How do I cite three authors in APA?
Citing multiple authors in APA style can sometimes be confusing, especially when you have three authors to include in your reference list. APA (American Psychological Association) format has specific guidelines for referencing sources with three authors. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cite three authors in APA style.
Firstly, when citing a source with three authors, list all three names in the text of your paper. For example, if you are referencing a book or a journal article, include all three names in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. Here’s an example:
According to Smith, Johnson, and Williams (2020), the impact of climate change on coastal communities is a significant concern (p. 25).
Next, when creating the reference list entry, follow the APA format for multiple authors. The reference list entry should include the authors’ last names, first initials, publication date, title of the source, and the publication information. Here’s an example:
Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Williams, D. E. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 42(1), 25-30.
In this example, the authors’ names are listed in alphabetical order by their last names. If you are citing a source with three authors, there is no need to include “et al.” after the third author’s name, as you would for sources with four or more authors.
If you are paraphrasing a source with three authors, you can still include all three names in the text of your paper. However, you can also use “et al.” after the first two authors’ names to indicate that there are additional authors. Here’s an example:
Smith, J. A., & Johnson, B. C., et al. (2020) highlighted the importance of addressing climate change in coastal communities (p. 25).
In the reference list entry, you would still include all three authors’ names in alphabetical order, as shown in the previous example.
In conclusion, citing three authors in APA style involves listing all three names in the text of your paper and following the APA format for the reference list entry. Remember to keep the authors’ names in alphabetical order and include the publication date, title, and publication information in the reference list entry. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhere to APA style.
