APA Style Internet Citation Example

What do you mean by APA Style Internet Citation?

APA style internet citation refers to the method of acknowledging and citing online sources in academic writing using the American Psychological Association (APA) style. This style is widely used in social sciences, psychology, and education fields. It provides a standardized format for citing various online sources, such as websites, online articles, blogs, social media posts, and online videos, among others.

How to Create APA Style Internet Citations?

To create APA style internet citations, you need to follow specific guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Start with the author’s last name and initials, followed by the publication date in parentheses. If no author is available, begin with the title of the source.

2. Include the title of the webpage or article in sentence case, followed by a period.

3. Specify the source type in square brackets, such as [Webpage], [Blog post], [YouTube video], etc.

4. Provide the source’s URL (uniform resource locator) after the source type, without a period at the end.

5. If the source includes a publication or update date, include it in parentheses after the URL, separated by a comma.

6. If the source is an online journal or periodical, include the volume and issue number after the title, separated by a comma.

7. If the source includes a DOI (digital object identifier), include it at the end of the citation after doi: in lowercase letters.

8. If the webpage or article title begins with a lowercase letter, use a capital letter in the citation.

9. Use italics for the titles of books, journals, and online periodicals.

10. Use sentence case capitalization for the titles of articles, webpages, and blog posts.

What is Known about APA Style Internet Citation?

APA style internet citation is widely recognized and accepted in academic writing. It ensures that researchers and students give proper credit to the original authors of the online sources they use in their work. By citing sources correctly, it helps to avoid plagiarism and provides readers with a way to locate and verify the information being cited.

APA style internet citations follow a specific format that includes important details about the source, such as the author’s name, publication date, title, and URL. This allows readers to easily find the referenced source and evaluate its credibility.

It’s important to note that APA style internet citation guidelines may vary slightly depending on the specific source type, such as websites, blogs, social media posts, or online videos. Understanding these guidelines and applying them correctly ensures that your citations are accurate and consistent.

Solution to Creating APA Style Internet Citations

Creating APA style internet citations can be made easier by using online citation generators. These tools automatically generate citations in the desired citation style, including APA. To use them, you simply need to input the necessary information about the source, such as the author’s name, title, publication date, and URL. The generator then creates a properly formatted citation that you can copy and paste into your document.

Some popular online citation generators include EasyBib, Citation Machine, and BibMe. These tools can save you time and ensure that you create accurate and consistent APA style internet citations.

Important Information about APA Style Internet Citation

When using APA style internet citation, it’s essential to include all the necessary information for each source. Leaving out any important details may result in incomplete or incorrect citations. Additionally, it’s important to double-check the citations generated by online tools to ensure their accuracy.

Remember to keep your citations consistent throughout your document. Use the same format for all internet citations to maintain a professional and organized appearance.

Lastly, always include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your document that lists all the sources you cited, including internet sources, in APA format.

Conclusion

APA style internet citation is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By properly citing online sources, you give credit to the original authors, avoid plagiarism, and provide readers with the means to locate and verify the information. Following the guidelines for APA style internet citation, using online citation generators, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of your citations will contribute to the credibility and professionalism of your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to include the full URL in an APA style internet citation?

No, you only need to include the URL up to the domain name (e.g., www.example.com). Avoid including any tracking numbers, session IDs, or unnecessary parameters.

2. What if the online source doesn’t have an author?

If the online source does not have an author, begin the citation with the title of the source. However, it’s always preferable to provide an author’s name when available.

3. How do I cite a social media post in APA style?

When citing a social media post, provide the author’s username in place of the author’s name, the specific post content, and the URL of the post. Include the date of the post in parentheses.

4. Should I include the DOI in an APA style internet citation?

If the online source includes a DOI, it is recommended to include it in the citation. However, if the source does not have a DOI, you can exclude it.

5. Are there any exceptions to the APA style internet citation guidelines?

Yes, there may be exceptions for certain unique online sources. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult the official APA Style Guide or seek guidance from your instructor or supervisor.