How to in-text cite 4 authors APA
In academic writing, proper citation is crucial for acknowledging the sources of information and ideas. One common scenario is when you need to cite a source that has four authors. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides specific guidelines for in-text citation when dealing with multiple authors. This article will guide you through the process of how to in-text cite 4 authors APA.
Understanding APA In-text Citation Format
APA in-text citation format typically includes the author’s last name and the year of publication. When citing a source with four authors, the format is slightly different. The first author’s last name is followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example: (Smith, Johnson, Williams, & Brown, 2020).
Step-by-Step Guide to Citing 4 Authors APA
1. Identify the source: Before citing the source, make sure you have all the necessary information, such as the author’s names, publication year, and page number (if applicable).
2. In-text citation: When citing a source with four authors, follow the format mentioned earlier. For example, if you are citing a book with four authors, your in-text citation would look like this: (Smith, Johnson, Williams, & Brown, 2020).
3. Parentheses: Place the citation within parentheses. If you need to include a page number, place it after the comma, like this: (Smith, Johnson, Williams, & Brown, 2020, p. 45).
4. Reference list: After citing the source in-text, include it in your reference list. The reference list entry should follow APA format, including the author’s names, publication year, title of the source, and publication information.
Example of In-text Citation with 4 Authors APA
Let’s say you are writing a paper and want to cite a research article with four authors. Here’s an example of how you would in-text cite it:
(p. 23, Smith, Johnson, Williams, & Brown, 2020)
In this example, “p. 23” indicates the specific page where the information is found, and the citation is formatted according to APA guidelines.
Conclusion
In-text citing a source with four authors APA is a straightforward process once you understand the format. By following the guidelines provided by the APA, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional. Remember to always check the latest APA guidelines for any updates or changes to the citation format.
