How to Cite More Than One Author in APA Format
Citing multiple authors in APA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, following the proper guidelines can help ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. In this article, we will discuss the different scenarios in which you may need to cite more than one author in APA format and provide examples to illustrate the process.
When to Cite Multiple Authors
There are several situations in which you may need to cite more than one author in APA format. These include:
1. When a work has two authors: In this case, you simply list both authors’ last names in alphabetical order, separated by an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
2. When a work has three to five authors: Similar to the two-author scenario, list all authors’ last names in alphabetical order, separated by commas, and end with an ampersand before the last author’s name.
3. When a work has more than five authors: In this case, list the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first comma. The remaining authors’ names are not listed.
Examples of Citing Multiple Authors in APA Format
1. Two authors:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of social media on young adults. Journal of Youth Studies, 23(1), 12-20.
2. Three to five authors:
Garcia, M., Rodriguez, A., Martinez, S., & Perez, J. (2019). The effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(12), 6789-6797.
3. More than five authors:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Lee, K., Wang, M., Zhang, X., & Chen, Y. (2018). A review of renewable energy technologies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 88, 675-685.
Additional Tips for Citing Multiple Authors in APA Format
– Always include the publication date in parentheses after the authors’ names.
– If you are citing a source with more than one version (e.g., a revised edition), include the version number in parentheses after the publication date.
– When citing a source with multiple editions, include the edition number in parentheses after the publication date, followed by a comma and the year of the edition.
– If you are citing a source with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), include the DOI at the end of the citation.
By following these guidelines and examples, you can ensure that your citations of multiple authors in APA format are accurate and consistent. Remember to always double-check your citations against the latest APA Publication Manual for any updates or changes to the formatting guidelines.
