One vice of academic discourse is the compulsion to cite authorities for the simplest, most commonsensical banalities (Gruen, 2010). Anyway, for my own notes, I record a good example of this in the opening of a paper on vocational education and training.
Teaching and innovation have ploughed forward, at least since Greek scholars about two-and-a-half millennia ago lamented an emerging innovation. Thanks to the advent of writing, learners would rely on written records, rather than solely on their memories (Gumport & Chun 1999). Similarly today, scholars, government agencies, administrators, teachers and learners face a growing universe of educational innovations — ideas and technologies — to lament and laud (Commonwealth of Australia 2013; Barber, Donnelly & Rizvi 2013; Daniel 2012). Administrators and teachers in the background and at the coalface seek efficient and effective teaching innovations (Daniel, Kanwar & Uvali?-Trumbi? 2009; Murphy 2012).
there is a lot to be said for the essay style especially if one wants to be read!
a fantastic example of the genre, Nick! I too often have to read citations on the bleeding obvious (Josef-in-the-pub, 0), as well as citations on things that are obviously untrue (Mary-in-the-pub, 0). Its a great example of the increased penchant for demanding more and more certification, a kind of pagan cleansing ritual.
Perhaps it's a response to being, sometimes viciously, attacked on forums for offering an opinion. If someone doesn't agree with it they will demand a reference/citation, with the implication you're making it up. Opinions are syntheses of multiple experiences - reading, listening and observation; different from bald statements of fact, that usually do require a reference.