How to Cite Two Authors in APA Format
When citing sources in APA format, it is important to follow the specific guidelines for referencing two authors. APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and to give credit to the original authors of the work. In this article, we will discuss the steps to correctly cite two authors in APA format.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing two authors in the text of your paper, you should include both authors’ last names followed by the publication date in parentheses. If the source has a page number, include it as well. For example:
– (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 45)
If the source has no page number, you can omit it:
– (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
Formatting the Reference List Entry
In the reference list at the end of your paper, you will need to provide complete information about the source. The entry for a source with two authors should include the authors’ last names, first initials, the year of publication, the title of the work, the title of the journal, volume, issue number (if applicable), and the page range. For example:
– Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of social media on communication. Journal of Communication Studies, 15(2), 45-60.
Formatting the Title Page
If your paper requires a title page, you should include the title of your paper, your name, and the name of your institution. The title page should not contain any in-text citations or reference list entries.
Additional Tips
– When citing two authors, make sure to use the ampersand (&) instead of “and” in the in-text citation.
– If you are citing a source with more than two authors, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name in the in-text citation and reference list entry.
– When using direct quotes from a source with two authors, include both authors’ names in the parentheses in the quote.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are correctly citing two authors in APA format. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also allows readers to locate the original source of the information you have used in your paper.
