How to Cite in APA When There Are Two Authors
In the world of academic writing, citing sources is an essential aspect of giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism. When citing sources in APA (American Psychological Association) style, it is important to follow specific guidelines, especially when dealing with works that have two authors. This article will provide a detailed explanation on how to cite in APA when there are two authors, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that when citing a work with two authors in APA style, you should list both authors’ last names followed by the publication date in parentheses. For example:
(Brown & Smith, 2020)
This format is used for both in-text citations and the reference list. Now, let’s delve into the specific guidelines for citing works with two authors in APA style.
1. In-text citations:
When citing a work with two authors in the text, you should use the authors’ last names followed by the year of publication. If you mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you only need to include the year in parentheses. However, if you are quoting directly or paraphrasing, you must include both the authors’ names and the year in parentheses. For example:
According to Brown and Smith (2020), the findings indicate a significant correlation between the two variables.
When you quote directly from the source, include the page number after the parentheses:
(Brown & Smith, 2020, p. 25)
2. Reference list:
In the reference list, you should list the authors’ last names, first initials, publication date, the title of the work, the title of the journal or book, volume number (if applicable), issue number (if applicable), and page range. For example:
Brown, J., & Smith, A. (2020). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Technology, 45(2), 123-145.
In this example, the authors’ names are listed in alphabetical order, and the title of the journal is italicized.
3. Citing works with two authors in a different format:
If the work is not a journal article, the citation format may vary slightly. For example, if it is a book, you would include the publisher’s name and location after the title. If it is a chapter in an edited book, you would include the editor’s name after the chapter title and before the book title.
In conclusion, citing works with two authors in APA style is relatively straightforward. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your references are accurate and consistent. Always remember to check for any specific instructions provided by your academic institution or publisher, as citation formats may vary slightly.
