How Many Authors to Use “et al.” in APA 7th Edition
In the APA 7th edition, the use of “et al.” is a common practice when citing sources with multiple authors. However, determining how many authors should be included before using “et al.” can sometimes be confusing. This article aims to provide guidance on this topic, ensuring that researchers and writers adhere to the correct citation format.
When to Use “et al.”
According to the APA 7th edition, “et al.” should be used when citing a source with three or more authors. This abbreviation is derived from the Latin phrase “et alii,” which means “and others.” The purpose of using “et al.” is to streamline the citation process, especially when a source has an extensive list of authors.
Formatting the Citation
When citing a source with three or more authors, the format should be as follows:
– Author(s). (Year). Title of the work. Source.
For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 23(4), 45-58.
In this example, “et al.” is not used because there are only three authors. However, if there were four or more authors, the citation would be formatted as follows:
Smith, J., et al. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 23(4), 45-58.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule is to use “et al.” when citing sources with three or more authors, there are some exceptions:
1. When the source has a very large number of authors, it may be appropriate to list only the first author followed by “et al.” and the total number of authors. For example:
Smith, J., et al. (n = 100). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 23(4), 45-58.
2. If the source is a government document or a report, it may be acceptable to list all authors, even if there are more than three. However, it is always best to consult the specific guidelines of the publication or organization for the preferred citation format.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when citing sources with three or more authors in APA 7th edition, it is generally recommended to use “et al.” However, it is essential to consider the specific context and publication guidelines to determine the appropriate citation format. By following these guidelines, researchers and writers can ensure their citations are accurate and adhere to the APA 7th edition standards.
