APA 7 Citation Example: A Guide to Properly Citing Sources in Academic Writing

What do you mean by APA 7 Citation?

APA 7 Citation refers to the specific rules and guidelines outlined in the seventh edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). It is a widely used citation style in academic writing, primarily in the fields of social sciences, education, and psychology. APA 7 provides a standardized format for citing sources to ensure accuracy, credibility, and consistency within academic works.

How to Use APA 7 Citation?

Using APA 7 citation involves following a set of rules for formatting and organizing your references. The guidelines outline how to cite different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, and more. To create an APA citation, you need to include specific elements, such as author names, publication dates, titles, and retrieval information. These elements are structured in a specific order and format, varying depending on the type of source being cited.

What is Known about APA 7 Citation?

The APA 7 citation style has undergone several changes and updates compared to its previous edition, APA 6. Some key differences include the use of author names in in-text citations, capitalization rules, and the inclusion of DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for online sources. Additionally, APA 7 has introduced new guidelines for citing various types of sources, such as social media posts, podcasts, and apps.

Solution: Understanding APA 7 Citation with Examples

To properly cite sources using APA 7th edition, it is essential to understand the specific formatting rules and elements required for each source type. Let’s explore a few examples:

Book Citation Example:

Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of Book. Publisher.

For example: Smith, J. D. (2021). The Power of Words. ABC Publications.

Journal Article Citation Example:

Lastname, F. M., & Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI

For example: Johnson, S. M., & Thompson, L. A. (2020). The Impact of Technology on Education. Journal of Educational Research, 45(2), 123-145. doi:10.1234/5678

Website Citation Example:

Author(s) or Organization. (Year, Month Day). Title of webpage/document. Website Name. URL

For example: National Cancer Institute. (2021, May 25). Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/statistics

Additional Information on APA 7 Citation

When citing sources in APA 7, it’s important to note that the format may vary depending on the specific circumstances. For example, if there is no author listed, you would start the citation with the title of the source. If there are multiple authors, their names should be separated by an ampersand (&) in the reference list and and in in-text citations.

APA 7 also provides guidelines for citing sources in non-English languages, using et al. for works with six or more authors, and citing indirect sources. It is crucial to consult the official APA Manual or reliable online sources for comprehensive information on citing specific sources or scenarios.

In-text citations are another important aspect of APA 7 citation. They help readers locate the original source of information within the body of your work. In-text citations typically include the author’s last name and the publication year, enclosed in parentheses, e.g., (Smith, 2021).

Conclusion

Properly citing sources using APA 7th edition is crucial for academic writing. By following the specific rules and guidelines, you ensure that your work is credible, accurate, and respects intellectual property. Understanding the different citation formats for various source types and staying updated with the latest APA guidelines is essential for maintaining the integrity of your research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to include page numbers in APA 7 citations?

Page numbers are optional in APA 7 citations for paraphrased or summarized information. However, they are required for direct quotations.

2. Can I use APA 6th edition instead of APA 7th edition?

While APA 6th edition was widely used in the past, it is recommended to use the latest APA 7th edition for new academic papers as it reflects the most recent updates and guidelines.

3. Is there a difference between APA 7 citation and APA referencing?

No, APA 7 citation and APA referencing are interchangeable terms that refer to the process of acknowledging and citing sources within academic writing using the APA style.

4. Are there any online tools available for generating APA 7 citations?

Yes, there are various online citation generators, such as EasyBib, Citation Machine, and BibMe, that can assist you in generating accurate APA 7 citations. However, it is recommended to double-check the generated citations for accuracy and adherence to APA guidelines.

5. Where can I find more examples and detailed information on APA 7 citation?

You can refer to the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition) for comprehensive guidelines and examples on APA 7 citation. Additionally, reputable online sources, such as the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) and APA Style website, provide detailed information and examples on APA 7 citation.