How to Cite APA 7th Edition Multiple Authors
In the world of academic writing, proper citation is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit where it is due. One common scenario in academic writing is citing sources with multiple authors. The APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines on how to format in-text citations and reference lists for such sources. This article will guide you through the process of citing APA 7th edition multiple authors in both in-text citations and reference lists.
In-text citations for multiple authors
When citing a source with multiple authors in APA 7th edition, the format depends on the number of authors involved. Here are the guidelines:
1. Two Authors: When citing a source with two authors, include both names in the in-text citation, separated by an ampersand (&). For example: (Smith & Johnson, 2020).
2. Three to Five Authors: If there are three to five authors, include all names in the in-text citation, separated by commas. For example: (Smith, Johnson, Smith, Brown, & Davis, 2020).
3. More than Five Authors: When there are more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) for subsequent authors. For example: (Smith et al., 2020).
Reference list entries for multiple authors
In the reference list, the format for multiple authors remains consistent with the in-text citations. Here’s how to format reference list entries for sources with multiple authors:
1. Two Authors: Include both authors’ last names, followed by their initials. For example: Smith, J., & Johnson, J.
2. Three to Five Authors: List all authors’ last names, followed by their initials. For example: Smith, J., Johnson, J., Smith, B., Brown, L., & Davis, M.
3. More than Five Authors: List the first author’s last name, followed by their initials, and then “et al.” For example: Smith, J. et al.
Additional considerations
When citing multiple authors, it’s important to note the following:
– Always pay attention to punctuation, such as commas and periods, as they play a crucial role in the proper formatting of in-text citations and reference list entries.
– If the source has a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), include it at the end of the reference list entry. If there is no DOI, include the URL where the source can be found.
– When paraphrasing or summarizing a source with multiple authors, it is still necessary to cite the source in the text.
In conclusion, citing APA 7th edition multiple authors involves following specific guidelines for in-text citations and reference list entries. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic writing is both accurate and ethically sound.
