The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in academic writing, particularly in the social and behavioral sciences. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. In this article, we will delve into the world of APA citation, exploring the basics, in-text citations, reference page formatting, and the tools available to make the process easier.
APA style is used by students, researchers, and professionals to format their papers, cite sources, and create reference lists. The APA Publication Manual, now in its 7th edition, provides guidelines for formatting and citation. The Scribbr APA Citation Generator is a reliable tool for creating accurate citations in seconds.
In-text citations are used to acknowledge the work of others within the text. They include the author's last name, publication date, and a locator (page number or timestamp). There are two types of in-text citations:
When a source has multiple authors or a corporate author, the in-text citation changes:
| Author Type | Parenthetical Citation | Narrative Citation |
|---|---|---|
| One author | (Smith, 2020) | Smith (2020) |
| Two authors | (Smith & Jones, 2020) | Smith and Jones (2020) |
| Three or more authors | (Smith et al., 2020) | Smith et al. (2020) |
| Corporate author | (Scribbr, 2020) | Scribbr (2020) |
The reference page, also known as the bibliography, lists all the sources cited in the paper. The references should be formatted according to APA guidelines:
The reference page should include the following elements:
Scribbr offers a range of tools and resources to help with APA citation:
Mastering APA citation is essential for academic writing. By understanding the basics of in-text citations, reference page formatting, and using the right tools, you can ensure accurate and proper citation. The Scribbr APA Citation Generator and other resources can help you achieve this goal. Remember to always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. With practice and the right tools, you can become proficient in APA citation and produce high-quality academic papers.
Learn more about APA citation and get started with the Scribbr APA Citation Generator.
