Apa online citation has become an essential tool for researchers, students, and writers who need to format their citations and references according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The APA style is widely used in social sciences, education, business, and healthcare fields, and it provides a set of guidelines for formatting papers, citations, and references. In this article, we will explore the world of APA online citation and provide easy formatting solutions for those who need to use this style.
Introduction to APA Style
The APA style was first introduced in 1929, and since then, it has become one of the most widely used citation styles in the world. The APA style provides a set of guidelines for formatting papers, citations, and references, and it is widely used in social sciences, education, business, and healthcare fields. The APA style is known for its clarity, consistency, and simplicity, making it easy to use and understand.
APA Citation Basics
APA citations are used to credit the original authors of an idea, concept, or research finding. There are two types of APA citations: in-text citations and reference list citations. In-text citations are used to credit the original authors in the text, while reference list citations are used to provide a complete list of sources cited in the paper. APA citations typically include the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable).
| Citation Type | Format |
|---|---|
| In-text citation | (Author, Year, p. Page Number) |
| Reference list citation | Author, A. A. (Year). Title of source. Title of Container, Volume(Issue), pp. Page Numbers. |
For example, an in-text citation for a book would be (Smith, 2020, p. 12), while a reference list citation for the same book would be Smith, A. A. (2020). The effects of climate change. Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 12-20.
APA Online Citation Tools
There are many APA online citation tools available that can help you format your citations and references correctly. Some of the most popular tools include:
- Citethisforme: A free online citation tool that allows you to format your citations and references in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
- EasyBib: A popular online citation tool that provides APA, MLA, and Chicago style formatting options.
- RefWorks: A comprehensive online citation tool that allows you to format your citations and references in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, as well as manage your references and create bibliographies.
These tools are easy to use and provide a range of features, including citation formatting, reference list creation, and bibliographic management. They can save you time and effort, and help you ensure that your citations and references are accurate and consistent.
APA Citation Examples
Here are some examples of APA citations for different types of sources:
Book: (Smith, 2020, p. 12)
Journal article: (Johnson, 2019, pp. 20-25)
Website: (American Psychological Association, 2020)
Newspaper article: (Williams, 2020, p. A1)
These examples illustrate the different formats for APA citations, and demonstrate how to include the author's last name, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable) in the citation.
What is the purpose of APA citation?
+The purpose of APA citation is to credit the original authors of an idea, concept, or research finding, and to provide a way to locate the source of the information.
How do I format an APA citation for a book?
+To format an APA citation for a book, include the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable) in the citation, and provide a complete reference list citation that includes the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication year.
What are some common mistakes in APA citation?
+Some common mistakes in APA citation include the incorrect use of commas and punctuation, failure to include the publication year, and incorrect formatting of the reference list citation.
