how to cite a report chicago

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

20-01-2025

1

0

Share

Citing reports accurately is crucial for academic integrity. This guide provides a comprehensive look at how to cite various types of reports using the Chicago Manual of Style, addressing both notes-bibliography and author-date systems. Whether it's a government report, a corporate report, or a research report, we'll cover the essential elements and variations.

Understanding Chicago Citation Styles

The Chicago Manual of Style offers two main citation systems:

• Notes-Bibliography System: This uses footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text, with a full bibliography at the end. This system is often preferred for humanities disciplines.
• Author-Date System: This uses in-text parenthetical citations (author, date) and a reference list at the end. It's more common in social sciences.

Citing Reports: Notes-Bibliography Style

The core elements for citing reports in the notes-bibliography system are similar across various report types. The specific details, however, will vary depending on the source. Let's look at examples:

1. Government Report

Example:

1. U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Educational Progress: The Nation's Report Card, 2022 Data (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, 2023), 25-30.

Elements:

• Government Agency: U.S. Department of Education
• Report Title: National Assessment of Educational Progress: The Nation's Report Card, 2022 Data (Italicized)
• Publication Information: (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, 2023) – City and state of publication, publisher, and year.
• Page Numbers: 25-30 (If applicable)

2. Corporate Report

Example:

1. Apple Inc., Apple 2022 Annual Report (Cupertino, CA: Apple Inc., 2023).

Elements: Similar to government reports but with the corporate name as the author.

3. Research Report (from a Database)

Example:

1. Jane Doe, “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health,” Journal of Adolescent Research, 35, no. 2 (2020): 150-175, accessed March 10, 2024, [URL].

Elements:

• Author: Jane Doe
• Report Title (in quotes): "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health"
• Journal Title (italicized): Journal of Adolescent Research
• Volume and Issue: 35, no. 2
• Year: 2020
• Page Numbers: 150-175
• Access Date: March 10, 2024
• URL: (If accessed online)

4. Research Report (Unpublished)

Example:

1. John Smith, “The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Communities” (unpublished research report, University of California, Berkeley, 2023).

Elements: Specify that it's an unpublished report and include the institution if applicable.

Citing Reports: Author-Date System

In the author-date system, the citation within the text is shorter, but the reference list at the end contains the full bibliographic information.

Example:

(Smith 2023, 25-30)

Reference List Entry:

Smith, John. 2023. The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Communities. Unpublished research report, University of California, Berkeley.

Key Considerations

• Consistency: Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your work.
• Accuracy: Double-check all information to ensure accuracy. Minor errors can undermine your credibility.
• Accessibility: If citing an online report, include the URL and access date.

Conclusion

Knowing how to correctly cite reports in Chicago style is vital for any academic or professional writing. By following these guidelines and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure the accuracy and credibility of your work, avoiding potential plagiarism issues. Remember to always consult the most recent edition of The Chicago Manual of Style for the most up-to-date guidelines.