How to Reference Multiple Authors in APA
When writing a research paper or academic document, it is common to come across sources that have multiple authors. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines on how to reference these sources correctly. Properly citing multiple authors in APA format is essential for academic integrity and to give credit to the original authors of the work. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to reference multiple authors in APA format.
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA
According to APA guidelines, when referencing a source with multiple authors, the following format should be used:
– For two authors, list both names in the text of your paper.
– For three to five authors, list all names in the text of your paper.
– For more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) in the text of your paper.
Here’s an example:
– Two authors: Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020).
– Three to five authors: Brown, A., Davis, B., Edwards, C., & Foster, D. (2019).
– More than five authors: Thompson, E., et al. (2018).
Reference List Entry
When creating the reference list entry for a source with multiple authors, follow these guidelines:
– Begin with the author’s last name, followed by their first initial.
– List the year of publication in parentheses.
– Provide the title of the source, using quotation marks for book titles and article titles.
– Include the publisher or journal name, and page numbers if applicable.
Here’s an example of a reference list entry for a source with multiple authors:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
Formatting In-text Citations
When citing a source with multiple authors in your text, follow these guidelines:
– For two authors, use both names in the in-text citation.
– For three to five authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”
– For more than five authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”
Here’s an example:
Smith & Johnson (2020) found that climate change has significant impacts on coastal communities.
Conclusion
Properly referencing multiple authors in APA format is crucial for academic integrity and giving credit to the original authors. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure that your paper is well-cited and meets the standards of the APA format. Always double-check the specific guidelines of your institution or publication to ensure compliance with their requirements.
