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?