How to Cite APA Style Multiple Authors
Citing sources in APA style can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with multiple authors. The APA (American Psychological Association) citation format has specific guidelines for referencing works with more than one author. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite APA style multiple authors, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
Formatting the Reference List
When citing a source with multiple authors in APA style, the reference list entry should follow a specific format. Here’s how to structure it:
1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and their first initial.
2. Continue with the next author’s last name and first initial, separated by a comma.
3. Add the remaining authors using the same format, separated by commas.
4. Include the publication date in parentheses, followed by a period.
5. Write the title of the work, capitalizing the first letter of each major word.
6. Place a comma after the title.
7. Specify the source type (e.g., book, journal article, website) and include the publisher or website name.
8. End with a period.
For example, a reference list entry for a journal article with three authors would look like this:
Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. M. (2020). The impact of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 54(2), 123-145.
Citing a Source with More Than Seven Authors
If a source has more than seven authors, only the first six authors should be listed in the reference list entry. The phrase “et al.” (meaning “and others”) should then follow, with the publication date in parentheses.
For example:
Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., Lee, D. M., Brown, P. Q., Smith, R. S., Thompson, H. J., & Wilson, J. G. (2020). The role of exercise in preventing chronic diseases. Medical Journal, 45(3), 176-190. et al.
Citing a Source with a Corporate Author
When the author is an organization or corporate entity, include the organization’s name in the reference list entry. If the organization has a specific author or editor, list them first, followed by the organization’s name.
For example:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-a-report-of-the-surgeon-general/index.shtml
Formatting In-text Citations
In-text citations for sources with multiple authors should include the author’s last name and the year of publication. If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the year is required in parentheses.
For example:
According to Smith, Johnson, and Lee (2020), social media use has a significant impact on mental health.
Or, if the author’s name is not mentioned in the sentence:
Several studies (Smith, Johnson, & Lee, 2020) have shown that social media use can negatively affect mental health.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA style citations for sources with multiple authors are accurate and consistent. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your assignment or publication, as formatting rules may vary slightly.
