The prescribed reference count is the number of references that should be used in your writing. Your teacher indicates a minimum or maximum of references that you should use.

Why should I stick to the prescribed number of references?

You should cite and use references when you are referring to ideas that are not yours in your written work. However, you should not use fewer or more references than prescribed by your teacher. The risk of using fewer references than prescribed is that you may have overlooked other important sources, while the risk of using too many references is that you do not narrow down your work enough.

How do I stick to the prescribed number of references?

Automated Feedback can check for you if you followed the prescribed number of references.