How to Cite More Than 3 Authors in APA
In academic writing, it is common to reference works that have multiple authors. When citing such sources in APA format, it is important to follow the correct guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding APA citation is how to cite more than three authors. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the process.
Understanding the APA Format
APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. It provides a standardized format for citing sources, including books, journal articles, and web pages. When citing a source with more than three authors, there are specific rules to follow.
Citing a Source with More Than Three Authors
To cite a source with more than three authors in APA format, you should list all the authors’ last names and initials in the first reference. In subsequent references, you can use “et al.” (meaning “and others”) to shorten the list of authors. Here’s an example:
First citation:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., & Davis, R. (2019). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Technology, 10(2), 45-58.
Subsequent citations:
Smith et al. (2019) found that technology has a significant impact on education.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with more than three authors in the text, you should follow the same format as mentioned above. If you mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name. For example:
According to Smith et al. (2019), technology has a significant impact on education.
If you do not mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you can use “et al.” at the beginning of the citation. For example:
Smith et al. (2019) found that technology has a significant impact on education.
Formatting the Reference List Entry
In the reference list, you should still list all the authors’ names and initials. Here’s an example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., & Davis, R. (2019). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Technology, 10(2), 45-58.
Remember to include the publication date, title of the article, title of the journal, volume, issue number, and page numbers.
Conclusion
Citing sources with more than three authors in APA format can be challenging, but following the guidelines provided in this article will help you achieve accurate and consistent citations. By understanding the rules and formatting requirements, you can ensure that your academic writing meets the standards expected in your field.
