How to APA In-Text Cite 3 Authors
Citing sources in academic writing is an essential part of maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to the original authors. When citing three authors in APA format, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will discuss how to APA in-text cite three authors effectively.
Understanding APA Format
APA (American Psychological Association) format is a widely used citation style in the social sciences, education, and psychology fields. When citing sources in APA format, it is crucial to follow the guidelines for in-text citations and reference lists. In-text citations typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication, while reference lists provide detailed information about the source.
Citing Three Authors in APA In-Text Citation
When citing three authors in APA in-text citation, there are two scenarios to consider: when all three authors are mentioned in the text and when only the first author is mentioned.
1. Mentioning All Three Authors:
If you mention all three authors in the text, include their last names and the year of publication. For example:
– According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020), the impact of social media on mental health is a growing concern.
In this case, you do not need to include the authors’ names in the parentheses unless the sentence structure requires it.
2. Mentioning Only the First Author:
If you only mention the first author in the text, include the first author’s last name, “et al.,” and the year of publication. For example:
– Social media usage has been linked to mental health issues (Smith et al., 2020).
In this scenario, “et al.” means “and others,” indicating that there are additional authors, but their names are not mentioned in the text.
Example of APA In-Text Citation with Three Authors
Here is an example of how to APA in-text cite three authors in a sentence:
– In a recent study, Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) found that social media usage is associated with increased anxiety levels among teenagers.
In this example, the authors’ names are mentioned in the sentence, and the year of publication is included in parentheses.
Conclusion
Citing three authors in APA in-text citation is an important aspect of academic writing. By following the proper guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to always check the specific requirements of your institution or publication when citing sources in APA format.
