How to Reference 3 Authors APA
In academic writing, it is common to cite the work of multiple authors to acknowledge the contributions of various scholars. When referencing three authors in APA format, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to reference three authors in APA format.
Step 1: List All Authors’ Names
Begin by listing the names of all three authors in the order they appear in the original source. Separate the names with commas, and place a period after the last name. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Doe, (Year)
Step 2: Include the Publication Date
After listing the authors’ names, include the publication date of the source in parentheses. Use the year of publication. If the year is not available, use the date of retrieval. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Doe, (2022)
Step 3: Provide the Title of the Source
Next, provide the title of the source in italics. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, including any subtitle. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Doe. (2022). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities
Step 4: Specify the Source Type
In APA format, it is essential to indicate the source type (e.g., book, journal article, website) after the title. This helps readers locate the source easily. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Doe. (2022). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies
Step 5: Include the Publication Information
If the source is a journal article, include the volume, issue number, and page numbers. For books, include the publisher and location. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Doe. (2022). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 54(2), 45-60.
Step 6: In-text Citation
When citing the work of three authors in your text, use the authors’ last names and the year of publication. For example:
According to Smith, Johnson, and Doe (2022), the impact of climate change on coastal cities is significant (p. 45).
In conclusion, referencing three authors in APA format involves listing their names, including the publication date, providing the title of the source, specifying the source type, and including the publication information. By following these steps, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent with APA guidelines.
