What is the role of citations in technical writing?

Citations play a crucial role in technical writing by providing evidence for the claims made in the document. When technical writers include citations, they reference credible sources that support their statements, which enhances the reliability and authority of the work. This is particularly important in technical writing, where the accuracy of information is paramount. By citing sources, writers allow readers to verify the claims, fostering trust and encouraging further exploration of the topic through the referenced materials.

Supporting claims with citations also helps to avoid plagiarism, as it gives appropriate credit to the original authors of the ideas or data used. Furthermore, citations contribute to the scholarly nature of technical writing, as they show that the writer has engaged with existing literature and research. Overall, the inclusion of citations strengthens the argument being made and enhances the document's overall quality.