An interview-based study of the functions of citations in academic writing across two disciplines

摘要: This paper is an emic, interview-based study of computer scientists’ and sociologists’ accounts the functions citations in their writing. Twelve informants took part research, commenting upon one own articles. Informants were not provided with functional checklists, free to ascribe as many each citation they wished. Eleven are identified described, evidence inter- intra-disciplinary similarities differences provided. While scientists used direct audience further reading more often, texts featured cases critical citations. The type writing (e.g. theoretical/empirical), anticipated audience, publication outlet resulted differences. Over half both fields said have than function. insights implications discussed.