When referring to sources, the choice often comes down to using either the simple present or past tense. Let’s look at some guidelines below.
Using the Present Tense
When paraphrasing a theory/idea/concept from a source, generally use the present simple tense. This will indicate that the theory is constant and ongoing.
In other words, a theory is a concept that has been able to stand up against critical review and is generally accepted by the relevant academic community.
Examples:
- Turner (2010) states that the modern nation wields power in new ways.
- According to Solomon (2009), religious belief does not have to be consistent with cultural assumptions.
- Hoffman (1996, p. 23) suggests that 'smaller innovative firms respond more rapidly to change'.
Using the Past Tense
However, if you are paraphrasing research done in the past, the past tense is appropriate, especially if the past time is clearly stated in the sentence.
Examples:
- The habits of great white sharks were surveyed over a 10-year period and it was found that every year, they returned to the same mating areas (Fergusson, 1999).
- The groups, observed during the research, showed a range of leadership types (Kang, 2006).
- Lim (2002) identified three different skills used by his participants.
- Investigative studies were conducted in Australia and New Zealand two years ago (Walsh, 2011).
- In 2007, crime rates in New South Wales were at an all-time high (Zhao, 2008).
In these examples, the writer is referring to the results of past research or surveys.
The above are guidelines only. The only strict rule in this matter is to be consistent.