How to Cite Multiple Authors Example: A Comprehensive Guide
Citing multiple authors in academic writing can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with sources that have more than three contributors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite multiple authors correctly using various citation styles, along with practical examples to help you navigate through this process.
APA Citation Style
When citing multiple authors in APA (American Psychological Association) style, the basic rule is to list all authors in the order they appear in the source. If there are three or fewer authors, include all of their names in the reference list. However, if there are more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name.
Example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Smith, M. (2019). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 11(2), 23-30.
In the in-text citation, you can use any of the authors’ names, depending on the context of your writing.
Example:
Smith et al. (2019) found that…
MLA Citation Style
In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the process is similar to APA when citing multiple authors. List all authors in the order they appear in the source. For works with three or fewer authors, include all their names in the reference list. For works with more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.”
Example:
Smith, John, Lisa Johnson, and Michael Smith. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 11, no. 2, 2019, pp. 23-30.
In the in-text citation, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” if there are more than three authors.
Example:
Smith et al. (2019) found that…
Chicago Citation Style
In Chicago style, the format for citing multiple authors depends on the type of source you are referencing. For books, articles, and chapters, list all authors in the order they appear in the source. If there are more than three authors, include the first author followed by “et al.”
Example:
Smith, John, Lisa Johnson, Michael Smith, and Jane Doe. The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 11, no. 2, 2019, pp. 23-30.
In the in-text citation, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” if there are more than three authors.
Example:
Smith et al. (2019) found that…
Conclusion
Citing multiple authors correctly is essential for academic integrity and to give proper credit to the original authors. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you will be able to navigate through the process of citing multiple authors in different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. Always remember to double-check the specific requirements of your institution or publication when formatting your citations.
