Proper Citation of Unpublished Material in a PhD Thesis

Correctly citing unpublished material in a PhD thesis is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of your work. Unpublished material often includes unpublished manuscripts, data, and personal communications. It is important to provide as much detail as possible for the readers to locate and verify the source, even if it is not publicly available. This article will guide you through the proper citation format for these different types of unpublished materials in your PhD thesis, focusing on the APA style as a general reference.

Unpublished Manuscripts

When referencing an unpublished manuscript in your PhD thesis, it is essential to provide comprehensive details to help readers find and verify the source. The APA style recommends the following format:

Unpublished Manuscript:

Author's Name. Year. Title of Manuscript. Unpublished manuscript [Institution (optional)].

For example:

Smith, J. (2024). "Wizziwigs and plant life." Unpublished manuscript.

Note that if the institution from which the material was obtained is relevant, it should be included, but it is not strictly necessary for every reference.

Unpublished Data

When dealing with unpublished data, it is crucial to clearly delineate this from primary or publicly available data. The APA style provides a straightforward format for citing data collected as part of your research:

Unpublished Data or Personal Communication:

If it is data you have collected or obtained, you would cite it as: Data collected by [Your Name], [Date] [Institution (optional)]

Example:

Data collected by Smith, J. in 2023. University of XYZ (optional).

It is important to note that among personal communications (interviews, emails, etc.), data is typically cited in-text and not included in the reference list.

Personal Communications

Personal communications, such as interviews or emails, are treated similarly to unpublished data. They are cited in the text but not in the reference list:

Personal Communication:

[Author's Name], personal communication, [Date]

For example, if Mr. Smith had an interview about his personal observations, you would cite it as:

Silver, R. (2024, January 10). "Personal communication."

While personal communications are cited within the text, they do not appear in the reference list. Hence, it is important to include the date to provide context and ensure accurate citation.

Other Citing Styles

Depending on the specific style guide your university or institution requires for your PhD thesis, the format may vary slightly. For instance, if your thesis is in MLA or Chicago style, the format will be similar but with minor adjustments:

MLA Style:

Author's Last Name, First Name. “Title of Manuscript.” Unpublished manuscript [Institution (optional)]. Date Accessed.

Chicago Style:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Manuscript." Unpublished manuscript. Date.

However, the principle remains the same—provide as much detail as possible to ensure the source is identifiable.

Conclusion

A successful PhD thesis requires rigorous attention to detail, especially in the citation of sources. By ensuring that all unpublished material is properly cited, you bolster the credibility and reliability of your research. Whether your thesis is based on an unpublished manuscript, personal communication, or data collected during your research, the key is to provide comprehensive details to ensure accurate and accessible referencing for your readers.