In academic writing and research, accurately citing sources is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used, especially in social sciences, education, and business. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively use APA in-text citations in your papers, ensuring clarity and precision in your academic work. This guide is based on the latest 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual.
Understanding the Basics of APA In-Text Citations
APA style uses the author-date method for in-text citations. This means you include the author’s last name and the year of publication within the text whenever you refer to a source. A complete reference for each in-text citation should then be listed in the references section at the end of your paper.
The most basic APA in-text citation includes the author’s last name and year of publication, like this: (Jones, 1998). This format is used when you are referencing an idea or concept from a source, but not directly quoting it.
However, if you are directly quoting or paraphrasing specific information from a source, especially from a particular page, you need to include a page number. This helps readers locate the exact information you are referencing within the original source.
Citing Direct Quotations: Short and Long
When incorporating direct quotes into your writing, the way you format your in-text citation depends on the length of the quotation.
Short Quotations
For quotations that are fewer than 40 words, integrate them directly into your text within double quotation marks. Include the author, year, and page number in the citation. You can introduce the quote with a signal phrase that includes the author’s name, or place the entire citation at the end of the quotation.
Examples:
Introducing the author in a signal phrase:
According to Jones (1998), “students often had difficulty using APA style, especially when it was their first time” (p. 199).
Author and year in signal phrase, citation at the end:
Jones (1998) found “students often had difficulty using APA style” (p. 199); this highlights the need for improved citation education.
Citation at the end of the quote:
She stated, “students often had difficulty using APA style” (Jones, 1998, p. 199), emphasizing a common challenge in academic writing.
Long Quotations (Block Quotes)
Quotations that are 40 words or more are formatted as block quotations. Start the quotation on a new line, indent half an inch from the left margin, and do not use quotation marks. The parenthetical citation comes after the closing punctuation of the quotation.
Example:
Block quotation formatting is visually distinct and helps to set off longer passages of text. As the APA manual explains:
Because block quotation formatting is difficult for us to replicate in the OWL’s content management system, we have simply provided a screenshot of a generic example below. (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 2020)
Alt text: APA 7th edition block quotation format example demonstrating indentation and citation placement for long in-text citations.
This formatting clearly distinguishes the quoted material from your own analysis and writing.
Citing Sources Without Page Numbers
Not all sources have page numbers, especially online materials. For sources like websites, online articles without pagination, or videos, you cannot include a page number in your in-text citation. Instead, APA recommends using alternative locators when available and relevant. This could be:
- Paragraph numbers (para. or paras.): If the document has numbered paragraphs. Example: (Jones, 1998, para. 4).
- Chapter numbers (chap.): For books divided into chapters.
- Section headings: Use a brief section heading if it’s concise and helps the reader locate the information.
- Table or figure numbers: When referencing data from a specific table or figure.
- Timestamps: For audio or video sources, provide a timestamp. Example: (Smith, 2023, 01:30).
If no such locator is available, simply omit it and use only the author and year.
Examples:
Paragraph number:
Jones (1998) identified several reasons for student frustration with citation styles (paras. 4–5).
Table number:
A study revealed inconsistencies in student learning outcomes (Jones, 1998, Table 3).
Summarizing and Paraphrasing in APA Style
When you summarize or paraphrase someone else’s ideas in your own words, you still need to cite the source. While page numbers are not mandatory for summaries or paraphrases in APA style, including them can be helpful, especially when you are drawing from a specific section of a lengthy work. APA guidelines encourage including page ranges when it aids the reader in finding the information.
Examples:
Summary without page number:
Jones (1998) argues that APA style presents challenges for newcomers to academic citation.
Paraphrase with page number for clarity:
APA style is often considered a complex citation format, particularly for students learning it for the first time (Jones, 1998, p. 199).
Capitalization, Quotes, and Italics in APA In-Text Citations
Pay attention to capitalization and formatting when mentioning titles within your in-text citations.
- Capitalization: Always capitalize proper nouns, including author names.
- Title Case for Source Titles: When you mention the title of a source within the text (not in the citation itself), use title case capitalization. This means capitalizing all major words (words with four or more letters). For example, Permanence and Change.
- Italics vs. Quotation Marks for Titles:
- Italicize titles of works that are also italicized in your reference list, such as books, journals, and reports. Example: The Closing of the American Mind.
- Use double quotation marks for titles of works that are in quotation marks in your reference list, such as articles, chapters, and web page titles. Example: “Multimedia Narration: Constructing Possible Worlds.”
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your APA in-text citations are accurate, clear, and contribute to the overall credibility of your academic work. Mastering APA in-text citations is a fundamental skill for academic success, allowing you to properly acknowledge sources and build upon existing research.
