APA Text Citation Example: How to Cite Sources in Academic Writing

What do you mean by APA text citation?

APA text citation is a standardized method of acknowledging and citing sources used in academic writing. Developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), this citation style ensures proper acknowledgment of the original authors and helps readers locate the referenced sources easily.

How to use APA text citation?

APA text citation should be used whenever you include ideas, facts, or any direct quotes from other sources in your academic writing. It enables you to provide credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

To use APA text citation, you need to follow specific guidelines for different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, and more. These guidelines include information such as author names, publication years, titles, and page numbers.

Each in-text citation should be accompanied by a corresponding reference entry in the reference list at the end of your paper.

What is known about APA text citation?

APA text citation is widely used in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education. It provides a clear and uniform way of citing sources, ensuring consistency and credibility in academic writing.

In APA text citation, the author’s last name and the publication year are included in the in-text citation, which directs the reader to the complete reference in the reference list. The reference list provides detailed information about each source, allowing readers to locate the original material.

Solution: How to use APA text citation with examples

Let’s explore the APA text citation format by examining examples for different types of sources:

Book:

In-text citation: (Smith, 2019)

Reference entry: Smith, J. (2019). Title of Book. Publisher.

Journal Article:

In-text citation: (Johnson & Brown, 2020, p. 25)

Reference entry: Johnson, A., & Brown, C. (2020). Title of Article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page Range.

Website:

In-text citation: (National Institute of Health, 2018)

Reference entry: National Institute of Health. (2018). Title of Webpage. Retrieved from URL

Remember to italicize book and journal titles in the reference entry, and use proper capitalization and punctuation. Additionally, include page numbers for direct quotes, and use et al. for sources with multiple authors.

Additional Information about APA text citation

Here are some additional points to consider when using APA text citation:

1. Multiple Authors:

When citing a source with two authors, include both authors’ names in the in-text citation. For sources with three or more authors, use et al. after the first author’s name.

2. No Author:

If a source has no identifiable author, use the title of the work in the in-text citation. This is also applicable for sources such as websites or articles with group or organizational authors.

3. Page Numbers:

Include page numbers for direct quotes or if you are referencing a specific section of a source. However, for paraphrased information or general references, page numbers are not required.

4. Electronic Sources:

When citing electronic sources, such as websites or online articles, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the reference entry. If the URL is too long, you can use the shortened form provided by websites like Bitly.

5. Formatting:

Ensure that your APA text citations are consistently formatted throughout your paper. Use hanging indentation for reference entries in the reference list, and maintain a consistent font and size throughout your document.

Conclusion

APA text citation is an essential part of academic writing as it provides a standardized way to acknowledge and cite sources. By following the guidelines and examples provided, you can effectively incorporate APA text citation into your writing, ensuring proper attribution and maintaining academic integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is APA text citation the only citation style used in academic writing?

No, there are various citation styles used in academic writing, such as MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. The choice of citation style depends on the subject area and the preferences of the institution or journal you are submitting to.

2. Can I use APA text citation for non-academic writing?

While APA text citation is primarily used in academic writing, it can also be applied to other forms of writing, such as research reports, white papers, and literature reviews.

3. Are there any online tools available to generate APA text citations?

Yes, there are several online citation generators that can help you create accurate APA text citations. However, it is important to double-check the generated citations for accuracy and formatting compliance.

4. Do I need to include the full reference in the text citation?

No, the in-text citation should include only the author’s last name and the publication year. The full reference is provided in the reference list at the end of your paper.

5. What should I do if I cannot find all the necessary information to cite a source?

If you are unable to find specific information required for citation, such as the publication year or page numbers, try to provide as much information as possible or consult with your instructor or librarian for guidance.