The word that describes a reference to the author and source of specific information in research is "citation" (option 4).
The word that describes a reference to the author and source of specific information in research is "citation," which is represented by option 4. A citation is a way to give credit to the original author or source of the information used in research papers, articles, or any other written work. It provides the necessary information (such as the author's name, title of the work, publication year, etc.) for readers to locate and verify the source themselves. Citations are crucial in academic writing as they not only support the writer's claims but also allow readers to trace the origin of the information and assess its credibility. When including citations, it's important to follow the appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, as each style has its own specific formatting guidelines.
