How to Cite with 4 Authors APA
When citing a source with four authors in APA format, it is important to follow the specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. APA citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other academic fields. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the source easily. In this article, we will discuss the steps to cite a source with four authors in APA format.
Firstly, begin by listing the authors’ names in the order they appear on the source. Separate the names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example, if the source has four authors named John Smith, Jane Doe, Michael Brown, and Sarah Johnson, the author list would be written as “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson.”
Next, include the publication date of the source in parentheses immediately following the author list. If the date is not available, you can omit this information. For instance, “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson (2021).”
After the author list and publication date, provide the title of the source. If the source is a book, include the title of the book in italics. If it is an article, journal, or report, place the title in quotation marks. For example, “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson (2021). ‘The Impact of Technology on Education’.”
The next element in the APA citation is the title of the journal, magazine, or newspaper where the source was published. If the source is a book, you can skip this part. For example, “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson (2021). ‘The Impact of Technology on Education’ in Journal of Education.”
Following the title of the journal, include the volume number and issue number (if applicable) in parentheses. For example, “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson (2021). ‘The Impact of Technology on Education’ (Vol. 10, No. 2).”
The next element is the page range of the source. If the source is an article, include the page numbers where the article begins and ends. For example, “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson (2021). ‘The Impact of Technology on Education’ (Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 45-60).”
Finally, include the publisher’s name and location, if applicable. For example, “Smith, Doe, Brown, & Johnson (2021). ‘The Impact of Technology on Education’ (Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 45-60). Journal of Education, New York, NY: Publisher.”
In summary, when citing a source with four authors in APA format, follow these steps:
1. List the authors’ names in the order they appear on the source.
2. Include the publication date in parentheses.
3. Provide the title of the source.
4. Include the title of the journal, magazine, or newspaper.
5. Add the volume number and issue number (if applicable).
6. Include the page range of the source.
7. Provide the publisher’s name and location (if applicable).
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA citations are accurate and consistent, making it easier for readers to locate and reference the sources you have used in your work.
