How to Cite 2 Sources with Same Author
In academic writing, it is common to reference multiple works by the same author. However, citing two sources with the same author can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to formatting the in-text citations and the reference list. This article will guide you through the process of citing two sources with the same author, ensuring that your work is properly credited and follows the appropriate citation style.
Firstly, when citing two sources by the same author, it is important to differentiate between them in the in-text citations. The American Psychological Association (APA) style suggests using a lowercase letter to indicate the specific source within the author’s works. For example, if you are citing two sources by Smith, you would write (Smith, 2020a) for the first source and (Smith, 2020b) for the second source. This method helps to avoid confusion and ensures that each source is properly identified.
Secondly, when it comes to the reference list, APA style requires you to list all the works by the same author in alphabetical order by the title of the work. If you have cited two sources by Smith, you would list them as follows:
Smith, J. (2020a). Title of the First Source. Journal Name, 10(1), 20-30.
Smith, J. (2020b). Title of the Second Source. Journal Name, 10(2), 40-50.
In the case of the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, you would use a superscript number to differentiate between the sources in the in-text citations. For example, (Smith 1) for the first source and (Smith 2) for the second source. The reference list would still be organized alphabetically by the title of the work:
Smith, John. “Title of the First Source.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 1, 2020, pp. 20-30.
Smith, John. “Title of the Second Source.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 40-50.
For the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), you would use a superscript number to differentiate between the sources in the in-text citations, similar to MLA. The reference list would be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name and then by the title of the work:
Smith, John. “Title of the First Source.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 1, 2020, pp. 20-30.
Smith, John. “Title of the Second Source.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 40-50.
In conclusion, citing two sources with the same author requires careful attention to the citation style you are using. By following the guidelines for in-text citations and reference lists, you can ensure that your work is properly credited and meets the standards of academic integrity. Remember to check the specific requirements of your institution or publication to ensure compliance with their citation style.
