How to Source Multiple Authors APA
When writing a paper in APA format, accurately citing sources is crucial. One common scenario is citing works with multiple authors. In this article, we will discuss how to source multiple authors in APA format effectively.
Understanding APA Format for Multiple Authors
APA (American Psychological Association) format requires specific guidelines when citing sources with multiple authors. The general structure for citing works with two to nine authors is as follows:
– Author(s). (Year). Title of the work. Publication source.
For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 10(2), 45-58.
When citing works with more than nine authors, only the first author’s name is mentioned, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication.
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA
1. Begin with the author’s last name, followed by their first initial. Separate each author’s name with a comma.
2. After the first author’s name, include the year of publication in parentheses.
3. Next, provide the title of the work, capitalizing the first letter of each major word.
4. If the work is a journal article, include the journal name, volume number, issue number (if applicable), and page numbers in parentheses.
For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., & Thompson, G. et al. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 10(2), 45-58.
Citing Multiple Works by the Same Author(s)
If you need to cite multiple works by the same author(s), include a shortened title or a unique identifier for each work. This helps readers distinguish between the different works.
For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 10(2), 45-58.
Smith, J. (2021). Mitigating the effects of climate change. Environmental Policy, 11(3), 78-89.
Using APA Format for Works with No Known Author
In some cases, a work may not have an identifiable author. In this situation, use a shortened title and include the year of publication in parentheses. If the title is unknown, use a shortened version of the work’s title or a unique identifier.
For example:
(2020). The future of renewable energy. Environmental Trends, 11(4), 120-135.
Conclusion
Citing multiple authors in APA format is an essential skill for academic writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to always check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publisher when in doubt.
