Introduction
Vancouver referencing style is a widely used citation format in medical and scientific research. It follows a numerical system, making it easy to track sources throughout an academic or professional document. In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of Vancouver referencing, including its structure, citation rules, and examples.
What is Vancouver Referencing Style?
Vancouver referencing is a numerical citation style developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). It is commonly used in medical, health sciences, and biological research publications. This style is known for its simplicity, as citations are indicated by numbers in the text and correspond to a numbered reference list at the end of the document.
Key Features of Vancouver Referencing
- Numerical Citation: In-text citations are numbered in the order they appear in the document.
- Reference List Order: The reference list is arranged in numerical order, not alphabetically.
- Abbreviated Journal Names: Journal titles are abbreviated according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) guidelines.
- Minimal Punctuation: The format is concise, avoiding unnecessary punctuation.
How to Cite Sources in Vancouver Style
1. In-Text Citations
In-text citations in Vancouver style are represented by numbers in square brackets or superscripts:
- Example: The study shows significant results [1].
- Example: According to Smith et al.¹, the findings were conclusive.
Numbers should appear in sequential order based on their first mention in the text.
2. Reference List Format
Each reference in the list follows a standard structure. Below are common formats for different source types:
Journal Article
Format: Author(s). Title of the article. Journal Abbreviation Year; Volume(Issue): Page numbers.
Example: Kim EK, Ko KH, Oh KK, et al. Clinical application of the BI-RADS final assessment to breast sonography in conjunction with mammography. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2008; 190:1209.
Book
Format: Author(s). Book title. Edition (if not first). Place of publication: Publisher; Year.
Example: Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM, Moore PK. Pharmacology. 5th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 2003.
Website
Format: Author(s) (if available). Title of the webpage. Name of website. Year [cited date]; Available from: URL
Example: World Health Organization. Global tuberculosis report 2023. WHO. 2023 [cited 2024 Jan 10]; Available from: https://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report
Why Use Vancouver Referencing?
- Preferred in Medical and Scientific Research: Most medical journals require Vancouver-style citations.
- Organized and Clear: The numerical system keeps references easy to follow.
- Ensures Credibility: Proper citations enhance academic integrity and prevent plagiarism.
Tips for Using Vancouver Referencing
- Use citation management tools like EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero to automate referencing.
- Follow journal-specific guidelines, as some may have minor variations.
- Always use official abbreviations for journal names from the NLM Catalog.
Conclusion
Vancouver referencing is a straightforward and efficient citation style, especially in medical and scientific fields. By following its structured approach, researchers and students can present their work with credibility and clarity. Mastering this citation format will not only enhance your academic writing but also ensure compliance with research publication standards.
