Why Should You Avoid Citing General Sources in Your Literature

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Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Avoiding general sources in your literature review is important for several reasons:

1. **Lack of Specificity**: General sources often provide broad overviews rather than detailed discussions. A literature review requires a focused examination of the topic, including specific findings, methodologies, and theories. General sources may not provide the depth of information needed to critically analyze and synthesize the existing research.

2. **Questionable Credibility**: General sources, such as Wikipedia or popular magazines, may not always be credible or peer-reviewed. Literature reviews should rely on scholarly, peer-reviewed sources that have undergone rigorous evaluation by experts in the field. This ensures the information is accurate, reliable, and contributes to the academic discourse.

3. **Limited Scholarly Value**: General sources may not contribute to scholarly discourse in the same way that academic journals and books do. They may lack the original research or theoretical contributions that are valued in academic writing. By citing more scholarly works, you demonstrate engagement with the academic community and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

4. **Potential for Misinterpretation**: General sources may simplify or misinterpret complex research findings. When you rely on these sources, there's a risk of perpetuating errors or misunderstandings in your own work. Accessing the original research allows you to interpret the findings accurately and in context.

5. **Inadequate Citation Practice**: Academic writing standards require the use of primary sources and peer-reviewed secondary sources. Relying on general sources can be seen as poor citation practice and may undermine the credibility of your literature review.

6. **Lack of Depth and Rigor**: A literature review should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the research landscape. General sources may not provide the necessary depth and rigor required to critically evaluate and synthesize the existing literature.

7. **Missed Opportunities for Analysis**: By focusing on general sources, you might miss out on the opportunity to analyze cutting-edge research or emerging trends in the literature. Scholarly sources often present the latest findings and theories, which can be crucial for a comprehensive literature review.

In summary, to ensure the quality and academic integrity of your literature review, it is essential to use specialized, peer-reviewed, and credible sources that offer detailed and specific information relevant to your research question or topic.

Why Should You Avoid Citing General Sources in Your Literature

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