How Many Authors in Text Citation APA?
In the world of academic writing, proper citation is crucial for giving credit to the original authors of the ideas and information used. One of the most commonly used citation styles is APA (American Psychological Association). When citing a source with multiple authors in APA format, it is important to know how to format the in-text citation correctly. This article will discuss how many authors should be included in the text citation APA style.
When a source has two authors, both names should be included in the text citation. For example:
Smith and Johnson (2020) conducted a study on the effects of climate change on coastal cities.
In the case of three or more authors, only the first author’s last name and the word “et al.” (meaning “and others”) should be used in the text citation. For instance:
Brown et al. (2019) examined the impact of social media on political engagement.
It is important to note that the “et al.” abbreviation should be followed by a period, and the year of publication should be included immediately after the authors’ names. This format helps to keep the in-text citations concise and easy to read.
Additionally, when citing a source with multiple authors in APA format, it is essential to include the page number or paragraph number if the specific information is cited from a particular part of the source. For example:
Smith et al. (2020) found that the most significant effects were observed in coastal cities (p. 45).
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your in-text citations are formatted correctly in APA style, giving proper credit to the authors of the sources you use in your academic work.
In conclusion, when citing a source with multiple authors in APA style, include the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” for three or more authors. Always include the year of publication and, if applicable, the page or paragraph number. By adhering to these rules, you can maintain academic integrity and provide accurate citations in your writing.
