APA In-Text Citation Example: Two Authors
When writing academic papers or conducting research, it is crucial to properly cite your sources to give credit and avoid plagiarism. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in the social sciences, and it provides specific guidelines for in-text citations. In this article, we will explore an example of APA in-text citation when there are two authors involved.
What do you mean by APA in-text citation?
APA in-text citation refers to the method of acknowledging sources within the text of your paper. It allows readers to locate the full citation in the reference list at the end of your document. In-text citations are necessary whenever you paraphrase, quote, or refer to someone else’s work in your own writing.
How to format an APA in-text citation with two authors?
When citing a source with two authors in APA style, you need to include both authors’ last names and the publication year in parentheses. Use an ampersand (&) between the authors’ names, rather than the word and.
For instance, let’s say you are citing a book written by John Smith and Jane Doe, published in 2022. Your in-text citation would look like this: (Smith & Doe, 2022).
What is known about APA in-text citation with two authors?
The APA in-text citation style with two authors is quite straightforward. By including both authors’ last names and the publication year, you provide readers with enough information to locate the complete reference in the reference list.
It is important to note that if the authors’ names are part of the sentence, you only need to include the publication year in parentheses. For example, According to Smith and Doe (2022), the research findings suggest…
What is the solution when there is missing information for an APA in-text citation with two authors?
Sometimes, you may come across sources with incomplete information, such as missing publication dates or unknown authors. In such cases, you can still create an APA in-text citation by using the available information.
If the publication date is missing, you can use n.d. (meaning no date) in place of the year. For example, (Smith & Doe, n.d.).
If there are unknown authors, you can use the title of the source instead. However, it is recommended to use this option as a last resort and only when it is not possible to identify the author. For example, (Title of the Source, 2022).
Additional information on APA in-text citation with two authors
Here are some additional points to keep in mind when using APA in-text citation with two authors:
If the source has three or more authors, you can use the first author’s name followed by et al. (e.g., Smith et al., 2022).
When citing multiple sources within the same parentheses, arrange them in alphabetical order by the authors’ last names, separated by semicolons (e.g., Smith & Doe, 2022; Johnson, 2021).
For direct quotations, include the page number after the year, separated by a comma (e.g., Smith & Doe, 2022, p. 45).
If you are citing different works by the same author(s), include enough information to differentiate between them (e.g., Smith & Doe, 2022, Study 1; Smith & Doe, 2022, Study 2).
Conclusion
In-text citations are an essential component of academic writing in the APA style. When citing sources with two authors, it is important to include both authors’ last names and the publication year. By following the guidelines for APA in-text citation, you ensure that your work is properly credited and demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Do I have to include the authors’ first names in an APA in-text citation with two authors?
No, in APA in-text citations with two authors, you only need to include their last names and the publication year.
2. Can I use and instead of & in an APA in-text citation with two authors?
No, in APA style, it is recommended to use an ampersand (&) between the authors’ names.
3. What should I do if there are more than two authors?
If there are three or more authors, you can use the first author’s name followed by et al. in APA in-text citations.
4. Can I include the authors’ first names in the sentence and omit them from the in-text citation?
Yes, if you mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you can omit them from the in-text citation and only include the publication year in parentheses.
5. What should I do if the source has missing information for an APA in-text citation with two authors?
If there is missing information, such as the publication date or unknown authors, you can use n.d. or the source’s title as alternatives, respectively.
