Parenthetical Citation Example APA: A Guide to Proper Referencing in APA Style

What do you mean by parenthetical citation in APA?

When writing academic papers or conducting research, it is essential to give credit to the sources you have used. Parenthetical citation is a way of acknowledging these sources within the text of your document, specifically in the form of in-text citations. In APA style, these citations are included within parentheses and provide brief information about the source, such as the author’s name, date of publication, and page number.

How to use parenthetical citation in APA?

To use parenthetical citation in APA, you need to follow a specific format. When referencing a source within the text, include the author’s last name followed by a comma, the publication year, and the page number (if applicable), all enclosed in parentheses. For example: (Smith, 2022, p. 45). If the source has multiple authors, list them all with an ampersand (&) between the last two names, like (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2022, p. 45).

If you mention the author’s name within the sentence, you only need to include the publication year and page number in parentheses. For instance, According to Smith (2022), the discovery was groundbreaking (p. 45).

If the source has no identifiable author, use the title of the article, book, or webpage in place of the author’s name. Italicize the title and use quotation marks for shorter works or articles. For instance: (Title of Article, 2022, p. 45).

What is known about parenthetical citation in APA?

Parenthetical citation is a widely accepted method of referencing sources in academic writing, particularly in the field of social sciences. The American Psychological Association (APA) developed a set of rules and guidelines to ensure consistency and accuracy in citations. APA style is commonly used in psychology, education, sociology, and other disciplines.

Using parenthetical citation in APA not only allows readers to locate the original sources easily but also demonstrates your credibility and gives proper credit to the authors of the information you have used. It helps to avoid plagiarism and supports the overall integrity of your research.

Solution: How to create parenthetical citation in APA?

To create a parenthetical citation in APA, follow these step-by-step guidelines:

1. Identify the type of source you are referencing: Is it a book, journal article, website, or something else?
2. Find the necessary information: For books, note the author’s name, publication year, title, and page numbers. For articles, note the author’s name, publication year, article title, journal name, volume, issue, and page numbers.
3. Insert the citation within the text: Place the citation within parentheses at the end of the sentence or phrase where you have used the information from the source.
4. Format the citation: Use the appropriate format for your specific source type, following APA guidelines. Include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number (if applicable) separated by commas.
5. Repeat for all sources: Make sure to create a parenthetical citation for each source you have referenced in your document.

Remember to cross-check your citations with the APA manual or online resources to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Additional information about parenthetical citation in APA

Here are a few additional points to keep in mind when using parenthetical citation in APA:

1. If you are using a direct quotation, include the page number(s) in the citation to indicate where the quote can be found in the original source.
2. When citing multiple sources within the same parentheses, arrange them in alphabetical order by the first author’s last name, separated by semicolons.
3. If the source has more than three authors, cite only the first author’s name followed by et al. (meaning and others) in subsequent citations.
4. For online sources that do not provide page numbers, use paragraph numbers (para. 5) or section headings (e.g., Results or Conclusion) to indicate the location of the information.
5. If you are citing a source that you found within another source (secondary citation), include both the original source and the source you actually consulted.

Remember, accurate and consistent citation is crucial for academic integrity and to avoid plagiarism. Always consult the APA style guide or seek guidance from your instructor or librarian if you have any doubts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to include page numbers in every parenthetical citation?

No, page numbers are only necessary when you are directly quoting or paraphrasing a specific part of a source. If you are referring to the general ideas or concepts of the source, page numbers are not required.

2. What if the source I am citing has no publication date?

If the source you are citing does not have a specific publication date, use n.d. (meaning no date) instead. For example: (Smith, n.d., p. 45). However, it is always best to try to locate the publication date or consult with your instructor or librarian for further guidance.

3. Can I use a shortened form of the parenthetical citation in subsequent references to the same source?

Yes, in subsequent references to the same source, you can use a shortened form of the parenthetical citation. Include the author’s last name and the publication year, omitting the title and page number. For example: (Smith, 2022).

4. Are there any variations in APA parenthetical citation for different source types?

Yes, the formatting of parenthetical citations may vary slightly depending on the type of source you are referencing. For instance, the information required for a book citation differs from that of a journal article or online source. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines for each source type.

5. Can I use footnotes instead of parenthetical citations in APA style?

No, in APA style, parenthetical citation is the preferred method of referencing sources within the text. Footnotes or endnotes are generally not used for in-text citations in APA style. However, you may use footnotes or endnotes for additional explanatory or supplementary information that is not essential to the main text.