How to Cite More Than One Author APA in Text
In academic writing, it is common to reference multiple authors when discussing a topic or presenting research findings. The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style provides guidelines on how to correctly cite more than one author in the text. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the source material easily. This article will guide you through the process of citing more than one author in APA style in the text.
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA Style
When citing more than one author in APA style, you have two options: listing all authors’ last names in the text or using the word “and” to connect the last names of the first two authors followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) for the remaining authors. Here’s how to format both options:
1. Listing all authors’ last names:
If you have three or more authors, include all of their last names in the text, separated by commas. Place a period after the last author’s name.
Example: “Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) conducted a study on the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems.”
2. Using “et al.” with three or more authors:
When you have three or more authors, you can use “et al.” to indicate that there are additional authors. Place a comma after the first two authors’ names, followed by “et al.” and a period.
Example: “Smith, Johnson, and et al. (2020) explored the impact of social media on young adults’ mental health.”
Formatting In-text Citations with Multiple Authors
In APA style, in-text citations with multiple authors should follow the same formatting rules as single-author citations. Here’s how to format in-text citations with multiple authors:
1. For a direct quote:
Include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number in parentheses after the quote.
Example: “The research suggests that climate change is a significant threat to coastal ecosystems (Smith et al., 2020, p. 45).”
2. For paraphrased information:
Include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number in parentheses after the paraphrased information.
Example: “Smith et al. (2020) found that climate change poses a serious threat to coastal ecosystems.”
Formatting References with Multiple Authors
When listing the reference for a work with multiple authors in the reference list, follow these guidelines:
1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by the first initial of their first name, a comma, and then the rest of their first name.
2. List the publication year in parentheses.
3. Provide the title of the work, using quotation marks for titles of articles or chapters.
4. Include the name of the journal, book, or other publication, followed by a comma.
5. Add a period at the end of the reference.
Example:
Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Brown, D. E. (2020). The effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 45(2), 123-145.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite more than one author in APA style in your text and reference list. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps readers locate the source material for further exploration.
