As some research techniques become widely popular and standardized, I don't find any reason to cite the original paper.
Nobody cite William Sealy Goseet for t-test, Ronald Fisher for ANOVA, or Howard T Fisher for GIS. In fact, you need to dig up a history book to find out who is the original inventor. PCR method was innovative when it came out in mid 80s. But, it has become widely popular on these days. Even a high school student with a PCR machine can do this. In fact, this is a cookbook method now. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction When a research method is taught at undergraduate level, I don't think I need to cite the original paper for a publication. I use this rule of thumb. Does anyone have other rule of thumb for citation of a method? Toshihide "Hamachan" Hamazaki, PhD : 濱崎俊秀：浜ちゃん Alaska Department of Fish & Game Division of Commercial Fisheries 333 Raspberry Rd. Anchorage, Alaska 99518 Ph: 907-267-2158 Fax: 907-267-2442 Cell: 907-440-9934 E-mail: [email protected]
