Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

The purpose of a bibliography in a research paper is to list the sources that were utilized during the research process and to give proper credit to the authors of those sources. This practice not only helps to validate the information presented in the paper but also allows readers to locate the original sources for further investigation or verification. Including a bibliography is vital for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism, as it recognizes the work of others that contributed to the researcher’s findings and conclusions.

The other options do not align with the function of a bibliography. Summarizing findings pertains to sections of a research paper that analyze and interpret data, while providing personal opinions is typically reserved for the discussion or conclusion sections where subjective interpretation may be relevant. Introducing the thesis statement is an essential component of the introduction but is distinct from the listing of sources. Thus, option A accurately captures the essential role of a bibliography in research papers.