Referencing a source in your university thesis or research proposal is mandatory. For a research paper to attain good grades, your referencing constitutes twenty per cent of the overall grades. It is a requirement independent of whether the reference offered a verbatim quote or a notion that you used. Even if you rephrase a concept, it is critical to offer a reference since failing to mention the source of information may result in plagiarism. Since references are vital, it is feasible to have several references in a dissertation.
Your dissertation is the lengthiest and most comprehensive research study you present to your college research committee. You must cite your sources and authors in an appropriate, alphabetical order and follow the correct style. But how many references in a dissertation should be? It depends on the overall word count of your dissertation. For every 1000 words, you need to put at least 8 to 10 references. If you plan to add references to show off how much you read and reviewed, it will not impress your supervisors. You must add sources where necessary and where they contribute to your paper. You must support your arguments so that it prompts interest.
How Many References For 15,000 Words Dissertation?
Most academic programmes require you to write a 15000 words dissertation, but it depends on how your supervisor requires you to adjust your word count. For a typical 15000 word dissertation, your references a dissertation must be between 100 and 150. But it depends on the research topic as well. You do not need to add references to each line of your content. If your supervisor wants you to have at least 100 references for a 15000 words dissertation, you must cite only the claims.
How Many References Should A 12,000-Word Dissertation Have?
For a 12000-word dissertation, your supervisor might want you to add somewhere between 80 and 100 references. Your references in a dissertation of 12000 words must ensure that they are relevant and only accompany evidence-based claims. If you write a dissertation on a recent topic, you may not have many sources. But if you select an old research area, it may have many references, and you can add those to your dissertation. You can add many references to your reference list this way and reach the limit your supervisor asks you for. However, you can get cheap dissertation help online in case of any issue.
How Many References Should A 10000 Dissertation Have?
A typical 10000-word dissertation includes 70 to 100 references as a rule of thumb. But it depends on the number of references in a dissertation you are using per page. If a typical dissertation includes 40 pages, your references in a dissertation would include 50 to 70 references. In a 10000-word dissertation, your references can comprise quotes, charts, pictures, and diagrams. Note that your professor would like to see proof of your unique thoughts. Citing too many references leaves little chance for your viewpoint to show clearly. As a guideline, you should employ one to three supporting points for each main argument you make. It relies on the subject material and the argument you discuss, but it serves as a decent rough guide.
How Many References Should Be In A 5000-Word Dissertation?
A 5000-word dissertation is shorter than expected, so your references in a dissertation of 5000 words should range from 30 to 50. If you have set a rule of adding eight references per 1000 words, you can do the Math. It will make 40 references for a 5000 words dissertation. Since a 5000-word dissertation is short, you do not need to add many pictures, quotes or charts.
How Many References Should A 6000 Dissertation Have?
Your references for a dissertation of 6000 words are about 30 to 40. For a 6000-word dissertation, your literature review and analysis must take up the most significant number of references. Keep the introduction and methodology with minimum references and only back information paraphrasing or taking from somewhere. If you are only narrating information, you must not add a citation to it. It is an excellent academic practice to provide a reference. Giving credit to the writers whose work you used and drew knowledge and insight is also an important component. A reference is also a valuable resource that you may return to and utilise for future research.
How Many References Should A 3000-Word Literature Review Have?
Since your literature review is the densest and most lengthy part of a research paper, you must quote at least 20 to 40 references for 3000 words. Your references in a dissertation’s literature review section must include the most significant number of references since you review prior studies. You must cite each publication and journal article you are reviewing, so the total number of references for your literature review remains high. It also depends on the level of dissertation you are writing. If you are writing a literature review for a post-grad research paper, your 3000-word LR would include 20 to 30 references.
Conclusion
You must cite a source in your college thesis or research project. You must include at least 8 to 10 references for every 1000 words. Suppose you intend to provide references to demonstrate how much you read and reviewed. In that case, you may not appeal to your supervisors with your work. References in a dissertation must be between 100 and 150 for an average 15000-word dissertation. Citing too many references limits your ability to express your point of view. As a rule or norm, you should use one to three supporting points for each primary point you make. This article is a detailed discussion of how many references a dissertation should be.
