In the realm of technical and scientific writing, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) citation and referencing style stands as a cornerstone for clear, concise, and credible documentation. This standardized format ensures that engineers, computer scientists, and other technical professionals can effectively communicate their research findings while giving due credit to their sources. Whether you’re a student preparing a thesis or a seasoned researcher drafting a journal article, mastering the IEEE citation style is crucial for success in your academic and professional endeavours.
Key Takeaways
- The IEEE citation style is widely used in technical and scientific writing.
- It employs a numerical system for in-text citations and a corresponding reference list.
- Proper use of the IEEE style enhances the credibility and clarity of research papers.
- Various tools and resources are available to assist with IEEE citation formatting.
Understanding the Basics of IEEE Citation Style
What is IEEE Citation Style?
IEEE citation style is a numbered referencing system widely adopted in technical fields such as engineering, computer science, and information technology. It provides a structured method for citing sources within the text and creating a comprehensive reference list at the end of a document.
Key Components of IEEE Citations
- In-text Citations: References are numbered in square brackets, e.g., [1], in the order of appearance.
- Reference List: A detailed list of all cited sources, numbered correspondingly to the in-text citations.
Citation Within the Text
The document or the report itself contains the initial phase of the reference citation procedure. Simple sequential numbers must be used within the text to indicate each citation. The specific reference is indicated in the report text by a number in square brackets. Citations are numbered according to their appearance order. The number of sources utilized in all subsequent report references is determined once they have been cited. Except for the citation reference information, there is no differentiation between print and electronic sources.
Every citation number must be placed within square brackets on the same line as the text, preceding any punctuation, and with a space preceding the bracket.
Examples
“. . .end of the line for my research [13].”
“The theory was first put forward in 1987 [1].”
“Scholtz [2] has argued. . . .”
“For example, see [7].”
“Several recent studies [3, 4, 15, 22] have suggested that. . . .”
Note: Authors and dates do not have to be written out after the first reference; use the bracketed number. Also, it is not necessary to write “in reference [2].” Just write “in [2].”
The preferred method to cite more than one source at a time is to list each reference in its own brackets, then separate with a comma or dash:
[1], [3], [5]
[1]– [5]
Reference Lists
To finish citing sources, a numbered list of references must be provided at the end of the paper. The list is comprised of sequential enumerated citations, with details beginning with [1], and is not alphabetical.
Page Format
- Place references flush left
- Single-space entries, double-space between.
- Place the number of entries at the left margin enclosed in brackets.
- Indent text of entries.
The following examples demonstrate the format for a variety of electronic and print sources. These citations are the ones in widest use. Not everything is listed.
Electronic Documents
E-books
[1] L. Erick, P. Clements, and R. Kazman, Software Architecture in Practice, 3rd ed.
Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, 2003. [E-book] Available: Safari e-book.
Article in Online Encyclopedia
[2] R. B. Smith, “Quantum Computing,” in The Oxford Handbook of Quantum Information. Oxford University Press, [online document], 2005. Available: Oxford Handbooks Online, http://www.oxfordhandbooks.com [Accessed: June 15, 2008].
Journal Article Abstract (accessed from an online database)
[1] M. T. Kimour and D. Meslati, “Deriving objects from use cases in real-time embedded systems,” Information and Software Technology, vol. 47, no. 8, p. 533, June 2005. [Abstract]. Available: ProQuest, http://www.umi.com/proquest/ [Accessed November 12, 2007].
Journal Article in Scholarly Journal (published free of charge on the Internet)
[2] A. Altun, “Understanding hypertext in the context of reading on the web: Language learners’ experience,” Current Issues in Education, vol. 6, no. 12, July, 2005. [Online serial]. Available: http://cie.ed.asu.edu/volume6/number12/ . [Accessed Dec. 2, 2007].
Newspaper Article from the Internet
[3] C. Wilson-Clark, “Computers ranked as key literacy,” The Atlanta JournalConstitution, para. 3, March 29, 2007. [Online], Available: http://www.thewest.com.au. [Accessed Sept. 18, 2007].
Internet Documents
Professional Internet Site
[1] European Telecommunications Standards Institute, “Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB): Implementation guide for DVB terrestrial services; transmission aspects,”European Telecommunications Standards Institute, ETSI-TR-101, 2007. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org. [Accessed: Nov. 12, 2007].
General Internet Site
[2] J. Geralds, “Sega Ends Production of Dreamcast,” vnunet.com, para. 2, Jan. 31, 2007. [Online]. Available: http://nli.vnunet.com/news/1116995. [Accessed Sept. 12, 2007].
Personal Internet Site
[3] G. Sussman, “Home Page-Dr. Gerald Sussman,” July, 2002. [Online]. Available: http://www.comm.edu.faculty/sussman/sussmanpage.htm. [Accessed Nov. 14, 2007].
[4] K. Brown. “Re: Meeting Schedule.” Personal email (August 15, 2010).
Internet Newsgroup
[5] G. G. Gavin, “Climbing and limb torsion #3387,” USENET: sci.climb.torsion, August 19, 2007. [Accessed December 4, 2007].
Microform
[6] A. L. Smith, Advances in Renewable Energy. [Microform]. A. L. Smith & Associates, London: Department of Energy, 2012
Computer Game
[7] Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. [CD-ROM]. United States: LucasArts, 2003
Software
[8] Thomson ISI, Endnote 7. [CD-ROM]. Berkeley, CA: ISI Research Soft, 2006.
Lecture
[1] S. Bhanndahar. ECE 4321. Class Lecture, Topic: “Bluetooth can’t help you.” School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, Jan. 9, 2008.
Print Documents
Books
Single Author
[1] W. K. Chen, Linear Networks and Systems. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Press, 2003.
Edited Book
[2] J. L. Spudich and B. H. Satir, Eds., Sensory Receptors and Signal Transduction. New York: Wiley-Liss, 2001.
Selection in an Edited Book
[3] E. D. Lipson and B. D. Horwitz, “Photosensory reception and transduction,” in Sensory Receptors and Signal Transduction, J. L. Spudich and B. H. Satir, Eds. New York: Wiley-Liss, 2001, pp-1-64.
Three or More Authors
[4] R. Hayes, G. Pisano, and S. Wheelwright, Operations, Strategy, and Technical Knowledge. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2007.
Book by an Institutional or Organizational Author
[5] Council of Biology Editors, Scientific Style and Format: The CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, 6th ed., Chicago: Cambridge University Press, 2006.
Manual
[6] Bell Telephone Laboratories Technical Staff, Transmission System for Communication, Bell Telephone Lab, 2005.
Application Note
[7] Hewlett-Packard, Appl. Note 935, pp.25-29.
Note: Titles of unpublished works are not italicized or capitalized. Capitalize only the first word.
Technical Report
[8] K. E. Elliott and C. M. Greene, “A local adaptive protocol,” Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, France, Tech. Report. 916-1010-BB, 7 Apr. 2007.
Patent/Standard
[9] K. Kimura and A. Lipeles, “Fuzzy controller component,” U. S. Patent 14, 860,040, 14 Dec., 2006.
Data Sheet
[10] Texas Instruments, “High speed CMOS logic analog multiplexers/demultiplexers,” 74HC4051 datasheet, Nov. 1997 [Revised Sept. 2002].
Government Publication
[11] National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Pocket Statistics. Washington, DC: Office of Headquarters Operations, 2007.
Paper Published in Conference Proceedings
[12] J. Smith, R. Jones, and K. Trello, “Adaptive filtering in data communications with self-improved error reference,” In Proc. IEEE International Conference on Wireless Communications ’04, 2004, pp. 65-68.
Papers Presented at Conferences (unpublished)
[13] H. A. Nimr, “Defuzzification of the outputs of fuzzy controllers,” presented at 5th International Conference on Fuzzy Systems, Cairo, Egypt, 2006.
Thesis or Dissertation (unpublished)
[14] H. Zhang, “Delay-insensitive networks,” M. S. thesis, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 2007.
Article in Encyclopedia, Signed
[15] O. Singh, “Computer graphics,” in McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007, pp. 279-291.
Journal Articles
Article in Journal (paginated by annual volume)
[8] K. A. Nelson, R. J. Davis, D. R. Lutz, and W. Smith, “Optical generation of tunable ultrasonic waves,” Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 53, no. 2, Feb., pp. 1144-1149, 2002.
Article in Professional Journal (paginated by issue)
[9] J. Atapangittya, “Social studies in gibberish,” Quarterly Review of Doublespeak, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 9-10, 2003.
Article in Monthly or Bimonthly Periodical
[10] J. Fallows, “Networking technology,” Atlantic Monthly, Jul., pp. 34-36, 2007.
Article in Daily, Weekly, or Biweekly Newspaper or Magazine
[11] B. Metcalfe, “The numbers show how slowly the Internet runs today,” Infoworld,30 Sep., p. 34, 2006.
How Does IEEE Differ from Other Citation Styles?
IEEE employs a numerical system unlike the APA or MLA, which use author-date systems. This approach is particularly beneficial in technical writing, where multiple references to the same source are common.
| Feature | IEEE | APA | MLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-text Citation | [1] | (Author, Year) | (Author Page) |
| Citation Order | Order of appearance | Alphabetical | Alphabetical |
| Reference List | Numbered list | Alphabetical list | Alphabetical list |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers can make errors when using the IEEE citation style. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Incorrect Numbering: Ensure that your in-text citation numbers match the order in your reference list.
- Inconsistent Formatting: Maintain consistency in punctuation, capitalization, and italicization across all your citations.
- Missing Information: Double-check that all required elements are included for each source type.
To avoid these mistakes, consider using citation management software or online citation generators. However, always review the output for accuracy, as these tools are not infallible.
Tools and Resources for IEEE Citation
Several tools can streamline the process of creating IEEE citations:
Citation Management Software
- EndNote
- Zotero
- Mendeley
These programs can help you organize your sources and automatically generate citations in IEEE format.
Online Citation Generators
- IEEE Citation Generator by Citation Machine
- BibMe IEEE Citation Generator
- EasyBib IEEE Citation Tool
While convenient, always double-check the output of these generators against official IEEE guidelines.
Official IEEE Style Guides
For the most authoritative information, refer to:
- IEEE Editorial Style Manual
- IEEE Reference Guide
These resources provide comprehensive guidelines on IEEE citation and writing style.
IEEE Citation in Different Fields
While the basic principles of IEEE citation remain consistent, there may be slight variations or additional requirements depending on your specific field of study:
Engineering
In engineering disciplines, pay special attention to citing technical reports, patents, and industry standards. For example:
[5] ASME, “Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1,” ASME, New York, 2023.
Computer Science
Computer science papers often involve citing algorithms, software, and online repositories. For instance:
[6] G. Developer, “TensorFlow,” GitHub repository, https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow (accessed July 6, 2024).
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
In this field, you may frequently cite datasheets and technical specifications. For example:
[7] Texas Instruments, “LM317 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator,” LM317 datasheet, Jun. 2023 [Revised Feb. 2024].
By understanding these field-specific nuances, you can ensure that your citations are not only correct but also relevant to your area of expertise.
Remember, the key to mastering the IEEE citation style is practice and attention to detail. As you continue to use this format in your writing, you’ll find it becomes second nature, allowing you to focus more on the content of your research rather than the technicalities of citation.
Benefits of Using IEEE Citation Style
Adopting the IEEE citation style offers several advantages for technical and scientific writers:
Consistency in Technical Writing
IEEE style provides a uniform format for citing sources across various technical disciplines. This consistency helps readers quickly locate and verify references, enhancing the overall clarity of the document.
Facilitating Cross-Referencing
The numerical system used in IEEE citations makes it easy to refer to the same source multiple times without disrupting the flow of the text. This is particularly useful in technical papers where a single source might be referenced in different sections.
Enhancing Credibility of Research
Proper citation using the IEEE style demonstrates academic integrity and gives credit to original sources. This practice not only avoids plagiarism but also strengthens the credibility of your research by showing a thorough understanding of existing literature in your field.
Advanced IEEE Citation Techniques
As you become more familiar with the IEEE style, you can employ some advanced techniques to refine your citations:
Citing Multiple Sources
When referencing multiple sources at once, you can group them within a single set of brackets:
- For consecutive numbers: [1]-[3]
- For non-consecutive numbers: [1], [3], [5]
Referring to Specific Parts of a Source
To direct readers to a particular section, table, or figure within a source, you can add this information to your in-text citation:
[2, Fig. 3] or [4, Ch. 2, pp. 25-30]
Citing Standards and Patents
Technical writing often involves referencing industry standards and patents. Here’s how to cite them:
Standards:
[8] IEEE Standard for Information Technology, IEEE Standard 802.11, 2020.
Patents:
[9] J. Inventor, “Title of patent,” U.S. Patent 1 234 567, Sept. 15, 2023.
IEEE Citation Style: Best Practices
To ensure your IEEE citations are top-notch, consider these best practices:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the IEEE website for the latest citation guidelines.
- Be Consistent: Maintain the same format throughout your document.
- Use DOIs: When available, include Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for online sources.
- Check Abbreviations: Use standard abbreviations for journal titles as specified by IEEE.
- Verify Accuracy: Double-check all citations against original sources.
Adapting to Different IEEE Publications
Different IEEE publications may have slight variations in their citation requirements. Always consult the specific guidelines for the journal or conference you’re submitting to. Some common variations include:
- The use of et al. for papers with more than six authors
- The inclusion of article numbers for online-only journals
- Specific formatting for symposium or conference proceedings
IEEE Citation in the Digital Age
As research increasingly moves online, the IEEE citation style has adapted to accommodate digital sources:
Citing Social Media
Format: [#] Author, “Title of Post,” Platform, Date. [Online]. Available: URL. [Accessed: Date].
Example: [10] IEEE, “Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the transistor!” Twitter, Dec. 16, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://twitter.com/IEEEorg/status/1603789456123456789. [Accessed: July 6, 2024].
Citing Online Videos
Format: [#] Author, “Title of Video,” Platform, Date. [Online Video]. Available: URL. [Accessed: Date].
Example: [11] IEEE Spectrum, “The Future of AI: IEEE Expert Insights,” YouTube, Mar. 15, 2024. [Online Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefghijk. [Accessed: July 6, 2024].
FAQs
- Q: How do I cite a source with no author?
A: If no author is listed, start the citation with the title of the work. - Q: Should I include URLs for all online sources?
A: Include URLs for web pages and online documents that are not from established publications. For journal articles, a DOI is preferred if available. - Q: How do I cite a source that I’ve referenced multiple times?
A: Use the same citation number throughout your document, even if you reference the source in different sections. - Q: What’s the difference between a reference list and a bibliography in IEEE style?
A: In IEEE style, you typically use a reference list, which includes only the sources you’ve cited in your work. A bibliography, which includes all sources consulted (even if not directly cited), is less common. - Q: How should I format DOIs in my references?
A: Present DOIs as full URLs, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/XXX.2023.1234567. - Q: Can I use footnotes in IEEE style?
A: While not typically used for citations, footnotes can be used for additional information or explanations. Number them separately from your references. - Q: How do I cite my own previously published work?
A: Cite your own work just as you would any other source, using your name as the author.
By mastering IEEE citation and referencing style, you’re equipping yourself with an essential skill for effective technical and scientific communication. Remember that while tools and resources can assist you, developing a keen eye for detail and consistently applying the rules will ultimately lead to flawless citations. As you continue to engage with IEEE style in your academic and professional writing, you’ll find it becomes an invaluable asset in presenting your research clearly, credibly, and professionally.