It has been withdrawn
A retracted source is no longer treated as a normal, reliable part of the academic record.
Video 14 of 16 · Foundations of Referencing
What is a retracted source?
Check whether evidence is still reliable.
A retracted source has been withdrawn from the academic record. It may still be discussed for a specific reason, but it should not normally be used as ordinary supporting evidence.
Notice the warning
Check the reason
Use with caution
Watch
Retracted sources, explained simply
Use this video to understand what retraction means and why it matters when deciding whether a source is suitable evidence.
Watch the video first, then use the sections below to check the main ideas.
In this lesson
Learn the essentials
A retraction is a strong signal that you need to pause and check the source before relying on it.
The reason matters
Retractions can happen because of serious errors, unreliable findings, ethical concerns or problems with the research process.
Context matters
You may discuss a retracted source for a specific purpose, but not usually as evidence for an ordinary claim.
Decision route
What should you do if a source is retracted?
Do not panic, but do not ignore it either. Treat the retraction as a sign that the source needs closer judgement.
🚩
Notice the warning
The source has been flagged as retracted or withdrawn.
🔎
Check why
Look for the reason given in the retraction notice.
🧠
Judge the purpose
Ask whether you are discussing the retraction, or trying to use the source as evidence.
✓
Use carefully
Choose a reliable alternative if the source no longer supports your point.
Example
Same source, different purpose
A retracted source might be relevant in one kind of assignment, but unsuitable in another.
Usually not suitable: using a retracted study as evidence that a treatment works.
May be suitable: discussing the same study as an example of retraction, research error or academic integrity.
The issue is not only whether the source exists. It is whether it is still reliable for the purpose you are using it for.
Quick checks
Before you rely on it
Has it been withdrawn?
Check whether the source is marked as retracted, withdrawn or replaced.
What does the notice say?
The retraction notice may explain whether the concern is about error, ethics, reliability or something else.
Is there a better source?
If you need ordinary supporting evidence, look for a reliable source that has not been retracted.
Read
Transcript
Open the transcript if you prefer to read the explanation or revisit a specific part of the video.
Read the transcript
A retracted source is a publication that has been officially withdrawn from the academic record.
This can happen for different reasons, such as serious errors, unreliable findings, ethical concerns, or problems with the research process.
A retraction does not always mean the authors acted dishonestly, but it does mean the source should be treated with caution.
If a source has been retracted, it may no longer be suitable evidence for your assignment.
Sometimes retracted sources are discussed for a specific reason, such as when writing about research errors or academic integrity.
But they should not usually be used as ordinary supporting evidence.
Checking whether a source is still reliable helps protect the quality of your work.
Using Ref-Check
How this connects to Ref-Check
Ref-Check helps users check the quality of their reference trail, including whether sources may need closer attention before being used as evidence.
Support better source judgement
A source trail is strongest when the sources are not only listed, but also suitable, reliable and still appropriate for the point being made.