What dictionaries are considered acceptable dictionaries to use in doctoral dissertations definitions of key terms?

I was told Collins Dictionary, and several others are not acceptable to use with the doctoral dissertation

Answer

Thanks for contacting the Library.  Dictionaries and encyclopedias and other reference books typically are not acceptable as academic sources, unless they are the actual objects of research.  If you are trying to define terms to be used in your research, you can probably use some of the more quality dictionaries, such as Oxford, Merriam-Webster, American Heritage, etc.  You may wish to consult with your committee to find out if there is one preferred dictionary over another depending on your field of study, or if there are discipline-specific dictionaries/glossaries that would be worthwhile.  Please let us know if you need further assistance or if we can point you in the direction of a specific dictionary.

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  • Last Updated Jul 26, 2017
  • Views 888
  • Answered By Laura Rice

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