Analysis Of The Consistency Of The Use Of The Citational Style In The Bachelor Of Psychology Thesis, University Of North Sumatra

by ADMIN 129 views

Introduction

The use of citational style in academic writing is a crucial aspect of maintaining the accuracy and credibility of research. In the context of undergraduate theses, particularly in the field of psychology, the consistency of citational style is essential to ensure that sources are properly cited and referenced. This study aims to evaluate the consistency of the use of citational style in the Bachelor of Psychology thesis at the University of North Sumatra. The research focuses on the period between 2011 and 2016, analyzing a total of 740 theses published during this time.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive method with a content analysis approach to provide a clear picture of the consistency of the use of citational style. The population of this study consisted of all theses published between 2011 and 2016, which amounted to 740 theses. A sample of 10% of the total population was taken, resulting in 74 theses as the object of analysis. The sampling method used was proportionate stratified random sampling, ensuring that each population strata was represented.

Results

The results of this study showed that out of the total 2,712 analyzed citations, as many as 1,931 citations or 71.2% were consistent with the citational style. However, for the inclusion of bibliography entries, only 146 of 2,915 entries were in accordance with the standards, reflecting a very low consistency rate of 4.77%. This finding indicates that there are many mistakes in the preparation of bibliography, making it difficult for readers to find the sources referred to.

Discussion

The conclusion of this study states that although the writing of citations in the text in the students' thesis of the Psychology Study Program at the University of North Sumatra has mostly followed the citational style, there are still some mistakes that cause inconsistency. Meanwhile, the inclusion of bibliography entries shows that only a few theses really followed the guide of the citational style. This finding highlights the need for students and teachers to pay more attention to the standard writing standards to maintain consistency and accuracy of information.

Conclusion

The results of this study emphasize the importance of improving the quality of citations and bibliography in undergraduate theses. The low consistency rate in the inclusion of bibliography entries is a concern that needs to be addressed. To achieve this, there is a need for collective efforts from all related parties to improve the quality of academic writing to be in accordance with established standards. This includes increasing understanding of the citational style among students, providing more intensive guidance and training on academic writing, and encouraging institutions to provide more support for students in this area.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Students should pay more attention to the standard writing standards and ensure that their citations and bibliography are accurate and consistent.
  • Teachers and instructors should provide more guidance and training on academic writing, particularly in the area of citational style.
  • Institutions should provide more support for students in improving their academic writing skills, including providing resources and training on citational style.
  • The University of North Sumatra should consider implementing a more rigorous system for evaluating the quality of undergraduate theses, including a focus on the accuracy and consistency of citations and bibliography.

Implications

The findings of this study have implications for the development of psychology in Indonesia. Improving the quality of citations and bibliography will not only increase the credibility of theses but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Therefore, it is essential that all related parties work together to improve the quality of academic writing in undergraduate theses.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study only analyzed theses published between 2011 and 2016, which may not be representative of the current situation. Secondly, the study only focused on the Bachelor of Psychology thesis at the University of North Sumatra, which may not be generalizable to other institutions or fields of study. Finally, the study relied on a sample of 74 theses, which may not be sufficient to provide a comprehensive picture of the consistency of citational style.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to build on the findings of this study by exploring the following areas:

  • Investigating the consistency of citational style in other fields of study and institutions.
  • Examining the impact of citational style on the credibility and validity of research.
  • Developing more effective strategies for improving the quality of academic writing in undergraduate theses.
  • Investigating the role of teachers and instructors in promoting the use of citational style in academic writing.

Q: What was the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the consistency of the use of citational style in the Bachelor of Psychology thesis at the University of North Sumatra.

Q: What was the population of this study?

A: The population of this study consisted of all theses published between 2011 and 2016, which amounted to 740 theses.

Q: What was the sampling method used in this study?

A: The sampling method used in this study was proportionate stratified random sampling, which ensured that each population strata was represented.

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results of this study showed that out of the total 2,712 analyzed citations, as many as 1,931 citations or 71.2% were consistent with the citational style. However, for the inclusion of bibliography entries, only 146 of 2,915 entries were in accordance with the standards, reflecting a very low consistency rate of 4.77%.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The findings of this study have implications for the development of psychology in Indonesia. Improving the quality of citations and bibliography will not only increase the credibility of theses but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study only analyzed theses published between 2011 and 2016, which may not be representative of the current situation. Secondly, the study only focused on the Bachelor of Psychology thesis at the University of North Sumatra, which may not be generalizable to other institutions or fields of study. Finally, the study relied on a sample of 74 theses, which may not be sufficient to provide a comprehensive picture of the consistency of citational style.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Students should pay more attention to the standard writing standards and ensure that their citations and bibliography are accurate and consistent.
  • Teachers and instructors should provide more guidance and training on academic writing, particularly in the area of citational style.
  • Institutions should provide more support for students in improving their academic writing skills, including providing resources and training on citational style.
  • The University of North Sumatra should consider implementing a more rigorous system for evaluating the quality of undergraduate theses, including a focus on the accuracy and consistency of citations and bibliography.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to build on the findings of this study by exploring the following areas:

  • Investigating the consistency of citational style in other fields of study and institutions.
  • Examining the impact of citational style on the credibility and validity of research.
  • Developing more effective strategies for improving the quality of academic writing in undergraduate theses.
  • Investigating the role of teachers and instructors in promoting the use of citational style in academic writing.

Q: What are the benefits of improving the quality of citations and bibliography?

A: Improving the quality of citations and bibliography will not only increase the credibility of theses but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. It will also make it easier for readers to find the sources referred to, which is essential for academic integrity and transparency.

Q: How can students improve their understanding of citational style?

A: Students can improve their understanding of citational style by:

  • Reading and following the guidelines provided by their institution or instructor.
  • Practicing the use of citational style in their writing.
  • Seeking guidance and feedback from their instructor or peers.
  • Using online resources and tools to help them understand and apply citational style.

Q: How can institutions support students in improving their academic writing skills?

A: Institutions can support students in improving their academic writing skills by:

  • Providing resources and training on citational style.
  • Offering workshops and tutorials on academic writing.
  • Encouraging students to seek feedback and guidance from their instructor or peers.
  • Implementing a more rigorous system for evaluating the quality of undergraduate theses.