Citing sources used in assignments is important for a number of reasons:

• Responsible scholarship - acknowledges the contributions of others to your work by giving them credit
• Improve your marks - shows your reader you have researched your topic and adds weight to the arguments in your assignment
• Help your marker - allows your reader to track down the sources you use
• Avoid plagiarism - correct referencing means you won't be accused of plagiarism
• It's required - correct referencing is an expectation and a requirement at University

Credo Research Skills: Module 6 Citations & Academic Integrity covers the importance of academic integrity and the basics of citing sources in different styles.