How to Cite Article with Multiple Authors APA
Citing an article with multiple authors in APA format can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the style. The APA citation format is widely used in the social sciences, education, and psychology fields. Properly citing a source not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the source. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing an article with multiple authors in APA format.
General Format
When citing an article with multiple authors in APA format, the basic structure includes the author’s names, the article title, the journal title, the volume, the issue number (if available), the year of publication, and the page numbers. Here’s an example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). The Impact of Social Media on Young Adults. Journal of Communication, 70(2), 123-145.
Formatting Author Names
In APA format, when there are multiple authors, the first author’s name is inverted, followed by a comma and the rest of the authors’ names in normal order. If there are more than three authors, only the first author’s name is inverted, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the last name of the third author. Here’s an example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., & Davis, R. (2020). The Impact of Social Media on Young Adults. Journal of Communication, 70(2), 123-145.
Formatting the Article Title
The article title should be placed in quotation marks, followed by a period. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. Here’s an example:
“The Impact of Social Media on Young Adults”
Formatting the Journal Title
The journal title should be italicized, followed by a period. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. Here’s an example:
Journal of Communication
Formatting the Volume and Issue Number
The volume number should be followed by a comma and the issue number, if available. Place both numbers in parentheses. Here’s an example:
(70(2),
Formatting the Year of Publication and Page Numbers
The year of publication should be followed by a comma and the page numbers. Here’s an example:
(2020, 123-145).
Conclusion
Citing an article with multiple authors in APA format may seem daunting at first, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and complete. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps maintain the integrity of your research. Always double-check your citations against the latest APA guidelines to ensure compliance.
