How to Cite Three Authors in APA Format
Citing sources in APA format is an essential skill for students and professionals in various academic fields. When referencing a source that includes three authors, it is important to follow the specific guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA). This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite three authors in APA format, ensuring that your citations are accurate and consistent.
Step 1: List All Authors’ Names
The first step in citing three authors in APA format is to list all the authors’ names in the order they appear on the source. Separate each author’s name with a comma, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020)
Step 2: Include the Publication Date
After listing the authors’ names, include the publication date of the source in parentheses. The date should be written in the format of (Year). For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020)
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 proper nouns. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion
Step 4: Specify the Source Type
APA format requires you to specify the type of source you are citing. Common source types include journal articles, books, and websites. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion. Journal of Environmental Studies
Step 5: Include the Publication Information
For journal articles, include the volume, issue number, and page numbers of the article. For books, include the publisher and city of publication. For websites, include the URL or DOI. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.12.3.45
Step 6: In-text Citation
When citing a source with three authors in your text, use the authors’ last names and the year of publication. For example:
According to Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020), the impact of climate change on coastal erosion is a significant concern (p. 45).
By following these steps, you can accurately cite sources with three authors in APA format. Remember to always double-check the specific guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to ensure that your citations are up to date and consistent with the latest APA guidelines.
