How to Cite an Author and Page Number
Citing an author and page number is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it allows readers to locate the original source of information and gives credit to the original author. Proper citation also helps to avoid plagiarism and maintain the integrity of scholarly work. In this article, we will discuss the different citation styles and provide guidelines on how to cite an author and page number effectively.
APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and psychology fields. To cite an author and page number in APA style, follow these steps:
1. Include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Place the page number in parentheses after the year of publication.
Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 25)
If you are citing a source with no author, use a shortened title of the source instead of the author’s name.
Example: (“The Study of Human Behavior,” 2020, p. 30)
MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts. To cite an author and page number in MLA style, follow these steps:
1. Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Place the year of publication in parentheses after the page number.
Example: Smith (25)
If you are citing a source with no author, use a shortened title of the source instead of the author’s name.
Example: (“The Study of Human Behavior,” 30)
Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style is used in a variety of academic disciplines and has two citation formats: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date. Here’s how to cite an author and page number in each format:
1. Notes-Bibliography:
– Include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
– Place the note number in parentheses after the page number.
Example: (Smith 25, n. 1)
2. Author-Date:
– Include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
Example: (Smith 2020, 25)
Conclusion
Citing an author and page number is a crucial part of academic writing, as it ensures that your work is properly credited and allows readers to locate the original source. By following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can effectively cite authors and page numbers in your research papers and other scholarly works. Always remember to double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure you are using the correct citation style.
