American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in social sciences, education, and business fields for formatting and citing sources. One of the critical components of APA style is the in-text citation, which allows readers to locate the full reference in the reference list. Here, we will delve into the specifics of APA 7 in-text citations, making it easier for researchers, students, and professionals to understand and apply them correctly.
Introduction to APA 7 In-Text Citations
The APA 7th edition has introduced several changes and clarifications to make in-text citations more straightforward. The primary purpose of in-text citations is to acknowledge the original author(s) of an idea, piece of information, or quote. APA style requires that every in-text citation has a corresponding entry in the reference list, except for personal communications and a few other exceptions. Understanding how to format these citations is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.
Basic Format of APA 7 In-Text Citations
The basic format of an APA 7 in-text citation includes the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers for direct quotes. For example, a citation for a source written by John Doe in 2020 would appear as (Doe, 2020). If the source has two authors, both names are included, separated by an ampersand (&) when in parentheses, such as (Doe & Smith, 2020). For sources with three or more authors, only the first author’s name is listed in the in-text citation, followed by “et al.,” which is an abbreviation for “et alii,” meaning “and others” in Latin.
When citing a specific part of a source, such as a direct quote, the page number(s) where the quote can be found are included. For instance, a direct quote from page 23 of Doe's book would be cited as (Doe, 2020, p. 23). Block quotes, which are quotes of 40 words or more, have a slightly different format but still require the author's name, year, and page number in the citation.
| Citation Type | Format Example |
|---|---|
| One Author | (Doe, 2020) |
| Two Authors | (Doe & Smith, 2020) |
| Three or More Authors | (Doe et al., 2020) |
| Direct Quote | (Doe, 2020, p. 23) |
Multiple Sources in a Single Citation
Sometimes, a statement or idea may be supported by multiple sources. In APA 7, when including multiple sources in a single citation, they are listed in alphabetical order, separated by semicolons. For example, (Doe, 2020; Johnson, 2019; Smith, 2021). This allows readers to identify each source contributing to the idea or information being discussed.
Citing Sources Without Authors or Dates
Sources without authors are cited by their title, and those without dates are assigned “n.d.” (no date) in the in-text citation and reference list. For instance, a source without an author and date would be cited as (“Title of the Source,” n.d.). Understanding how to handle such sources is vital for maintaining consistency in APA formatting.
APA 7 also introduces new guidelines for citing digital sources, emphasizing the importance of including DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) when available, which provide a persistent link to the content. This change reflects the evolving nature of academic publishing and the need for precise and reliable source identification.
In conclusion, APA 7 in-text citations, while detailed, are designed to be clear and consistent, allowing for the efficient attribution of ideas and information. By mastering the basics of APA in-text citations and understanding the nuances of citing different types of sources, researchers and students can ensure the academic integrity of their work and effectively communicate their ideas and findings.
What is the primary purpose of in-text citations in APA style?
+The primary purpose of in-text citations in APA style is to acknowledge the original author(s) of an idea, piece of information, or quote, allowing readers to locate the full reference in the reference list.
How do you cite a source with three or more authors in APA 7?
+In APA 7, sources with three or more authors are cited by listing the first author’s name followed by “et al.” in the in-text citation, such as (Doe et al., 2020).
What is the correct format for citing a direct quote in APA style?
+The correct format for citing a direct quote in APA style includes the author’s last name, publication year, and page number(s) where the quote can be found, such as (Doe, 2020, p. 23).
