Q. How do I cite and reference a conversation?

One of the purposes of referencing is to enable others, including your tutor, to find the information that you have used in your work. As it would not be possible for others to locate this type of source, you would need to add a transcript* of the conversation as an appendix. When using the information from the conversation in the main body of your work, you would refer the reader to the appendix by entering, for example (see Appendix A).

You would not then enter a separate citation or reference for the conversation, however you would enter a description of the conversation within the appendix itself.

This would also apply for group conversations carried out over online platforms, whereby the conversation would be added as an appendix. 

Please note: anonymity of individuals/group members in the appendix transcript may be necessary in some instances.

* a summary of the conversation may be acceptable, however please check this with your tutor

Using a direct quote from a transcript of a conversation.

When directly quoting from a transcript of the conversation in an appendix, use "double quotation marks" rather than the usual single quotation marks used for direct quotes by the author of a source,