Can You Cite Google as a Reliable Source in Essays?

When it comes to writing essays and academic papers, the choice of sources is a critical aspect. Google, while immensely useful as a search engine, is generally considered unreliable for providing citable material. This article explores the rationale behind this stance and guides you through proper citation practices in academic writing.

Reliability of Google as a Source

Google sources are not typically recommended for scientific papers. They are largely viewed as unreliable because they provide a list of potential resources without offering in-depth analysis or original research. Citing Google in such contexts would be comparable to citing a library catalog.

For instance, Google does not produce the content it indexes; it simply ranks and presents information from various sources. If you cite a document found on Google, your citation should refer to the actual source, not Google itself. It would be like citing a library catalog or index rather than the individual books or articles housed within.

Proper Citation Practices

In academic writing, it is essential to use reliable and relevant sources. This includes peer-reviewed journals, books, and articles from reputable databases. Google Scholar is a valuable resource for finding such materials. Its filtered results help ensure that the sources you use are credible and appropriate for your paper.

For the formatting of your citations, most academic styles require specific elements such as the author’s name, the year of publication, and the page number. Academic assignment tutors typically provide properly formatted papers, ensuring that citations are accurate and consistent. Using these resources can help you avoid potential pitfalls and maintain academic integrity.

Specific Cases Where Google Might Be Citable

In certain instances, Google can indeed be used as a source, though these are very limited. For example, if you are writing about Google itself as a company or its products, you can cite information from the Google corporate website or its official documentation. In such cases, Google’s FAQs, documentation, and whitepapers about its own software and services can indeed be considered a primary source.

However, for the vast majority of purposes, especially when writing academic papers, Google's role is more as a tool for discovery rather than a source of direct information. When you use Google Images, for instance, the actual source of the image is usually available under the image itself. Clicking on this link redirects you to the original source, which you should cite in your work.

Conclusion

In summary, Google is a powerful tool in the academic process, particularly for research and discovery, but it should not be cited as a primary source. Always ensure that your citations lead to original, credible, and peer-reviewed materials. This not only enhances the quality of your academic work but also supports the credibility of your arguments.

References:

AWS Industrial High School Libraries and Information Centers (ILIC) Library, Guidelines for Academic Writing MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers Americal Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual