How to Do APA Citation with Two Authors
In the world of academic writing, proper citation is crucial for giving credit to the original authors of the work you reference. One common scenario is when you need to cite a source that has two authors. The American Psychological Association (APA) style offers a specific format for such citations. This article will guide you through the process of how to do APA citation with two authors.
First and foremost, when citing a source with two authors in APA style, you should list both authors’ last names followed by their first initials. For example, if the authors are John Smith and Jane Doe, you would write “Smith & Doe, 2021.” This format is used throughout the text when you mention the authors or the publication date.
When citing a source with two authors in the reference list, you should follow the same format. The reference entry should include the authors’ last names, first initials, the year of publication, the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, number, publisher, and location. For instance:
Smith, J., & Doe, J. (2021). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 13(2), 45-58.
If you are citing a source that includes two authors and you have already cited that source in your text, you can use a shortened form in the reference list. This shortened form should include the authors’ last names and the year of publication. For example:
Smith & Doe (2021) conducted a study on the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
It is important to note that if the source has more than two authors, you should list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name. For example, “Smith, Doe, & Johnson et al. (2021)” would be used for a source with three or more authors.
In conclusion, citing a source with two authors in APA style is a straightforward process. By following the proper format for both in-text citations and the reference list, you can ensure that you give appropriate credit to the original authors of the work you reference. Remember to always double-check the guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to ensure compliance with their specific citation requirements.
