How to Parenthetically Cite APA with Multiple Authors
Citing sources in APA format can sometimes be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple authors. Proper citation is essential for academic integrity and giving credit to the original creators of the work. In this article, we will guide you through the process of parenthetically citing APA with multiple authors, ensuring that your references are accurate and compliant with the APA guidelines.
Understanding APA Parenthetical Citations
APA parenthetical citations include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number(s) where the information can be found. When citing a source with multiple authors, the format can vary depending on the number of authors listed in the reference.
Citing Sources with Two Authors
When citing a source with two authors, include both authors’ last names followed by the publication year and page number(s). For example:
> (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 45)
If you are citing a source with two authors and referencing it again in the same paragraph, you can use “et al.” to indicate that there are additional authors. For example:
> Smith and Johnson (2020) conducted a study on… (Smith, Johnson, & Others, 2020)
Citing Sources with Three or More Authors
For sources with three or more authors, include the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.,” the publication year, and the page number(s). For example:
> (Smith et al., 2020, p. 45)
When referencing a source with three or more authors in the same paragraph, you can still use “et al.” to indicate the additional authors. For example:
> Smith et al. (2020) found that… (Smith et al., 2020)
Formatting the Reference List
In the reference list, include all the authors’ last names, first initials, publication year, title of the source, and other relevant information. If the source has multiple authors, list them in alphabetical order by their last names. For example:
> Johnson, A. B., Smith, C. D., & Thompson, E. F. (2020). The impact of climate change on… Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-60.
Conclusion
Citing APA with multiple authors can be a bit tricky, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that your references are accurate and adhere to the APA format. Always double-check your citations to avoid any mistakes and maintain academic integrity.
