How to Cite 6 Authors in APA Reference List
When citing a source with six authors in APA format, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. The APA citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields, and it requires specific formatting for references with multiple authors. In this article, we will discuss the steps to correctly cite a reference with six authors in an APA reference list.
1. Start with the Author Names
The first step in citing a reference with six authors in APA format is to list the authors’ names in alphabetical order by their last names. Separate each author’s name with a comma, and include an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., Davis, N., Wilson, P., & Thompson, R.
2. Include the Year of Publication
After listing the authors’ names, include the year of publication in parentheses immediately following the last author’s name. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., Davis, N., Wilson, P., & Thompson, R. (2020)
3. Provide the Title of the Source
Next, provide the title of the source in italics. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, including any subtitle. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., Davis, N., Wilson, P., & Thompson, R. (2020). The impact of social media on young adults
4. Specify the Source Type
In APA format, it is essential to indicate the source type, such as a book, journal article, or website. Follow the source type with a period. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., Davis, N., Wilson, P., & Thompson, R. (2020). The impact of social media on young adults. Journal of Communication
5. Include the Publication Information
For journal articles, include the volume, issue number, and page range. For books, include the publisher and location. For websites, include the URL or DOI. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., Davis, N., Wilson, P., & Thompson, R. (2020). The impact of social media on young adults. Journal of Communication, 70(3), 45-60.
6. Add the In-text Citation
When citing the source in your text, use the author’s last name and the year of publication. For example:
According to Smith et al. (2020), social media has a significant impact on young adults.
In conclusion, citing a reference with six authors in APA format involves listing the authors’ names in alphabetical order, including the year of publication, providing the title of the source, specifying the source type, and including the publication information. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA reference list is accurate and consistent.
