How to APA Multiple Authors: A Comprehensive Guide
In academic writing, citing sources is a crucial aspect that helps maintain integrity and gives credit to the original authors. When it comes to the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style, citing multiple authors can sometimes be confusing. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to correctly cite multiple authors in APA format.
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA
When citing multiple authors in APA format, there are specific guidelines to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. List all authors’ last names and initials: Start by listing the last names followed by the initials of each author, separated by commas. If there are more than six authors, list the first six authors followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
2. Use a period after each author’s initials: After each author’s initials, include a period to separate them.
3. Separate authors with commas: Use commas to separate each author’s name, except for the last author before “et al.”
4. Use “and” before the last author: Place the word “and” before the last author’s name, whether it’s the sixth author or the last author listed with “et al.”
5. Include the year of publication: After the authors’ names, include the year of publication in parentheses.
6. Follow with the title of the source: After the publication year, include the title of the source in italics.
7. End with the publication information: Finally, include the publication information, such as the journal name, volume, issue number, and page numbers, if applicable.
Examples of APA Multiple Authors Citations
Here are a few examples to illustrate how to cite multiple authors in APA format:
1. Two authors:
– Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
2. Three authors:
– Brown, A., Davis, B., & Wilson, C. (2019). The role of technology in education. Journal of Educational Technology, 10(2), 123-145.
3. Four authors:
– Thompson, D., Green, E., White, F., & Black, G. (2018). Improving patient care through evidence-based practice. Medical Journal, 8(4), 78-92.
4. Five authors:
– Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, A., Davis, B., & Wilson, C. (2017). The effects of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 5(1), 23-35.
5. Six or more authors:
– Thompson, D., Green, E., White, F., Black, G., & et al. (2016). A review of the impact of exercise on mental health. Journal of Health Sciences, 4(2), 56-68.
Conclusion
Citing multiple authors in APA format can be challenging, but following the guidelines outlined in this article will help you create accurate and professional citations. By maintaining consistency and integrity in your academic writing, you demonstrate respect for the original authors and contribute to the scholarly community.
