How to Cite a Study with Multiple Authors APA
In academic writing, accurately citing sources is crucial to maintain academic integrity and give proper credit to the original authors. When citing a study with multiple authors in APA format, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure that the citation is accurate and consistent. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a study with multiple authors in APA format.
1. Start with the Author’s Names
The first step in citing a study with multiple authors in APA format is to list the authors’ names. Begin with the last name followed by the first initial of each author. If there are three or fewer authors, list all their names. If there are more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name.
For example:
– Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Miller, K.
– Smith, J., et al.
2. Include the Year of Publication
After listing the authors’ names, include the year of publication in parentheses. If the publication date is unknown, use “n.d.” (meaning “no date”).
For example:
– Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Miller, K. (2020)
– Smith, J., et al. (n.d.)
3. Provide the Title of the Article
Next, provide the title of the article in quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of the first word in the title and any other major words, following standard APA capitalization rules.
For example:
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities”
4. Specify the Journal Name
Include the name of the journal in italics. Use the exact title as it appears in the journal, including any spaces or special characters.
For example:
– Journal of Environmental Studies
5. Include Volume and Issue Numbers (if applicable)
If the article is from a journal with volume and issue numbers, include them after the journal name. Use a comma to separate the volume and issue numbers, and include the page range for the article.
For example:
– Journal of Environmental Studies, 25(3), 45-58
6. Add Additional Information (if necessary)
If the article is available online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL. If the article is from a book or edited collection, include the book title, editor’s name, and page range.
For example:
– Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Miller, K. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 25(3), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.123456
– Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Miller, K. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. In Environmental Challenges in the 21st Century (pp. 45-58). New York: Academic Press.
By following these steps, you can accurately cite a study with multiple authors in APA format. Proper citation not only acknowledges the original authors but also helps readers locate the source material for further reference.
