APA 7th Edition In-Text Citation Examples
APA (American Psychological Association) style is a widely used format for academic writing, especially in the social sciences. In-text citations are an essential part of APA style as they provide readers with information about the sources you have used within your paper. The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual introduced some changes and updates to the in-text citation guidelines. In this article, we will explain what APA 7th edition in-text citation means, how to use it, and provide various examples for better understanding.
What do you mean by APA 7th edition in-text citation?
APA 7th edition in-text citations refer to the way you acknowledge and give credit to sources of information within the body of your paper. These citations help readers identify and locate the original sources you have used. In-text citations are necessary whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize someone else’s work.
Prior to the 7th edition, APA style required the use of et al. when citing a source with three or more authors. However, the 7th edition allows you to include up to 20 authors’ names before using et al. In-text citations also include the publication year of the source and page numbers (if applicable) to provide specific information to readers.
How to use APA 7th edition in-text citation?
Using APA 7th edition in-text citation involves a simple process. Whenever you include information from a source in your paper, you need to provide an in-text citation. The basic format for in-text citations includes the author’s last name and the publication year in parentheses, e.g., (Smith, 2022).
If you directly quote the source, you should also include the page number after the year, separated by a comma, e.g., (Smith, 2022, p. 45). If the source has no page numbers, use the paragraph number or other locator information instead.
For sources with multiple authors, list the last names of all authors for the first citation, separated by commas. For subsequent citations, include only the first author’s last name followed by et al. For example, (Smith, Johnson, Williams, & Brown, 2022) for the first citation and (Smith et al., 2022) for subsequent citations.
What is known about APA 7th edition in-text citation?
APA 7th edition in-text citation guidelines provide consistency and clarity for academic writing. The new edition brings some changes to make citations more flexible and user-friendly. It allows for the inclusion of up to 20 authors’ names before using et al. to accommodate a broader range of research collaborations.
Additionally, the 7th edition emphasizes the use of DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) when available, as they provide a stable link to online resources. If a DOI is provided for a source, it should be included in the in-text citation. If a DOI is not available, include the URL of the source instead.
Furthermore, APA 7th edition introduces the concept of singular they to acknowledge nonbinary gender identities. It allows the use of they as a singular pronoun when referring to individuals, promoting inclusivity in scholarly writing.
Solution: Proper APA 7th edition in-text citation
To ensure proper APA 7th edition in-text citation, follow these guidelines:
Cite all sources you have used in your paper.
Include the author’s last name and publication year for in-text citations.
Add page numbers for direct quotes, or paragraph numbers if page numbers are not available.
List up to 20 authors’ names before using et al. for subsequent citations.
Include DOIs or URLs for online sources when available.
Use they as a singular pronoun when referring to individuals.
By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your in-text citations are accurate, complete, and in line with APA 7th edition requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use abbreviations in APA 7th edition in-text citations?
Yes, you can use abbreviations for long group author names or commonly known terms. However, make sure to provide the full name of the abbreviation in the first in-text citation, followed by the abbreviation in square brackets. For example, (National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], 2022).
2. How do I cite multiple sources within the same parentheses?
If you need to cite multiple sources within the same parentheses, arrange them alphabetically by the authors’ last names, separated by semicolons. For example, (Smith, 2022; Johnson, 2021; Williams, 2020).
3. Do I need to include in-text citations for common knowledge?
No, you do not need to include in-text citations for information that is considered common knowledge. Common knowledge refers to information that is widely known and can be found in multiple sources. However, if you are unsure whether something is common knowledge or not, it is best to provide an in-text citation to be safe.
4. Can I use APA 7th edition in-text citations for non-academic writing?
While APA style is primarily used for academic writing, you can apply the principles of APA 7th edition in-text citations to other types of writing as well. Properly citing sources demonstrates integrity and provides credibility to your work, regardless of the context.
5. Are there any online tools available to help with APA 7th edition in-text citations?
Yes, there are various online citation generators and referencing tools that can assist you in creating accurate APA 7th edition in-text citations. These tools allow you to input the necessary information, and they generate the citation in the appropriate format.
Overall, understanding how to use APA 7th edition in-text citations is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and providing proper credit to the sources you have used in your writing. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can apply the correct in-text citation format and enhance the quality of your academic work.
