How to Cite Authors in Text APA
Citing authors in text is an essential aspect of academic writing, particularly when using the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style. Properly citing authors not only gives credit to the original source but also helps readers locate the original material. In this article, we will discuss the guidelines for citing authors in text APA style, ensuring that your writing is both accurate and professional.
Understanding APA In-text Citations
APA in-text citations typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication. The format may vary depending on whether the source is a book, journal article, or web page. Here are some common scenarios and their respective formats:
1. Single Author:
When citing a work by a single author, include the author’s last name and the year of publication. For example:
Smith (2020) argues that…
2. Two Authors:
For works with two authors, include both their last names and the year of publication. For example:
Johnson and Brown (2019) found that…
3. Three or More Authors:
When citing a work with three or more authors, include the last name of the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example:
Miller et al. (2018) conducted a study…
4. No Author:
If a work does not have an author, use the title of the work instead. For example:
The study of climate change (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014)…
5. Works with No Date:
If a work does not have a publication date, use a placeholder such as “n.d.” (meaning “no date”) and include the author’s last name. For example:
Smith (n.d.) discusses the importance of…
Using Page Numbers in APA In-text Citations
When citing a specific part of a source, such as a paragraph or a quote, include the page number(s) after the citation. For example:
Johnson and Brown (2019) found that the correlation between age and income was significant (p. 45).
Formatting In-text Citations for Different Types of Sources
The format of in-text citations may vary depending on the type of source. Here are some examples:
1. Book:
Smith (2020) argues that…
2. Journal Article:
Johnson and Brown (2019) found that…
3. Magazine Article:
Miller (2018) discusses the impact of technology on education…
4. Website:
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that…
5. YouTube Video:
In their video, Smith and Johnson (2020) demonstrate…
Conclusion
Properly citing authors in text APA style is crucial for academic integrity and helps readers locate the original source. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your writing is both accurate and professional. Always remember to check for the most up-to-date APA guidelines to stay informed about any changes to the citation format.
