I am wondering which term is more appropriate for use in titles when discussing a group within a larger category: 'among' or 'in'?
For example:
'Prevalence of sleep disorders among children with autism'
'Prevalence of sleep disorders in children with autism'
Could you explain the difference between using 'among' and 'in' in such contexts and advise which option is more suitable for title usage?
In academic titles, it's usually preferred to use (in) rather than (between), because (in) gives a more formal and precise tone.
Dear ,@Andrew Paul McKenzie Pegman
Thank you for your response. I'm uncertain if "within" would be the most suitable choice when addressing a specific population.
Can be used interchangeably with little difference. So not a big deal. I do that all the time!
The choice between "among" and "in" in titles like the ones you've mentioned can subtly affect the nuance of the sentence, although both are grammatically correct and commonly used in academic and research contexts.
"Among" is typically used when you're referring to individuals within a larger group, emphasizing the notion of being part of a larger collective. When you say "Prevalence of sleep disorders among children with autism," it conveys the idea of sleep disorders occurring within this specific subgroup of children, highlighting a sense of distribution within a group.
On the other hand, "in" is often used to indicate that something is contained or occurs within a specific setting, group, or location. The phrase "Prevalence of sleep disorders in children with autism" implies that you're discussing the occurrence of sleep disorders within the population of children who have autism, focusing more on the setting or category itself rather than the notion of distribution among individuals.
For academic or research titles, the choice between "among" and "in" often depends on the author's preference and the specific emphasis they wish to convey. Both are suitable, but "among" might be slightly more precise if you want to emphasize the idea of distribution within the group. "In" can be more general and is just as acceptable in most contexts.
In summary, if your emphasis is on the distribution or interaction within a group, "among" could be slightly more fitting. If you're focusing on the occurrence within a defined category or setting, "in" works perfectly well. Given the context of your examples, both choices are appropriate, and the preference largely comes down to the specific nuance you want to convey in your title.
P.S.
Person-first language (e.g., "children with autism") is often used to emphasize the individuality of a person over their diagnosis, suggesting that the condition does not define the person. However, many in the autistic community prefer identity-first language (e.g., "autistic children"), arguing that autism is an integral part of their identity and should not be separated from their personhood. This preference can vary widely among individuals and communities.
Given the feedback from many autistic individuals and advocacy groups, it's increasingly common to use identity-first language, unless person-first language is specifically requested by the individuals involved. In academic and professional settings, it's essential to consider the preferences of the community being discussed and to be aware of how language can impact perceptions.
Incorporating this understanding into your examples, the titles could be adjusted to:
- "Prevalence of sleep disorders among autistic children"
- "Prevalence of sleep disorders in autistic children"
Both "among" and "in" can be appropriate in titles when discussing a group within a larger category, but the choice depends on the specific context and emphasis of the title. Here's a brief overview of the optimal usage for each term:
Among:
Use "among" when you want to emphasize the idea of being part of a larger group or set, but not necessarily confined to it. This term suggests that the group you're referring to is integrated or exists within a broader context.
Example title: "Patterns of Communication Among Adolescents in Urban Schools"
In:
Use "in" when you want to emphasize the idea of being contained or located within a specific category or context. This term suggests a more specific or bounded relationship between the group and the larger category.
Example title: "Factors Affecting Academic Achievement in Students with Disabilities"
In summary, consider the nuances of meaning and emphasis you want to convey in your title when choosing between "among" and "in." If you want to highlight the group's integration within a larger context, use "among." If you want to emphasize their specific location or relationship within a category, use "in."
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