How to Cite an Author That Cited Another Author
In academic writing, it is common to reference the work of other authors to support your arguments or provide evidence. However, when citing an author who has cited another author, it is essential to follow proper citation conventions to ensure accuracy and give credit where it is due. This article will guide you through the process of citing an author that cited another author, using both APA and MLA formats as examples.
APA Format
When citing an author that cited another author in APA format, you need to include the original author’s name, the year of publication, and the title of the work. Additionally, you must also mention the author who cited the original work, along with the year of their publication. Here’s an example:
Original Author: Smith, J. (2005). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
Citing Author: Johnson, L. (2010). Coastal ecosystem management. In Climate change and coastal environments (pp. 45-60). New York: Springer.
To cite Johnson’s work, you would write:
Johnson (2010) cited Smith (2005) in their discussion of coastal ecosystem management.
MLA Format
In MLA format, the process is similar to APA. You need to include the original author’s name, the year of publication, and the title of the work. Additionally, you must mention the author who cited the original work, along with the year of their publication. Here’s an example:
Original Author: Smith, John. The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems. 2005.
Citing Author: Johnson, Lisa. “Coastal Ecosystem Management.” Climate Change and Coastal Environments, edited by John Smith, 2010, pp. 45-60.
To cite Johnson’s work in MLA format, you would write:
Johnson (2010) refers to Smith’s (2005) research on the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
Conclusion
Citing an author that cited another author is an essential skill in academic writing. By following the proper citation conventions, you can ensure that your work is accurate, and you give credit to the original authors. Whether you are using APA or MLA format, remember to include the original author’s name, the year of publication, and the title of the work, as well as the author who cited the original work. This will help you maintain academic integrity and provide your readers with a comprehensive understanding of the source material.
