sure to properly introduce and contextualize the quotation to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation. It is also a good practice to use a variety of sources and not rely too heavily on quotations.