Final answer:
The dates of the Chernobyl accident and the existence of a supervolcano beneath Yellowstone are common knowledge, while recent scientific studies about seismic wave measurements and blood cell transformation require citation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining whether a piece of information in your scholarly work is common knowledge or needs to be cited, consider if the information is widely known and readily available in multiple sources. Let's evaluate each example provided:
- The nuclear accident at Chernobyl occurred on April 26, 1986 - Common knowledge. This is a well-known historical event with the date being a widely recognized fact.
- There is a supervolcano underneath Yellowstone National Park - Common knowledge. The existence of the Yellowstone supervolcano is a general scientific fact that is widely accepted and commonly known.
- A recent study found seismic waves can be used to measure volcanic hot spots - Need to cite. This is a specific scientific finding that audiences are unlikely to know without research, and it should be cited accordingly.
- Blood cells can be transformed into heart cells, according to a recent study - Need to cite. This information references recent research findings that are not common knowledge and thus require proper citation.
Remember to practice ethical attribution by citing all sources that are not considered common knowledge both in-text and on the Works Cited page, according to the research process such as MLA style or other citation guidelines.