Why is attribution important when using quotes or data?

• A. Attribution allows readers to verify information and assess credibility.
• B. Attribution is optional if the source is well-known.
• C. Attribution misleads readers about sources.
• D. Attribution only applies to printed material.

Answer: (C)

Giving proper attribution is essential because it lets readers verify information and assess credibility. When you quote someone or present data, attribution points to the original source so readers can check the exact wording, confirm the numbers, and understand the context in which the information appeared. This transparency helps the audience judge reliability and spot potential bias or misinterpretation. It also respects intellectual property by giving credit to the authors or institutions who produced the work, which helps prevent plagiarism. This rule applies across all media—articles, videos, datasets, interviews—so attribution isn’t limited to printed material. Even when a source is well-known, linking the specific words or data to its origin supports clarity and trust rather than implying the information is your own.