Final answer:
Proper attribution to sources is important mostly for ethical reasons and to support claims in academic work, relevant for adhering to guidelines and avoiding plagiarism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Giving proper attribution to sources is crucial for ethical reasons, to support claims, and to comply with academic formats. The correct answer to the student's question is (a and b), as proper attribution serves both ethical purposes and strengthens the credibility of claims made in academic work. White paper formats are indeed strict about citation but the original question only points to ethical credit giving and claim supporting being the primary reasons for attribution.
Proper citations include both in-text references and comprehensive listings on a Works Cited or References page. This practice not only credits the original authors but also allows others to follow the research trail, thus contributing to the collective knowledge in a particular field. It builds a scholarly ethos, enabling readers to trace the origins of information and ensuring that your work can stand up to scrutiny with a foundation of trusted sources.