Auto-citation

Auto-citation refers to the practice of an author citing their own previously published works within a new piece of writing. This self-referential act serves various purposes, ranging from building upon existing research and establishing the author's expertise, to demonstrating a continuous line of thought and promoting their prior publications. It's a common phenomenon in academic and scientific writing but also can be seen in creative writing, where an author might subtly or overtly reference characters, themes, or settings from their earlier works. Careful consideration of auto-citation involves assessing its necessity and potential for inflated self-promotion versus genuine scholarly contribution. Excessive auto-citation can raise concerns about a lack of originality or the author's detachment from the broader field.

Auto-citation meaning with examples

• Dr. Evans, in her latest paper on climate change, auto-cited four of her previous studies on glacial melting. This allowed her to build a comprehensive argument, linking the new findings directly to her established research on the topic, providing a stronger case for climate change and further solidifying her position as an expert in the field.
• The novelist incorporated numerous auto-citations in their new novel, weaving in familiar character names and locations that fans of their earlier books would recognize. These references created a richer, more interconnected literary universe and allowed the author to explore recurring themes in their writing in a novel context, fostering a connection with their audience.
• In their grant proposal, the research team auto-cited key publications from previous phases of the project, showcasing the progression of their work. The auto-citations demonstrated their achievements, providing the reviewers with a clear, evidence-based rationale for the funding requests, thereby proving their ability to complete their research.
• The legal scholar's new textbook included auto-citations to her past law review articles and court briefs, meticulously illustrating how her legal philosophy has evolved. This provided a clear overview of her intellectual contributions and created a cohesive framework for understanding her legal opinions within the field, enhancing her credibility.