How to List Multiple Authors in APA In-Text Citation
In academic writing, citing sources correctly is crucial for maintaining integrity and giving credit to the original authors. One common challenge that many writers face is how to list multiple authors in APA in-text citation. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides specific guidelines for formatting in-text citations, which include the arrangement of author names. This article will guide you through the process of listing multiple authors in APA in-text citation.
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA In-Text Citation
When citing a source with multiple authors in APA style, it is essential to follow the correct format. Here are the steps to list multiple authors in APA in-text citation:
1. Start with the first author’s last name followed by a comma.
2. Include the first author’s first initial.
3. Separate the rest of the authors’ names with commas.
4. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
5. Place the publication date in parentheses immediately after the author names.
6. Add the page number or paragraph number, if applicable.
For example, if you have a source with three authors, the in-text citation would look like this: (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2021, p. 45).
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA In-Text Citation with Different Years
If the authors of the source you are citing have different publication years, you must include both years in the in-text citation. Here’s how to format it:
1. Start with the first author’s last name followed by a comma.
2. Include the first author’s first initial.
3. Separate the rest of the authors’ names with commas.
4. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
5. Place the publication date of the first author in parentheses.
6. Add a comma and then the publication date of the second author in parentheses.
7. Add the page number or paragraph number, if applicable.
For example, if you have a source with two authors and different publication years, the in-text citation would look like this: (Smith, 2019, & Johnson, 2021, p. 78).
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA In-Text Citation with Works Cited Entry
It is also important to note that when you have multiple authors in a source, the Works Cited entry should be formatted accordingly. Here’s how to format the Works Cited entry:
1. Start with the authors’ names, with the first author’s last name followed by a comma.
2. Include the first author’s first initial.
3. Separate the rest of the authors’ names with commas.
4. Add a period after the last author’s name.
5. Write the title of the source, using proper capitalization.
6. Include the publication date in parentheses.
7. Add the page number or paragraph number, if applicable.
8. Place a period at the end of the entry.
For example, the Works Cited entry for a source with three authors would look like this: Smith, J., Johnson, B., & Brown, L. (2021). The importance of multiple authors in APA citation. Journal of Academic Writing, 15(2), 45-78.
Conclusion
Listing multiple authors in APA in-text citation can be challenging, but following the proper format will ensure that your work is accurate and adheres to academic standards. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you will be well-equipped to format your in-text citations correctly and maintain the integrity of your research.
