How to Cite APA Format Multiple Authors
Citing sources in APA format can sometimes be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple authors. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides specific guidelines on how to format in-text citations and reference lists for works with multiple authors. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite APA format multiple authors in both in-text citations and reference lists.
In-text citations
When citing a source with multiple authors in APA format, the in-text citation should include the author’s last name, followed by the publication year, and the page number if applicable. The format is as follows:
– For two authors: (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 25)
– For three authors: (Smith, Johnson, & Thompson, 2020, p. 25)
– For four or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020, p. 25)
If you are citing a source that has more than one in-text citation within the same paragraph, you can use a shortened form of the author’s name, as long as it is clear which source you are referencing. For example:
– (Smith & Johnson, 2020) argue that…
– In contrast, (Smith et al., 2020) found…
Reference lists
In the reference list, all sources should be listed alphabetically by the author’s last name. When citing a source with multiple authors, follow these guidelines:
– For two authors: Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), page range.
– For three authors: Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Thompson, M. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), page range.
– For four or more authors: Smith, J., Johnson, L., Thompson, M., & Wang, P. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), page range.
When there are multiple authors with the same last name, include their first initial to differentiate between them. For example:
– Smith, J. A., Smith, J. B., & Smith, J. C. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), page range.
Remember to use the correct punctuation and formatting when citing sources in APA format. Pay attention to capitalization, italics, and the inclusion of volume and issue numbers for journal articles.
In conclusion, citing APA format multiple authors involves following specific guidelines for in-text citations and reference lists. By adhering to these rules, you can ensure that your academic work is properly credited and meets the standards of the American Psychological Association.
