How Old Can Research References Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Be careful about citing old references. The rule of thumb is to go back at

most five to six years

. Exceptions to this rule should be reserved for “seminal” works relevant to explaining what prompted your research. Roughly 85% of all cited works should be less than five years old.

How old can a credible source be?

A good rule of thumb is to use sources

published in the past 10 years

for research in the arts, humanities, literature, history, etc.

Can you use old references?

Be careful about citing old references. The rule of thumb is to

go back at most five to six years

. Exceptions to this rule should be reserved for “seminal” works relevant to explaining what prompted your research. Roughly 85% of all cited works should be less than five years old.

What is considered outdated research?

A research study is considered to be outdated when

it is over three years old

due to market/economic and consumer behavior variations, demographic changes, and alterations to the product. … Research.

How long is research valid for?


Research does not have an “expiry date”

, but what it does have is competition. Journals want to produce cutting edge research, new information that will help others in the field.

Can you use a reference from 10 years ago?

HOW FAR BACK CAN REFERENCES GO? A common question among job seekers is “How far back can I go to ask people I’ve worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule the answer is “

not more than five to seven years

.”

Can I use a reference from 20 years ago?

HOW FAR BACK CAN REFERENCES GO? A common question among job seekers is “How far back can I go to ask people I’ve worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule the answer is “

not more than five to seven years

.”

Why shouldnt we use old research?

When researchers use older means,

they’re not taking advantage of the latest developments

, which can hinder results. Using outdated devices means they can also reduce the chances other researchers will be able to reproduce their results.

What is an outdated source?

For example, important articles in literature, art, and music often tend to be considered current for years, or even decades, after publication. Articles in the physical sciences, however, are usually considered outdated

within a year or

two (or even sooner) after publication.

Why use the most up to date research?

This is particularly useful for key studies, as it enables you to

follow developments

, arguments, emerging trends, and identify new authors in that area. You can also use this feature to find who is citing your own published work.

How late is too late to publish research?

If the subject of the research is still clinically relevant and valid,

there is no time limit to publish it

, update your references and publish it as soon as you can.

Can I publish an old research paper?


Yes

, IF the research is still relevant and novel. When you publish a research paper you never write when was the research performed, you merely describe the research and explain why it is relevant. If the research is still a new/different method, then it doesn’t matter when you did it. No one is going to ask.

How old can data be for publication?

The median data age (midpoint of data collection to publication) was

33.9 months

(IQR, 23.5-46.3 months; range [minimum to maximum], 2.2-131.8 months).

What if I have no references?

If you do not have any professional references,

offer to provide twice as many personal references if you can

. A personal reference can be from someone who knows you, but has never worked with you in a professional environment. For example, they could be a friend, a classmate, a teammate, a coach, a teacher, etc.

Do employers actually call references?

Essentially,

yes

. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. … The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job.

How far back can job references go?

HOW FAR BACK CAN REFERENCES GO? A common question among job seekers is “How far back can I go to ask people I’ve worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule the answer is “

not more than five to seven years

.”

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.