How to APA Cite 3 Authors
In academic writing, proper citation is crucial for giving credit to the original authors of the information you use. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. One common scenario is when you need to cite a source that has three authors. This article will guide you through the process of how to APA cite 3 authors correctly.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with three authors in APA style, you should include all three names in the in-text citation. Place a comma between the first two authors and then use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example, if you are citing a book by Smith, Johnson, and Williams, your in-text citation would look like this: (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020).
Formatting the Reference List Entry
In the reference list, you will need to list all three authors’ names, their publication date, the title of the work, the title of the periodical or book series, the volume and issue number (if applicable), the publisher, and the page numbers. Here’s an example of how to format the reference list entry for a book with three authors:
Smith, J., Johnson, J., & Williams, W. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities. Environmental Studies, 23(2), 45-58. Retrieved from www.example.com
Formatting the Reference List Entry for Different Types of Sources
It’s important to note that the format may vary depending on the type of source you are citing. For instance, if you are citing an article from a journal, the format would be slightly different. Here’s an example:
Smith, J., Johnson, J., & Williams, W. (2020). The Effects of Technology on Education. Journal of Educational Research, 23(2), 45-58. Retrieved from www.example.com
Remembering the Basics
When citing three authors in APA style, always remember to:
1. Include all three authors’ names in the in-text citation.
2. Use a comma between the first two authors and an ampersand before the last author’s name.
3. Follow the appropriate format for the reference list entry based on the type of source.
4. Pay attention to the punctuation and capitalization rules outlined in the APA style guide.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional, demonstrating your respect for the original authors and the integrity of your research.
