How to Reference More Than One Author in APA
In academic writing, it is common to cite multiple authors when referencing sources. The American Psychological Association (APA) style provides specific guidelines on how to reference more than one author in your work. Properly citing multiple authors not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the sources easily. This article will guide you through the process of referencing more than one author in APA style.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When referencing more than one author in an in-text citation, you have two options: listing all authors’ last names or using “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s last name. The choice depends on the number of authors and the context of your citation.
1. If there are two or three authors, list all their last names in alphabetical order, followed by the publication date in parentheses. For example: (Brown, Smith, & Johnson, 2020).
2. If there are four or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” and the publication date. For example: (Garcia et al., 2021).
Formatting the Reference List Entry
The reference list entry for a source with multiple authors follows a specific format. Here’s how to structure it:
1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by their first initial. For example: Brown, J.
2. Next, list the remaining authors in the same order, with their last names followed by their first initials. For example: Smith, M., & Johnson, L.
3. Include the publication date in parentheses. For example: (2020).
4. Provide the title of the source, using quotation marks if it’s a book or article title. For example: “Understanding Multiple Author Citations.”
5. List the source type, such as “Journal Article,” “Book,” or “Thesis.” For example: Journal Article.
6. Finally, include the publication information, such as the journal name, volume, issue number, and page numbers. For example: Journal of APA Style, 25(1), 23-30.
Example of a Reference List Entry with Multiple Authors
Here’s an example of a reference list entry with multiple authors in APA style:
Brown, J., Smith, M., & Johnson, L. (2020). Understanding Multiple Author Citations. Journal of APA Style, 25(1), 23-30.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively reference more than one author in APA style. Remember that proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps your readers locate the sources you’ve cited.
