How to Properly Cite Multiple Authors in APA
Citing multiple authors in APA style can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with a large number of contributors. However, following the proper guidelines ensures that your references are accurate and consistent. In this article, we will discuss the different scenarios in which multiple authors are cited in APA style and provide you with the necessary information to format your references correctly.
When citing two authors
When referencing a source with two authors, simply list both names in the text and include the year of publication. For example:
– According to Smith and Johnson (2020), the results indicate a significant correlation between the variables.
In the reference list, the format remains the same:
– Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 12(3), 123-145.
When citing three to five authors
When citing three to five authors, include all names in the text and the year of publication. For example:
– Research conducted by Brown, Davis, Garcia, Hernandez, and Martinez (2021) suggests that…
In the reference list, the format is as follows:
– Brown, J., Davis, L., Garcia, M., Hernandez, A., & Martinez, P. (2021). Title of the article. Journal Name, 15(4), 234-256.
When citing more than five authors
When citing more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example:
– The study by Thompson, et al. (2022) found that…
In the reference list, the format is as follows:
– Thompson, A., et al. (2022). Title of the article. Journal Name, 18(5), 345-367.
When citing a source with multiple editions
If you are citing a source with multiple editions, include the edition number in parentheses after the year of publication. For example:
– In the third edition of their book, Smith and Johnson (2020) discuss…
In the reference list, the format is as follows:
– Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Title of the book (3rd ed.). Publisher.
When citing a source with no known author
If a source has no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author’s name. For example:
– The findings presented in “The Impact of Climate Change” (2021) are quite alarming…
In the reference list, the format is as follows:
– “The Impact of Climate Change” (2021). Journal Name, 19(6), 456-478.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA citations for multiple authors are accurate and consistent. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your publication or institution, as some may have additional rules or preferences.
