How to Cite a Source with Multiple Authors- A Comprehensive Guide_6

by liuqiyue

How to Cite Something That Has Multiple Authors

Citing a source with multiple authors can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially if you’re new to academic writing or referencing. However, it’s an essential skill to master, as it ensures proper credit is given to the original creators of the work. In this article, we will discuss the different citation styles and provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to cite something that has multiple authors.

APA Style

When citing a source with multiple authors in APA style, you should include all the authors’ last names and initials, separated by commas. If there are more than six authors, list the first six, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). Here’s an example:

> According to Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Davis, and Garcia (2020), the results of the study indicate a significant correlation between the variables under investigation.

If the source is a book, include the publisher and publication date:

> In their book, “The Impact of Technology on Education,” Thompson, Jones, and Smith (2019) argue that digital tools have revolutionized the way students learn.

MLA Style

In MLA style, you should list all the authors’ last names and first initials, separated by commas. If there are more than three authors, list the first author, followed by “et al.” Here’s an example:

> Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) conducted a study that explored the effects of social media on teenagers.

For a book, include the title and publication information:

> Thompson, Jones, and Smith’s (2019) “The Future of Technology” examines the potential impact of emerging technologies on society.

Chicago Style

In Chicago style, you can choose between two formats: author-date or notes-bibliography. For the author-date format, list all the authors’ last names and first initials, separated by commas, followed by the publication date:

> Smith, J., et al. (2020). “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers.” Journal of Youth Studies, 23(1), 45-58.

For the notes-bibliography format, include the author’s name, the title of the work, and the publication information in parentheses:

> (Smith, Johnson, and Brown 45)

Chicago Style (Bibliography Format)

In the bibliography format, list all the authors’ last names and first initials, separated by commas, followed by the title of the work, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, numbers, publisher, publication city, and publication date:

> Smith, John, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers.” Journal of Youth Studies, vol. 23, no. 1, 2020, pp. 45-58.

Conclusion

Citing a source with multiple authors is an important aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that you give proper credit to the original creators of the work. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure you’re following the correct citation format.

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