Comissão PDI: How Many References for a 10,000-Word Dissertation?

Ever found yourself deep into writing and suddenly wondering, “Wait… how many references for a 10,000-word dissertation is enough?” When I worked on mine, I learned it’s less about the number and more about the quality of your sources. Some universities suggest 80–120 references, but it really depends on your topic depth and research scope.

If your dissertation leans theoretical, you’ll likely cite more sources; if it’s data-driven, your reference list might be shorter but more focused. The key is ensuring every source adds genuine value to your argument — no filler citations!

What’s your take — do you aim for a set number or let the research naturally guide your reference count?

Re: How Many References for a 10,000-Word Dissertation?

by Hollie Power - Thursday, 20 November 2025, 12:45 AM

I was helping a friend structure a long research report, we kept trimming anything that didn’t directly support the argument, even though others in the class treated references like a high score in Slice Master and just stacked them up.

Re: How Many References for a 10,000-Word Dissertation?

by Morgan Walters - Monday, 15 December 2025, 4:22 AM

I was once gripped by the Level Devil, questioning whether my sources sufficed. Balancing quantity with quality proved tricky; I remember spending weeks honing in on pivotal studies rather than adding excess fluff. Ultimately, I learned the art of relevance over mere numbers, a lesson that resonates well beyond academia.