Mastering Harvard Style Referencing for Your Thesis: Expert Tips and Techniques
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The Harvard system is another name for the Author-Date referencing style and citation. A Harvard referencing thesis uses the Harvard referencing system to cite sources. Developed at Harvard University in the USA, this is probably Australia's most commonly used referencing system, especially in the sciences. If studying law, OSCOLA (Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities) is the most appropriate choice.
In this article, I will share Harvard referencing thesis examples for your inspiration.
Harvard Referencing thesis Examples;
What is Harvard Referencing Style, and Why Should You Use It?
Harvard referencing style is a widely used system for citing sources in academic writing. This referencing style is typically used in the academic community and professional settings. It can help to ensure that research materials are properly cited and referenced throughout your work.
By using Harvard referencing, you demonstrate study breadth and respect for cited academics. It ensures proper source listing and formatting, portraying you as a reliable researcher following academic norms. Employing Harvard referencing in your thesis showcases your competence and gains reader appreciation.
How to Use Harvard Referencing Style in Thesis or Dissertation in
Harvard referencing system is an Author-Date system. When citing a thesis in Harvard style, two elements are very important:
- The author’s last name and first initials
- The year the thesis was published
This basic format can be used for both online and offline sources. While referencing an online thesis, you must include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier). For an offline source, you will need to include the name of the institution where the thesis was published.
In-Text Citations in Harvard Referencing Thesis
Citing others' work is essential. It's called citing or quoting references. Consistency and precision help readers locate the information (e.g., Smith 2020). Include page numbers when quoting directly (e.g., Smith 2020, p. 23).
Reference List
The reference list should be arranged alphabetically by the author's last name. If an author has written more than one thesis, they should be listed from oldest to newest. Thesis reference entry should include:
- Author’s last name and first initials
- Year of publication (in brackets)
- Title of thesis (in italics)
- Type of thesis [PhD, Masters]
- Name of institution where located [if offline source] OR URL/DOI [if online source]
Examples of How to Reference a Thesis in Harvard Style
Here is an example of reference list entry in Harvard Style:
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on society. PhD thesis, University of Miami. https://doi.org/10.1123/abc123456
OR
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on society [PhD thesis]
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes When Referencing a Thesis in Harvard Style
1. Citing the Author
When referencing a thesis in Harvard style, citing the work's author is important. It can be done by including the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase.
For example: (Smith, 2020).
2. Citing the Title
In addition to citing the author, it is also important to include the title of the work referenced. This can be done by including the title in quotation marks after the author's last name and publication year.
For example: (Smith, 2020, "Thesis Title").
3. Citing the Date of Publication
Including the publication date when referencing a thesis in Harvard style is also important. It can be done by including the year of publication in parentheses after the author's last name and title.
For example: (Smith, 2020).
4. Citing the URL
When referencing a thesis that is available online, it is important to include the URL of the website where it can be found. It can be done by including the URL in parentheses after the author's last name, publication date, and title.
For example: (Smith, 2020, "Thesis Title," http://www.example.com).
5. Citing Page Numbers
When quoting or paraphrasing specific passages from a thesis, it is important to include page numbers in citations. This can be done by including the page number or range of pages in parentheses after the author's last name, date of publication, and title.
For example: (Smith, 2020, "Thesis Title," p. 12).
6. Creating a Reference List
In Harvard style, reference a thesis with a final reference list. Include all cited works, alphabetized by author's last name. Entries should provide author, publication date, title, and URL if relevant.
7. Formatting
When writing a paper in Harvard style, it is important to format it correctly. This includes using 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins on all sides of your paper.
Mistakes to Avoid
As a student writing a Harvard Referencing thesis, you must be mindful of following mistakes that can ruin your research work.
1. Not Citing All Sources
A major student blunder is not citing all sources used. Remember to cite direct quotes, paraphrased, and summarized content to avoid plagiarism claims.
2. Incorrectly Citing Sources
Another error is wrong source citing, often due to format uncertainty or careless data entry. This causes confusion and potential plagiarism allegations.
3. Not Updating the Reference List
As students continue to work on their thesis, they will inevitably use new sources of information. It is important to add these new sources to the reference list as they are used; otherwise, the reference list will become outdated and inaccurate.
4. Using Unreliable Sources
Students should only use reliable sources of information. Unreliable sources include websites that are not reputable, personal blogs, and social media posts. Using unreliable sources could lead to incorrect or misleading information being included in the thesis.
5. Failing to Proofread the Reference List
Once the reference list has been completed, it is important to proofread it carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and correctly formatted. Any errors in the reference list could reflect poorly on the student’s attention to detail and organizational skills.
6. Including Too Much Detail in the Reference List
Students should only include relevant and necessary information when adding citations to the reference list. Including too much detail could make a list difficult to read and understand and lead to accusations of plagiarism.
Conclusion
Referencing a thesis in Harvard style is simple when you grasp key elements. In-text, cite author's last name, initials, publication year, and thesis title. For the reference list, alphabetize by author's last name. Include details like thesis type and institution name (if offline).
Check these examples to see how to use the Harvard referencing style professionally in your thesis writing.
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