How to Cite 3 Authors in APA Style
When citing three authors in APA style, it is important to follow the specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. APA style, which stands for the American Psychological Association, is a widely used citation format in the social sciences, education, and other fields. Citing three authors correctly is crucial for giving proper credit to the original sources and avoiding plagiarism.
To cite three authors in APA style, you should follow these steps:
1. List All Authors’ Names: Begin by listing the names of all three authors in the order they appear in the source. Separate the names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
Example: Smith, Johnson, & Brown (2020)
2. In-text Citation: When referencing the source in your text, include the authors’ names and the year of publication. If you mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you only need to include the year of publication in parentheses.
Example: According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020), the study found that…
Example: The research conducted by Smith, Johnson, & Brown (2020) supports the idea that…
3. Reference List Entry: In the reference list at the end of your document, provide a complete citation for each source. Include the authors’ names, the year of publication, the title of the work, the title of the container (if applicable), the publication information, and the medium of publication.
Example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). The impact of social media on interpersonal communication. Journal of Communication Studies, 14(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.2020.14.2.123
In this example, the authors’ names are listed in alphabetical order, which is a common practice in APA style.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you correctly cite three authors in APA style. Remember to always double-check the guidelines and examples provided by the APA Publication Manual to maintain consistency and accuracy in your citations. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the sources for further information or verification.
