In the Vancouver referencing, the citation-sequence system is employed. This means that the references at the conclusion of your paper are numbered according to the order in which the corresponding citations appear in your text rather than being arranged alphabetically by author.
In this article, you will discover all the basics of the Vancouver citation style and find helpful how-to tips, together with quality reference examples.
What is Citation Style: General Description
There are nine different citation styles used in academic and professional writing, each with its own rules and conventions. Here are some common citation styles:
Remember to use the citation style specified by your instructor, publisher, or the guidelines of the publication you are submitting your work to. Each style has its own rules for formatting in-text citations, reference lists, and bibliographies.
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What Is Vancouver Style Citation
Vancouver reference style is a numeric or citation-sequence system commonly used in biomedical and scientific writing. It is named after the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) meeting held in Vancouver in 1978, where the guidelines for this citation style were established. It is used by Medline and PubMed.
Key features of this style citation include:
Here's a simple example of a Vancouver-style citation for a journal article:
- In-text citation: "This phenomenon has been widely studied^[1^]."
- Reference list entry: "1. Author(s). Title of the Article. Abbrev. Title of the Journal. Year; Volume(Issue): Page numbers."
Vancouver style is commonly used in medical and scientific research papers and is known for its straightforward numeric referencing system, providing a clear and concise way to cite sources.
How to Cite in Vancouver Style
Remember that in Vancouver style, you insert a reference number in the text whenever you cite a source:
According to Davies et al., the data is deemed ‘unreliable’ (1, p. 15).
This numerical reference corresponds to an entry in your reference list - a sequentially numbered compilation of all sources cited in your text, each providing comprehensive information:
- Davies B, Jameson P. Advanced economics. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2013.
This brief guide outlines the prevalent rules for referencing in Vancouver style. Please note that specific universities and journals may have unique guidelines for the Vancouver referencing format.
Vancouver Style In-Text Citation How-To
In Vancouver style, in-text citations are numeric and are placed within the text at the point where a source is cited. Here are some general guidelines for writing in-text citations:
Remember, the in-text citation numbers correspond to the numbered entries in the reference list at the end of your document. The reference list provides full details of each source cited in the text. It's important to follow the specific guidelines of the Vancouver style, as variations may exist depending on the source type and the publication requirements.
How to Name Authors
When naming authors in Vancouver citations, you generally include the author's last name followed by the initials of their first and middle names (if available). Here are some guidelines:
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How to Number References
In Vancouver style, references are numbered in the order in which they are cited in the text. Here's how to number references in Vancouver style:
By the way, many students want to learn about the Chicago style format, so be sure to check out this guide, too!
How to Cite Multiple Sources
Citing multiple sources involves listing the reference numbers in numerical order and separating them with commas. Here's how to cite multiple sources in the Vancouver citation style:
How to Cite Page Numbers
When citing page numbers, you include them directly in the in-text citation. Here's how to cite page numbers in Vancouver style:
Creating a Vancouver Reference List
In Vancouver style citation, the reference list is a compilation of all the sources cited within a document, arranged numerically based on their order of appearance in the text. Each source is assigned a unique number, and the reference list provides detailed bibliographic information for each numbered citation.
The entries in the reference list include the authors' names, titles of books or articles, publication details, and other relevant information. Vancouver style emphasizes a numeric and systematic approach, allowing readers to locate easily and cross-reference cited sources in a clear and organized manner.
Vancouver Reference List Example
This is an example of a Vancouver citation format reference list. Include all the details required for each specific type of source (book, journal article, website, etc.). Remember that in Vancouver style, the references are listed in the order they are cited in the text, and each source is assigned a unique number for easy cross-referencing.
Reference list
- Smith J, Brown R. Introduction to Biomedical Research. New York: Academic Press; 2019.
- Johnson A, Davis M. "Exploring the Genetics of Rare Diseases." Journal of Genetic Research. 2020; 15(2):45-58.
- Miller K. Understanding Immunology. London: Wiley; 2018.
- Lee X, et al. "Recent Advances in Cancer Therapeutics." International Journal of Oncology. 2017; 25(4):112-125.
- Anderson P, Lewis H. Advancements in Neuroscience Research. San Francisco: Springer; 2021.
- Martinez G, et al. "Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity." Environmental Studies. 2019; 40(3):220-235.
- Taylor L, et al. "Robotics in Medicine: A Comprehensive Review." Journal of Medical Technology. 2022; 18(1):87-102.
- White E, Robinson S. The Art of Data Analysis. Boston: DataPress; 2017.
- Website Name. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
- Website Title. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
How to Write Author Names
In the Vancouver style reference list, you should write author names using the following general format:
Keep in mind that the goal is to present the author names in a clear and consistent manner, making it easy for readers to identify and reference the sources. If you don’t get the material, simply type, ‘Write essay for me,’ and the citation trouble will be solved for good.
How to Source Titles
In a Vancouver-style reference list, the formatting of source titles depends on the type of source. Here's a general guide for formatting source titles:
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Vancouver Style Citation Examples
Reference list example 1
- Smith J, Brown R. Introduction to Biomedical Research. New York: Academic Press; 2019.
- Johnson A, Davis M, White E. "Advancements in Genetic Research." Journal of Medical Genetics. 2021; 28(4):123-136.
- Website Title. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
- White E, Robinson S. "Data Visualization Techniques." In: Taylor L, et al., editors. The Art of Data Analysis. Boston: DataPress; 2017. p. 87-102.
- Martinez G, et al. "Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity." Environmental Studies. 2019; 40(3):220-235.
- Anderson P, Lewis H. Advancements in Neuroscience Research. San Francisco: Springer; 2021.
- Taylor L, et al. "Robotics in Medicine: A Comprehensive Review." Journal of Medical Technology. 2022; 18(1):87-102.
- Miller K. Understanding Immunology. London: Wiley; 2018.
- Website Title 2. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
- Johnson S, et al. "Exploring Quantum Computing Technologies." Journal of Computing Advances. 2020; 15(2):78-92.
Reference list example 2
- Adams R, Baker M. Chemistry: Principles and Applications. Boston: Pearson; 2020.
- Carter T, Johnson A, White E. "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Strategies." Journal of Business and Technology. 2019; 15(3):189-205.
- Website Title 3. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
- Brown S, Robinson P. "Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies." Energy Research Reviews. 2018; 25:45-60.
- Thompson G, et al. Data Science Handbook. New York: O'Reilly Media; 2016.
- Hall M, et al. "The Role of Microorganisms in Soil Fertility." Soil Science. 2021; 42(2):110-125.
- Website Title 4. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
- Lewis E, et al. "Artificial Neural Networks in Financial Forecasting." Journal of Financial Technology. 2022; 10(1):35-50.
- Robinson S. The Art of Creative Writing. London: Writer's Press; 2017.
- Website Title 5. URL. Published Year. [Internet]. [Cited Year Month Day]. Available from: [URL]
What if There's Missing Information in Vancouver References
In the Vancouver referencing style, it's essential to provide as much information as possible for each source type. However, if there is missing information, you can adapt your reference list accordingly. Here are some general guidelines:
How to Reference a Journal Article in the Vancouver Citation Style
According to the Vancouver citation format, referencing a journal article involves providing specific details about the article in numerical order. Here's a general guide on referencing a journal article in Vancouver citation style:
How Do You Cite a Book in the Vancouver Referencing Style
In Vancouver style, citing a book involves providing specific details about the book in a numerical order. Here's a general guide on how to reference a book in Vancouver citation style:
We know that this information is not easy. But the faster you could learn how to cite a research paper, the better you could turn in A-grade compositions.
How to Cite a Website in a Paper in Vancouver Style
In Vancouver style, citing a website in a paper involves providing specific details about the webpage in numerical order. Here's a general guide on how to reference a website in Vancouver citation style:
Summing Up
In conclusion, mastering Vancouver-style citations is a valuable skill for students navigating academic writing. Understanding the fundamentals outlined in this article, from proper author formatting to the meticulous arrangement of references, will undoubtedly enhance the clarity and credibility of your scholarly work.
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FAQ
How Do You Cite in Vancouver Style?
In Vancouver style, citations are typically indicated by a superscript number within the text, corresponding to a numbered reference list at the end of the document. The numerical order of citations in the text matches the order of references in the list. Each reference in the list includes the author(s)' last name(s) followed by their initials, the title of the work, the journal title (if applicable), publication year, volume, issue (if applicable), and page numbers. For books, the publisher's name and location are also included. It's crucial to follow the specific formatting guidelines of the Vancouver style to ensure accuracy and consistency in citation practices.
Is Vancouver MLA or APA?
Vancouver's style differs from the MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) styles. While MLA and APA are commonly used in fields such as humanities and social sciences, respectively, the Vancouver style is primarily employed in biomedical and scientific research disciplines. Unlike MLA and APA, which utilize author-date formats for in-text citations, the Vancouver style uses a numerical citation system, where sources are identified by consecutive numbers in the order they appear in the text, corresponding to a numbered reference list.
Can I Use Ibid in Vancouver Style?
In the Vancouver style, using "ibid" to indicate subsequent citations of the same source is generally discouraged. Instead, each source is cited with a unique number, even if it has been cited previously. This ensures clarity and precision in referencing, as each citation is independently identifiable within the text and reference list. However, it's essential to consult the specific guidelines provided by your institution or publication, as preferences for citation practices may vary.
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Daniel Parker
is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.
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