APA Format Citation in Text: Guidelines and Examples
APA format citation in text is one of the most commonly used citation styles in the social sciences. This article will explore the guidelines and examples of APA format in-text citations
General Guidelines for APA Format Citation in Text
APA format citation in text requires the author’s last name and the year of publication to be included in the text when referring to a source. For example, “According to Smith (2020)…” or “It has been found that (Smith, 2020).” This style is used when citing sources within the text of a paper, essay, or research article.
When directly quoting from a source, you must also include the page number in the citation. For example, “According to Smith (2020), ‘The results of the study were inconclusive’ (p. 23).” This helps readers locate the exact place where the information is from.
If there are multiple authors for a source, include all of their last names in the citation when it is first mentioned in the text. For example, “Johnson, Smith, and Lee (2020) found that…” or “(Johnson, Smith, & Lee, 2020).”
When citing a source with three or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example, “(Smith et al., 2020).”
Specific Examples of APA Format Citation in Text
Here are some specific examples of how to cite different types of sources in APA format citation in text:
Single-author book APA in-text
- In-text citation: (Johnson, 2019)
- Quote: (Johnson, 2019, p. 45)
APA in-text for Multiple author book
- In-text citation: (Smith & Lee, 2018)
- Quote: (Smith & Lee, 2018, p. 63)
Journal article APA in-text
- In-text citation: (Brown, 2020)
- Quote: (Brown, 2020, p. 12)
APA in-text for Newspaper article
- In-text citation: (Jones, 2019)
- Quote: (Jones, 2019, para. 3)
Website APA in-text citations
- In-text citation: (National Institute of Health, 2021)
- Quote: (National Institute of Health, 2021, para. 6)
Mistakes to Avoid in APA Format in-text Citations
While APA format citation in text is a widely used style in academic writing, there are common mistakes that authors should avoid to ensure accuracy and credibility. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when using APA format citation in text:
- Incorrect or Incomplete Citations
One of the most common mistakes in APA format citation in text is not providing complete information about the source. This may include forgetting to include the year of publication, omitting the page number when quoting directly from a source, or not including the correct author’s name or title of the source. It is essential to double-check the information you include in your citations to ensure that all necessary details are present and accurate.
- Inconsistency in Style and Formatting
Another mistake is inconsistency in style and formatting. APA format citation in text has specific guidelines that must be followed consistently throughout the paper. This includes using the same format for different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, and websites. Inconsistency in style and formatting can create confusion for readers and undermine the credibility of your work.
- Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious offense in academic writing and can result in severe consequences. Plagiarism occurs when an author uses someone else’s work or ideas without giving proper credit through APA format citation in text. It is essential to cite all sources in your paper to avoid plagiarism properly.
- Misquoting or Misinterpreting Sources
Misquoting or misinterpreting sources is another mistake that can undermine the credibility of your work. When using direct quotes from a source, it is essential to ensure that the quote is accurate and reflects the original meaning of the author’s words. Misquoting or misinterpreting sources can lead to incorrect information and misrepresentation of the source’s intended meaning.
- Failing to Update Citations
Lastly, failing to update citations is another common mistake. If you revise your paper or add new sources, it is essential to update your citations accordingly. Failing to update your citations can result in outdated or inaccurate information and can undermine the credibility of your work.
APA format intext FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about APA format citation in text:
- Do I need to include the author’s first name in the in-text citation?
A: No, the APA format citation in text only requires the author’s last name and the year of publication.
- How do I cite a source that has no author listed?
A: Use the title of the source in place of the author’s name in the in-text citation.
- How do I cite a source with multiple authors that was published in different years?
A: Use the most recent year in the in-text citation.
- How do I cite a source with multiple authors in the reference list?
A: List all the authors’ names in the reference list citation, up to 20 authors. If there are more than 20 authors, list the first 19, then add an ellipsis (…) followed by the last author’s name.
- How do I cite a source that has been cited in another source?
A: Use the phrase “as cited in” in the in-text citation, followed by the author and date of the source you actually read. For example, “Smith’s study (as cited in Johnson, 2020) found that…”
- How do I cite a source with multiple works by the same author?
A: Include the author’s last name and the publication year for each work, separated by a comma. For example, (Johnson, 2015, 2018).
- How do I cite a source with no date?
A: Use the abbreviation “n.d.” in place of the year in the in-text citation and reference list citation.
- How do I cite a source from a video or film?
A: In the in-text citation, include the timestamp where the information appears (e.g., 01:23:45). In the reference list citation, include the title of the video or film, the year of publication, and the name of the streaming service or publisher.
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