How to Cite Multiple Authors in APA 6th Edition
Citing multiple authors in APA 6th edition can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with more than two authors. However, by following the guidelines provided by the American Psychological Association (APA), you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite multiple authors in APA 6th edition format.
1. Two Authors
When citing a source with two authors, simply list both names in the text or in parentheses. For example:
– In-text citation: (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
– Reference list: Smith, J., & Johnson, J. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 25(3), 123-145.
2. Three to Five Authors
For sources with three to five authors, list all the names in the text or in parentheses, separated by commas. For in-text citations, use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. In the reference list, include all the authors’ names, separated by commas.
– In-text citation: (Smith, Johnson, & Smith, 2020)
– Reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, J., & Smith, S. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 25(3), 123-145.
3. Six or More Authors
When a source has six or more authors, you have two options for in-text citations. You can either list all the authors’ names or use a shortened form, including only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). In the reference list, include all the authors’ names.
– In-text citation: (Smith et al., 2020)
– Reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, J., Smith, S., Brown, A., Davis, M., & Evans, L. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 25(3), 123-145.
4. Subsequent Citations
When citing the same source multiple times, use a shortened form in the text to avoid repetition. In the reference list, include the full citation the first time you mention the source.
– In-text citation: (Smith et al., 2020)
– In-text citation: (Smith et al., 2020)
– Reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, J., Smith, S., Brown, A., Davis, M., & Evans, L. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 25(3), 123-145.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite multiple authors in APA 6th edition format. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your source or publisher to ensure accuracy.
