How to In-Text Cite APA 7 with Multiple Authors
In the realm of academic writing, proper citation is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to the original authors of the ideas and information presented. When citing sources with multiple authors in APA 7th edition, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to in-text cite APA 7 with multiple authors.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics of in-text citation with multiple authors, it is essential to understand the basic structure of an APA 7th edition citation. An in-text citation typically includes the author’s last name and the year of publication. If the source has two authors, both names are included in the citation. For three or more authors, only the first author’s last name is mentioned, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication.
Formatting an In-Text Citation with Multiple Authors
1. Identify the author(s): Begin by identifying the author(s) of the source you wish to cite. If the source has multiple authors, note their names.
2. Determine the number of authors: If there are two authors, include both names in the in-text citation. For three or more authors, include only the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.”
3. Add the year of publication: After the author(s) or the first author followed by “et al.,” include the year of publication in parentheses.
4. Include the page number (if applicable): If you are referencing a specific part of the source, such as a paragraph or a specific statistic, include the page number after the parentheses.
Example:
– Two authors: (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
– Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020)
– With page number: (Smith et al., 2020, p. 25)
Formatting an In-Text Citation with a Source Mentioned in a Sentence
When citing a source within a sentence, it is important to integrate the citation smoothly into the text. Follow these steps:
1. Mention the author(s) in the sentence: Introduce the author(s) in your sentence before providing the in-text citation.
2. Include the year of publication in parentheses: After mentioning the author(s), place the year of publication in parentheses.
3. Include the page number (if applicable): If you are referencing a specific part of the source, add the page number after the parentheses.
Example:
According to Smith and Johnson (2020), the study found that…
(p. 25)
Example:
Smith et al. (2020) argue that…
(p. 35)
Conclusion
In-text citation with multiple authors in APA 7th edition requires following specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. By understanding the basics and following the proper format, you can effectively credit the original authors of your sources and maintain academic integrity in your writing.
