Dissertation References and Citation Styles Examples

Understanding Dissertation References and Citation Styles

When writing a dissertation, proper referencing and citation are crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to original authors. Different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, have specific rules that dictate how sources should be referenced in your work. Below are three diverse examples of dissertation references and citation styles that illustrate these guidelines.

Example 1: APA Style Reference for a Book

In the context of a dissertation focusing on psychology, you might reference a foundational book that has significantly influenced your research. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in the social sciences.

In this case, you would cite the work of a prominent psychologist.

Actual Example:
Smith, J. A. (2020). Understanding Human Behavior. New York, NY: Psychology Press.

Notes:

• Ensure the title is in italics.
• Include the publisher’s location and full name in the reference.
• If there are multiple authors, list them up to 20 authors using an ampersand (&) before the last author.

Example 2: MLA Style Citation for a Journal Article

If your dissertation involves extensive literature review, you may frequently cite journal articles. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is widely used in the humanities. This example shows how to reference a journal article in MLA style.

Consider citing an article that discusses recent trends in educational technology.

Actual Example:
Doe, Jane. “The Impact of Digital Tools on Learning Outcomes.” Journal of Educational Research, vol. 45, no. 3, 2021, pp. 123-135.

Notes:

• The article title is in quotation marks and the journal title is italicized.
• Include the volume and issue number, publication year, and page range.
• For works with more than three authors, list the first author followed by