Giving credit to the owner of an idea is important for academic purposes and for
human relations. When we give credit to the owner or originator of an idea, we are
showing that we recognise that person. We are showing our appreciation for that
idea. Appreciation is good for human relations. It is also good for academic work.
The use of another person’s words or ideas shows that you have done some research.
It shows that you are familiar with other work in your field, that you are building a
knowledge base. It is also a way to support your ideas, to show that others have
similar ideas.