Example of In-Text Citation APA 7th Edition
In academic writing, it is crucial to give credit to the original author or source of information used in your paper. This is done through proper citation, and one of the widely used citation styles is the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition. In this article, we will provide an example of in-text citation in APA 7th edition and explain how to use it correctly.
What do you mean by in-text citation?
In-text citation is a way to acknowledge and give credit to the original source of information or ideas that you have used in your academic paper. It is a brief reference within the text of your document that helps readers locate the full citation in the reference list at the end of your paper. In-text citations are essential for academic integrity and to avoid plagiarism.
How to use in-text citation in APA 7th edition?
APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines for in-text citations. The general format for citing sources in-text is (Author’s Last Name, Year). However, there are variations depending on the number of authors, types of sources, and direct quotations. Let’s look at an example to understand how in-text citations are used in APA 7th edition.
Example: According to Johnson (2021), APA 7th edition provides clear guidelines for in-text citations (p. 45).
In this example, Johnson is the author’s last name, and 2021 is the publication year. The phrase in quotation marks is the direct quote taken from the original source. The ‘p. 45’ indicates the page number from where the quote was taken.
What is known about APA 7th edition in-text citation?
In the 7th edition of the APA style guide, there have been significant changes in the rules for in-text citations. Some of the notable changes include:
Use of ‘et al.’ for three or more authors: In previous editions, all author names had to be mentioned in the first citation, but now, if there are three or more authors, ‘et al.’ can be used from the first citation onwards.
Use of ‘p.’ for page numbers: The abbreviation ‘p.’ is now used for both single and multiple page numbers, replacing the need for ‘pp.’
Use of ‘para.’ for non-paginated sources: If you are citing from a non-paginated source, such as a website or online document, use ‘para.’ followed by the paragraph number.
Use of ‘n.d.’ for no date: If the source you are citing does not have a publication date, use ‘n.d.’ in place of the year.
Solution for correct in-text citations
To ensure that you are using in-text citations correctly in APA 7th edition, it is important to consult the official APA Publication Manual or reliable online sources that provide updated guidelines. Here are some steps to follow for accurate in-text citations:
Identify the type of source you are citing (e.g., book, journal article, website).
Find the specific guidelines for that source type in APA 7th edition.
Follow the prescribed format for in-text citations, including the use of author names, publication year, page numbers, and section headings as necessary.
Double-check the accuracy of your citations by referring to the original source.
By adhering to the guidelines and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure that your in-text citations are accurate and properly acknowledge the original sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of in-text citation in academic writing?
In-text citations serve the purpose of acknowledging and giving credit to the original source of information or ideas used in academic writing. It helps readers locate the full citation in the reference list and promotes academic integrity.
2. Can I use in-text citations for paraphrased information?
Yes, in-text citations are used not only for direct quotes but also for paraphrased information. Whenever you summarize or rephrase someone else’s ideas or information, you must provide an in-text citation.
3. Are the in-text citation rules the same for all citation styles?
No, different citation styles have their own specific rules for in-text citations. APA, MLA, Chicago, and other styles have variations in the format, punctuation, and placement of in-text citations.
4. What should I do if the source I am citing does not have an author?
If the source does not have an author, use the first few words of the title in the in-text citation. Additionally, include the title of the source in the reference list entry.
5. How can I avoid plagiarism in my academic writing?
To avoid plagiarism, always remember to provide proper citations for all the sources you use in your academic writing. This includes both in-text citations and a comprehensive reference list at the end of your paper.
Conclusion
In-text citations are an important aspect of academic writing, and the APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines for their proper use. By correctly citing sources within your paper, you not only avoid plagiarism but also give credit to the original authors. Through the example and guidelines provided in this article, you should now have a better understanding of how to use in-text citations in APA 7th edition.
