How to Internally Cite Multiple Authors APA
In academic writing, it is not uncommon to come across sources that have multiple authors. When using the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style, citing multiple authors correctly is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and providing readers with accurate references. This article will guide you through the process of how to internally cite multiple authors in APA format.
Understanding APA Formatting for Multiple Authors
According to APA guidelines, when citing a source with two to nine authors, all authors should be listed in the text, separated by commas, and followed by the publication date in parentheses. For example: (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2020). If the source has ten or more authors, only the first author’s name should be mentioned, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the publication date. For instance: (Smith et al., 2020).
Formatting In-text Citations with Multiple Authors
When citing a source with multiple authors in the text, the formatting should be consistent. Here are some examples:
1. Direct quote: “According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020), the results indicate a significant correlation between the variables (p < .05)." 2. Paraphrase: The study found a significant correlation between the variables (Smith et al., 2020). 3. Indirect quote: Smith and colleagues (2020) noted that the variables were significantly correlated.
Formatting Endnotes or Footnotes with Multiple Authors
If you choose to use endnotes or footnotes instead of in-text citations, the formatting remains the same. For example:
Endnote/footnote: 1. Smith, J., Johnson, B., & Brown, C. (2020). The correlation between variables. Journal of Psychology, 5(2), 123-145.
Formatting References with Multiple Authors
When listing the reference for a source with multiple authors in the reference list, the formatting should be as follows:
For two to nine authors: Smith, J., Johnson, B., Brown, C., & Davis, E. (2020). The correlation between variables. Journal of Psychology, 5(2), 123-145.
For ten or more authors: Smith, J., et al. (2020). The correlation between variables. Journal of Psychology, 5(2), 123-145.
Conclusion
Citing multiple authors in APA format is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing accurate references. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and reference list are formatted correctly. Always double-check the APA Publication Manual for the most up-to-date guidelines and formatting rules.
