Task D: Writing the reference list

Summary

When you have finished your writing, you must provide a list of the sources of information used in your work. Academic conventions must be followed when compiling a reference list or bibliography. This task introduces you to the conventions for writing up your sources of information.

What will I learn?

The difference between a reference list and a bibliography
The rules for compiling the reference list
Conventions for writing the reference list

The difference between a reference list and a bibliography

A reference list is a list of all the sources you have cited as in-text references in your writing. A bibliography includes both in-text references and other sources which you may have considered but have not directly referred to in your writing.

You should check with your unit coordinator if you are unsure as to whether you need a reference list or bibliography. In the sciences, a reference list is the most common requirement.

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General rules for compiling the reference list

The reference list is placed on a separate page at the end of your writing, before the appendices. It lists the full publication details of each source you cited in your writing. Your marker can then check your sources of information.

There are a number of rules for writing the reference list.

Ensure that the first word of the in-text reference is the same as the first word of the corresponding item in the reference list.
Place entries in a single list in alphabetical order (do NOT divide into sections such as books, journal articles, etc.).
Indent the second and subsequent lines of each entry (use hanging indent function of your word processor).
List works by the same author chronologically (oldest to the most recent).

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Conventions for writing the reference list

Once you understand the general rules for writing your reference list, you need to pay attention to the writing conventions. See the APA referencing guide. Keep your APA referencing guide handy so you can check the details as you write your reference list.

There is a lot to remember when you are writing an item for your reference list. You will need to consider the order of the required information, font style, punctuation and formatting.

Activity

You want to include in your reference list a journal article which has the title, Aging cells: Toxins and disease. It was written by J. Poone and S. Matt, and published in the International Journal of Disease Processes, volume 9, issue 5.The article was on pages 306 to 315. The publication date was 2003.

Read the linked sentence below; then, click on the sentence to complete the three activities.

In these linked activities, put the reference in the correct ORDER (Activity 1), CAPITALISE the reference (Activity 2), and PUNCTUATE the reference (Activity 3).

Activity

Now that you have some understanding of referencing conventions, have a look at the reference list below. Does it look right? If you think so, then look again; there are many errors. Click on the part of the reference that needs correcting (consult your Author-date referencing guide if necessary).