How to Cite One Author APA 7th Edition
Citing sources in academic writing is an essential aspect of maintaining integrity and giving credit to the original authors. The APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other related fields. The 7th edition of the APA manual has introduced several changes to the citation format. This article will guide you on how to cite one author in APA 7th edition.
General Format
When citing a source with one author in APA 7th edition, the basic format includes the author’s last name, followed by the publication date, and then the title of the source. If the source is a book, include the publisher and location of publication. For journal articles, include the volume, issue number, and page numbers. Here’s an example:
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Technology, 41(2), 123-145.
Book Citation
For a book with one author, include the author’s last name, publication date, book title (italicized), publisher, and location of publication. If the book is an edited collection, include the editor’s name and the word “Ed.” before the title. Here’s an example:
Johnson, R. (2019). The evolution of social media. New York: Pearson.
Journal Article Citation
When citing a journal article with one author, include the author’s last name, publication date, article title (italicized), journal name (italicized), volume, issue number, and page numbers. Here’s an example:
Brown, L. (2021). The effects of climate change on agriculture. Environmental Science, 34(3), 456-470.
Online Source Citation
For online sources, include the author’s last name, publication date, article title (italicized), website name, URL, and retrieval date. If the author’s name is not available, use the title of the page or article. Here’s an example:
Garcia, M. (2022, January 15). The benefits of exercise. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/the-benefits-of-exercise
Summary
Citing one author in APA 7th edition is straightforward, following a consistent format for books, journal articles, and online sources. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic writing is both accurate and ethically sound. Always double-check the specific requirements of your institution or publication to ensure compliance with their citation style preferences.