My professor expects a systematic review on intervention effectiveness, but I'm unsure how to cite sources without risking plagiarism?

Focus on synthesizing findings rather than summarizing individual studies, as this is the core of a systematic review and naturally reduces the temptation to copy text. When describing methodologies, paraphrase the key elements in your own words and cite the source immediately, reserving direct quotes only for unique definitions or critical methodological criteria that cannot be rephrased without losing precision. For instance, if you are comparing randomization techniques across five trials, describe the general approach in your own voice and cite each study, rather than copying the exact phrasing from their methods sections. This approach demonstrates your understanding of the literature while maintaining academic integrity. Always ensure that every claim, data point, and methodological detail is backed by a proper citation, and use your reference manager to generate these consistently according to your course’s required style guide. If you are unsure whether a paraphrase is distinct enough, rewrite the sentence from memory after reading the original, then compare it to the source to ensure significant structural and lexical differences. This practice helps avoid accidental plagiarism and strengthens your analytical voice. Remember that systematic reviews require a high level of synthesis, so focus on integrating findings across studies rather than listing them individually. If you remain uncertain about specific citation requirements, consult your professor or your institution’s academic integrity office for clarification, as guidelines can vary by discipline and institution.