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Essay - What percentage of references should roughly be journals??

I’m in the 2nd year of my course.

Any suggestions?
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by Mandy7367
I’m in the 2nd year of my course.

Any suggestions?

I wouldnt say there is any because the information is wherever it is.
For academic writing its books and joprnals though as they tend to be the most reliable sources.
It depends on the subject as books ahve the advantage of being established, stood the test of time and distinguished authors in most cases.
Journals can be the same, but also more specialist, more up to date, but also less tested.

I would look more at the relevance of the article and its reliability.
I normally start with books and go to journals after. I am more concerned that I am satisfied with the content of what I have written and evidence provided, than being overly stressed over the ratio of books to articles.
Reply 2
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Mandy7367
OP
12
Original post by 999tigger
I wouldnt say there is any because the information is wherever it is.
For academic writing its books and joprnals though as they tend to be the most reliable sources.
It depends on the subject as books ahve the advantage of being established, stood the test of time and distinguished authors in most cases.
Journals can be the same, but also more specialist, more up to date, but also less tested.

I would look more at the relevance of the article and its reliability.
I normally start with books and go to journals after. I am more concerned that I am satisfied with the content of what I have written and evidence provided, than being overly stressed over the ratio of books to articles.


Thank you! That’s actually very helpful!

I’m think I’m just stressing out because it’s the first one that will actually count towards something if that makes sense ahaha
Original post by Mandy7367
Thank you! That’s actually very helpful!

I’m think I’m just stressing out because it’s the first one that will actually count towards something if that makes sense ahaha


Ok glad that makes sense. I dont fret about it, but I know when I have done decent research and found enough evidence to make sure I have a good angle on what it is I am writing about. It is likely your tutor is well aware of whats out there or what isnt. Journals can be really useful, so get the help if your librarian. Reference everything you use, but dont have things for the sake of it. I just tend to know when ive seen it and approproiate for the actual piece of work being submitted.

Example if its just a standard coursework problem then this should be in texbooks and you cna check a few journals for recent developments.

If its specialised and has more personal scope, then texbooks are likely to be insufficient, so that might require more brainstorming and greater in depth research to see the latest or more niche writings which are likely to be in journals.

At the centre of it you should keep looking at what you have and whether it covers what youve been asked to or said you will do. If its light, then be hionest and find more, but on the other hand theres no need to go for overkill.

Hope that gives you a better idea of how I might look for balance of when enough is enough. Some artciles can be 50+ pages long others a few pages, so keep that in mind as well. You need to make sure it is sufficiently detailed enough to meet the brief.
Reply 4
Avatar for giella
giella
15
Would help to know what your subject is.

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