How to Cite an Author That Cites Another Author APA
In academic writing, it is common to encounter situations where an author references another author’s work. When citing such instances in APA format, it is essential to correctly attribute the original source to maintain academic integrity. This article will guide you on how to cite an author that cites another author in APA style.
Understanding APA In-text Citations
APA style requires in-text citations to be included whenever a direct quote or paraphrased information is used from another source. In the case of an author citing another author, you need to follow a specific format to ensure accuracy.
When Citing an Author That Cites Another Author
When citing an author that cites another author in APA format, you should include the following elements:
1. Author of the source material: Begin by mentioning the author of the original source material.
2. Publication date: Include the publication date of the original source material.
3. Page number (if applicable): Mention the page number where the cited information is found.
4. Author of the secondary source: After the publication date and page number, mention the author of the secondary source who cited the original work.
5. Publication date of the secondary source: Include the publication date of the secondary source.
Here’s an example of how to cite an author that cites another author in APA format:
According to Smith (2018), research conducted by Johnson (2015) indicates that… (p. 25).
In this example, Smith is the author of the secondary source, and Johnson is the author of the original source material. The publication dates of both sources are also included.
When the Secondary Source Is Not Cited
If the secondary source is not cited in the text, you can still mention the author and publication date of the original source material in parentheses. Here’s an example:
Smith (2018) references Johnson’s (2015) research, which suggests that…
In this case, the reader can find the full citation for Johnson’s work in the reference list.
Formatting the Reference List
When formatting the reference list for an author that cites another author, include the following elements:
1. Author of the original source material: Begin with the author’s last name, followed by their first initial.
2. Publication date: Include the publication date in parentheses.
3. Title of the source: Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title.
4. Source type: Specify the source type (e.g., book, journal article, website).
5. Publisher information: Include the publisher’s name and location, if applicable.
Here’s an example of how to format the reference list entry for an author that cites another author:
Johnson, R. (2015). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Technology, 6(2), 45-58.
In this example, Johnson is the author of the original source material, and the publication date, title, and source type are included.
Conclusion
Citing an author that cites another author in APA format is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing proper attribution to the original source. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your in-text citations and reference list are accurate and adhere to APA style.
