How to Cite a Journal Article APA with Multiple Authors
Citing a journal article with multiple authors in APA format can sometimes be confusing, but with a clear understanding of the guidelines, it becomes a straightforward process. APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and humanities. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the source of information. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to correctly cite a journal article with multiple authors in APA format.
1. Begin with the Author’s Last Name, First Initial
Start the citation with the last name of the first author followed by their first initial. If there are multiple authors, list their names in the same order as they appear on the journal article. Separate the names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
Example: Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B.
2. Include the Year of Publication
After the author names, include the year of publication in parentheses. This helps readers identify the most recent literature on the topic.
Example: Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020)
3. Provide the Title of the Article
Next, include the title of the article in italics. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, excluding articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.
Example: Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020). The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
4. Specify the Journal Name
After the article title, include the name of the journal in italics. Do not use any abbreviations or punctuation.
Example: Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020). The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Journal of Communication
5. Add Volume and Issue Numbers
Include the volume and issue numbers of the journal, separated by a comma. If the article is from a specific issue, provide the issue number.
Example: Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020). The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Journal of Communication, 70(2)
6. Mention the Page Range
Finally, include the page range of the article, starting with the first page and ending with the last page.
Example: Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020). The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Journal of Communication, 70(2), 123-145
By following these steps, you can accurately cite a journal article with multiple authors in APA format. Remember that it’s essential to double-check the formatting and capitalization of the citation to ensure it adheres to the APA guidelines. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps your readers locate and evaluate the sources you’ve used in your research.
