Understanding how to properly cite government publications in the Council of Science Editors (CSE) format is crucial for academic integrity and research credibility. Below are three practical examples that demonstrate how to cite such documents effectively.
This example showcases how to cite a report published by a federal agency, which often contains crucial data and findings relevant to various fields of study.
The Department of Health and Human Services released a comprehensive report on the opioid crisis in the U.S. This report is essential for researchers studying public health policy and substance abuse.
Citation Example:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2019. Opioid epidemic: the U.S. response. Washington (DC): U.S. Government Publishing Office. Available from: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids
Notes: When citing a report, include the authoring agency, publication year, title in italics, location of publication, and publisher. If available, include a URL for online access.
Citing congressional hearings is important for research in political science, law, and public policy, as they provide insights into government proceedings.
In this case, a congressional hearing on climate change was held to discuss new legislative measures. The hearing’s transcripts are valuable for those researching environmental policy and legislation.
Citation Example:
U.S. Congress. House. Committee on Energy and Commerce. 2020. Hearing on climate change: a call to action. Washington (DC): U.S. Government Publishing Office; 2020. Available from: https://www.congress.gov/2020/energy-commit
Notes: Be sure to include the type of hearing (e.g., Senate or House), the committee involved, the title, location, publisher, and a direct link to the document if available.
State government publications can provide localized data and insights, making them essential for research focusing on specific regions or states.
For instance, the California Department of Education published a report on the impact of remote learning on student performance during the pandemic. This report is significant for educators and policymakers.
Citation Example:
California Department of Education. 2021. Impact of remote learning on student performance: lessons learned. Sacramento (CA): California State Government; 2021. Available from: https://www.cde.ca.gov/remotelearningreport
Notes: When citing state publications, include the department, publication year, title, location, publisher, and a URL. Ensure the title is italicized for proper formatting.
These examples illustrate the diversity of government publications and how to cite them in CSE format effectively. Proper citation not only enhances your research credibility but also aids in the transparency of your sources.