Question

In my paper, I want to say " . .. .. to consider the work opposing theory x, see Newman (2004)".

Here is my APA question:
I am not using Newman(2004) in the content of my paper. Do I need to simply line-item it in the References, anyhow ? . .. . .. under the general APA approach that if you bring it up at all, you have to cite it ?
Oh.
And how is it handled b/c I didn't read or even touch in any way Newman 2004 ? . . . .. it's something I just know about.
Do I have to find a work that mentions newman 2004 and cite it as a 2ndary source ?

Please save me from complicating this ! lol. . . . thnx.

Answer 1

Wait, so are you encouraging someone to go read that work, or are you citing someone else doing so? Because my suggestion will be different depending on which it is.

Answer 2

Neither. I just have to say that this opposing work exists.

(with that, maybe it will now make more sense when my question is read ?)

Answer 3

I don't know that you "have" to find a source that references Newman (2004), but I would be apprehensive about making reference to Newman (2004) unless I could legitimately identify it as a secondary source or even better as a primary source.

Answer 4

Yea, that's what I was thinking, I wouldn't reference it at all unless you're going to explain it at least in summary in the paper and cite it properly in your references.

Unless you're quoting a source that said something about it, don't use a reference you haven't at least glanced at. (Like for example you were reading a paper by Lewis, and that paper said "Newman (2004) presented that..." then you would be okay, because Lewis is your reference, and you're expanding on what he said. And you wouldn't have to cite Newman, just Lewis. However, if you're writing about Lewis who makes no mention of Newman, you just know that Newman presents an opposing view, don't mention it unless you're prepared to add your own words / summary of Newman explaining why he is an opposition and then to cite him.

Hope that makes sense.

My personal rule of thumb is that I don't include a citation or a reference or a quote unless I can add at least 1 sentence of my own original words commenting on it or explaining it / how it applies to my paper. I feel that keeps me from using too many quotes, and it also keeps me from paraphrasing or running the risk of plagarizing my papers. It also keeps me from using references I don't know just to fill requirements or take up space in the paper.

Answer 5

Great guidance from all. Thank you all very much for the input !