What is 'common knowledge'?
Answer
In academia and referencing, ‘common knowledge’ refers to anything that is so well known that it does not require a reference to support it. A majority of educated people will know that it is true and there will be no reasonable doubt over its truthfulness.
Examples of common knowledge are; ‘there are seven days in a week’, ‘there have been two World Wars’, and ‘Christmas is in December’.
If you’re not sure whether something is common knowledge or not, feel free to contact us or book a librarian 1 to 1 to discuss it.
You will not lose marks for using a reference for information that is common knowledge.
