In academic writing, which of the following is essential for supporting evidence in research papers?

Citations are essential in academic writing as they provide the necessary support and validation for the claims and arguments presented in research papers. They demonstrate that the writer has engaged with existing literature and research, linking their work to the broader academic conversation. Citations acknowledge the original authors of the referenced material, thereby upholding academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Moreover, they enable readers to trace the sources of information, allowing for verification and further exploration of the subject matter. This practice strengthens the credibility of the research and enhances the overall quality of the academic discourse.

While an abstract gives a brief overview of the research, a table of contents organizes the structure, and an appendix includes supplementary materials, none of these fulfill the critical role of providing evidence and substantiation in the same way that citations do.