Do you use “et al.” for 3 authors APA 7?
In APA 7th edition, the use of “et al.” is a topic that often sparks debate among researchers and writers. The abbreviation “et al.” is commonly used in academic writing to refer to a group of authors beyond the first two. However, when it comes to three authors, the guidelines can be a bit confusing. This article aims to clarify whether “et al.” should be used for three authors in APA 7th edition.
According to the APA 7th edition guidelines, “et al.” should be used for three or more authors in a reference list. This means that if you have three authors in your reference list, you should use “et al.” instead of listing all three names. The purpose of this abbreviation is to streamline the reference list and make it easier for readers to identify the authors.
For example, if you have a reference with three authors, such as Smith, Johnson, and Williams, you would write it as follows:
> Smith, J., Johnson, D., & Williams, R. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range.
In this case, “et al.” is not used because there are only three authors. However, if you have a reference with four or more authors, you would use “et al.” as follows:
> Smith, J., Johnson, D., Williams, R., & et al. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range.
It is important to note that while “et al.” is commonly used for three or more authors, there are some exceptions. If the first author is a known entity or has a significant role in the research, their name should be included in the reference list. For instance, if the first author is a renowned scientist or a key contributor to the study, their name should be mentioned.
In summary, for three authors in APA 7th edition, you should not use “et al.” in the reference list. Instead, list all three authors by name. However, when it comes to four or more authors, “et al.” should be used to maintain consistency and clarity in the reference list.
Understanding the guidelines for using “et al.” in APA 7th edition is crucial for academic writers to ensure their work adheres to the proper citation format. By following these rules, researchers can create accurate and professional references that are easily understandable by readers.
