Citing Previous Research: Focus on Findings, Not Names

In scientific writing, citations do more than acknowledge past work, they frame your research in the context of what is already known. But not all citations are equally effective. A common mistake among researchers is placing too much emphasis on who conducted the research rather than what the research discovered. This practice can make writing feel disjointed or unclear, especially when the significance of the cited work isn’t made explicit.

Why Findings Matter More Than Names
When you cite a paper, your goal should be to communicate what that study contributed—not just that it exists. Writing “Author (Year) developed X method” focuses the reader on the person, not the result. Readers unfamiliar with the name may not understand the importance of the citation. In contrast, writing “X method was developed to solve Y problem and found that …(Author, Year)” puts the focus where it belongs: on the contribution.

This small change in sentence structure improves clarity and strengthens your scientific argument.

Improving Citation Practices
Effective citation is not just about giving credit—it’s about creating a logical and readable flow of information. When you cite previous studies, always ask: What did the study show? How is it relevant to my research?

This strategy is especially important when you are reviewing literature or introducing a research problem. Readers rely on you to interpret prior work and explain how it connects to your own.

You can often revise your writing with simple changes like these:

In the second example, the finding—not the author—is the subject of the sentence. This helps the reader focus on what matters scientifically.

Final Thoughts
Citations are a powerful tool in scientific writing, but only when used effectively. Avoid overemphasizing who did the research. Instead, highlight what the research found and why it matters. This approach not only strengthens your writing—it also makes your arguments more convincing and your paper easier to follow.

Clear, finding-focused citations show that you understand the literature and can place your work within it. It’s a small shift in style, but it can make a big difference in the quality and impact of your manuscript.