Quoting a guest lecture in a thesis?

Question

I used a replutable's scholar argument in a section of my thesis, based on a guest lecture for the launching of her new book. I thought it was from the book and had quoted it as such, but the interlibrary loan has arrived and I could not find it -so it seems it was just something she said for the sake of the presentation. Do you think I could rectify the citation and still use it? Or is using something that is not on paper too risky?

Please answer if you have academic writing experience, not out of sheer guessing.

hierro_muerte · Accepted Answer

check the style book your school, college or university is using. if they provide a format, then they must have allowed this source before. next try to find documentation for the lecture. some one may have kept the materials, taped, or videoed the lecture. if the lecturer is connected with the institution you may be able to get an affirmation through there. 

if the all these avenues have been futile. try to look for similar assertions or denials. than use your research to prove or disprove that. i assume that aside from using the arguement you have added background research. 

at worse attribute the logic of the arguement within the text. my previous thesis advisers have not required me to place these in the bibliography again as long as it is attributed within the text and it is substanciated. i have paraphrased shakespeare in my economics papers. 

finally ask you thesis adviser if she agrees

mintycakeyfroggy · Answer

You can reference a lecture as follows

Referencing a presentation eg conference presentation, formal lecture, lecture notes, workshop


What to include in a reference to a presentation eg conference presentation, formal lecture, lecture notes, workshop


    * Author of the presentation

    * Year

    * Title/topic of the presentation and other title information. Put this in italics (if you are handwriting you can underline it)

    * Medium [lecture, lecture notes, presentation, workshop]

    * Details of the presentation eg date, location, contribution to programme/module

Sorry if you know this i misread the question. But there if you dont

I would reference it especially if it is a reputable scholar as you say. However, I'm not sure how different places react I have done this and it was ok but im not what you would call an experienced academic I was told so by people who are though. As long as you don't rely upon their work but show it in context with written papers.

arindam80 · Answer

Since the act is done, you could get in touch with the person who delivered the lecture.

There are times a speaker could make a comment that is only relevant to what he /she is trying to emphasise. Your question is in-complete to the extent what was it that you quoted to emphasise what.

If you do feel confident that you really had a point to make, take it up with the concerned person. If that solves your problem, no worry.

I hope you have given the usual credit for the line of reasoning to the person concerned in your paper. If not.... well.

ireland01 · Answer

yeh, using something that hasn't been peer reviewed is a little dodgy. try and find something similar to make your point from a paper or text book is best. or maybe email this person and ask them if they have published anything on this. i'm sure they'd be happy to help.
Good luck.

Quoting a guest lecture in a thesis?

4 Answers