How to Cite Seven Authors in APA
Citing multiple authors in APA style can sometimes be confusing, especially when there are seven or more contributors involved. The APA (American Psychological Association) provides specific guidelines on how to format a reference list entry when there are seven or more authors. In this article, we will discuss the steps to correctly cite seven authors in APA format.
1. Start with the Author Names
When citing seven authors in APA format, begin the reference list entry with the first author’s last name followed by their first initial. Then, list the remaining six authors’ last names, followed by their first initials. Separate the authors’ names with commas.
Example:
Smith, J. A., Jones, B. C., Miller, D. E., Thompson, F. G., Williams, H. I., Zhang, J. K., & Lee, M. L.
2. Include the Publication Date
After listing the authors’ names, include the publication date of the source. Place the year of publication in parentheses, followed by a period.
Example:
Smith, J. A., Jones, B. C., Miller, D. E., Thompson, F. G., Williams, H. I., Zhang, J. K., & Lee, M. L. (2020).
3. Add the Title of the Source
Next, provide the title of the source in sentence case. Capitalize the first letter of the first word, the last word, and any other significant words (such as proper nouns).
Example:
Smith, J. A., Jones, B. C., Miller, D. E., Thompson, F. G., Williams, H. I., Zhang, J. K., & Lee, M. L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
4. Specify the Source Type
APA format requires you to indicate the source type (e.g., journal article, book, website) after the title. Use the appropriate abbreviation for the source type.
Example:
Smith, J. A., Jones, B. C., Miller, D. E., Thompson, F. G., Williams, H. I., Zhang, J. K., & Lee, M. L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies
5. Include Additional Information
If the source has additional information, such as volume, issue number, page numbers, or DOI, include it in the reference list entry.
Example:
Smith, J. A., Jones, B. C., Miller, D. E., Thompson, F. G., Williams, H. I., Zhang, J. K., & Lee, M. L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.123456
By following these steps, you can correctly cite seven authors in APA format. Remember to always double-check the specific guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to ensure accuracy in your citations.
