How to Cite with Multiple Authors in APA
Citing sources with multiple authors in APA style can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to academic writing. APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. Proper citation is essential for giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism. In this article, we will discuss the steps and guidelines for citing sources with multiple authors in APA style.
Understanding the Format
When citing a source with multiple authors in APA style, the format generally follows this structure:
Author(s). (Year). Title of the source. Title of the container, other contributors, version number, number of editions, volume, issue number, page range, DOI or URL.
For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Williams, K. (2020). The impact of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 10(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1234/jpsych.2020.10.2.123
Steps to Cite with Multiple Authors in APA
1. Start with the authors’ names: Begin the citation with the last name followed by the first initial of each author. Separate the authors’ names with commas. If there are more than two authors, use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
2. Include the publication year: Place the publication year in parentheses immediately after the authors’ names.
3. Provide the title of the source: After the publication year, include the title of the source. For articles, include the title of the journal, volume, and issue number (if available). For books, include the title, edition, and publisher.
4. Mention other contributors (if applicable): If there are other contributors, such as editors or translators, include their names and roles after the title of the source.
5. Specify the format: If the source is available online, include the DOI or URL. For print sources, include the page range.
6. Check for variations: There are some variations in the format, depending on the type of source. For example, if the source is a book chapter, include the chapter title and page range.
Common Examples
Here are some common examples of citing sources with multiple authors in APA style:
– Two authors:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 10(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1234/jpsych.2020.10.2.123
– Three or more authors:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Williams, K., & Brown, M. (2020). The role of technology in education. Educational Technology, 60(3), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1234/edtech.2020.60.3.205
– Source with editors:
Smith, J. (Ed.). (2020). Advances in psychology. New York, NY: Springer.
– Source with a translator:
Smith, J. (2020). The psychology of happiness (Translated by L. Johnson). New York, NY: Random House.
By following these guidelines and examples, you can effectively cite sources with multiple authors in APA style. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps you avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.
