An academic reference is a citation or mention of a source that supports the information or arguments presented in a scholarly work. This can include books, journal articles, websites, and other materials that provide evidence or context for the research. Properly citing these sources is essential for academic integrity and allows readers to verify the information. In academic writing, references are typically formatted according to specific styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. These styles dictate how to present the author's name, publication date, title, and other relevant details. Accurate referencing helps to avoid plagiarism and gives credit to original authors.