What best defines a reference list in academic writing?

A reference list in academic writing specifically includes only those works that have been directly cited within the text. This means that every entry in the reference list corresponds to a source that has contributed to the research or arguments presented in the paper. The purpose of a reference list is to provide readers with the necessary information to locate those sources, thus allowing for reliable verification and further exploration of the topic.

This approach ensures clarity and conciseness in academic writing, as it focuses solely on the materials that were actually consulted and referenced in the composition of the work. Including only cited works prevents the reference list from becoming overly extensive or irrelevant, which can happen if other sources are included that were not specifically referenced in the text. This practice aligns with the APA style guidelines, which emphasize the importance of maintaining accuracy and accountability in scholarly work.

In contrast, options that describe a reference list as citing all relevant works or using it as a synonym for a bibliography are less accurate. A bibliography generally contains a broader range of sources, not limited to those cited directly in the text. Additionally, the idea that a reference list should never be used in short articles contradicts the established guidelines for academic writing, where references must always be included when sources are cited, regardless of the length of