What does a bibliography provide in a research paper?

A bibliography serves as a crucial component of a research paper by providing a comprehensive list of sources that were referenced or consulted throughout the research process. This list not only credits the original authors for their work, acknowledging their contributions, but also enhances the credibility of the paper by allowing readers to verify the sources used. By including a bibliography, the researcher demonstrates transparency and academic integrity, ensuring that those who read their work can trace back the information to its original context. This is essential for scholarly work, as it fosters trust and enables others to follow up on the referenced materials for further study or clarification.