Common Referencing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even strong writers lose marks to referencing errors. Here are the seven pitfalls we see most frequently, along with exact corrections:

The error: Mixing APA and Harvard conventions in the same document (e.g., using "&" from APA alongside "and" from Harvard).

Incorrect (mixed):

(Harrington & Martinez, 2021) — uses "&" (APA) but the reference list includes access dates (Harvard).

Correct (APA 7):

(Harrington & Martinez, 2021) — consistent "&" and no access dates in the reference list.

Fix: Pick one style at the start and stick to it throughout. Use a style guide or citation generator locked to your required style.

The error: Copying URLs from a university library proxy session (containing ezproxy.university.edu.au or similar).

Incorrect:

https://ezproxy.monash.edu.au/login?url=https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12345

Correct:

https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12345

Fix: Always use the DOI URL or the publisher's direct URL. Proxy URLs expire and break.

The error: Citing a direct quote without a page number.

Incorrect (APA 7):

(O'Connor et al., 2023)

Correct (APA 7):

(O'Connor et al., 2023, p. 114)

Fix: Every direct quote needs a page number. If no page is available (e.g., a webpage), use a paragraph number: (Smith, 2023, para. 4).

Mistake 4: Unverified auto-generator output. Always audit citation generator results for correct capitalisation, author names and dates.

Mistake 5: Inconsistent author initials. If a paper lists "Smith, J.A." use that format — don't change it to "Smith, J." in another entry.

Mistake 6: Missing access dates. Required in Harvard; not required in APA (unless content may change). Know your style's rule.

Mistake 7: Secondary citation overuse. If you read "Smith (2020), cited in Jones (2022)" — try to find and read Smith (2020) directly. Secondary citations are acceptable only when the original is inaccessible.