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APA Style uses in-text citations and reference lists to guide the reader/viewer/audience member to the sources used to create the item. References should contain at least these four base elements:
The format and type of source impacts what is and isn't included in the reference. See the examples below.
APA Style is not just in-text citing and a list of references. It also includes the formatting of your paper. Here are some of the basics elements. For examples, consult the APA FAQ of sample papers. Ask your professor about including a title page, they may not require it.
Click on the arrows to the right for reference and citation examples for each type of source
McCord, E. L. (2012). The value of species. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (McCord, 2012).
McCord (2012) highlights numerous studies that have replicated these results utilizing the same methods.
Green, L. C., & Brown, Paul B. (2017). The entrepreneur’s playbook: More than 100 proven strategies, tips, and techniques to build a radically successful business. New York: AMACOM.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Green & Brown, 2017).
Green and Brown (2017) highlight...
Fisher, D., Frey, N., Quaglia, R. J., Smith, D., & Lande, L. L. (2018). Engagement by design: Creating learning environments where students thrive. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Literacy.
In-text Citations:The longitudinal study indicates a higher tendency for certain behavior (Fisher, Frey, Quaglia, Smith, & Lande, 2003).
1st citation – Fisher, Frey, Quaglia, Smith, and Lande (2003) have shown…
Subsequent citations – Fisher et al. (2003) made…
If the number of authors exceeds more than seven, list the first six authors, insert an elipsis (...), and then the last author's name.
More than Seven:
Freeman, J., Adrian, C., Lerner, B., Hyland, M. J., Tremain, R., Munro, A., Carter, A., ... Davis, L. H. (2012). Medicine. London: Granta Publications.
Six/Seven authors:
Griffin, B. P., Callahan, T. D., Menon, V., Wu, W. M., Cauthen, C. A., & Dunn, J. M. (2013). Manual of cardiovascular medicine. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
In-text Citations:The highly sensitive experiment was replicated repeatedly (Freeman et al., 2011).
Freeman et al. (2011) indicates…
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Strauss, S., Rupp, S., & Love, T. F. (Eds.). (2013). Cultures of energy: Power, practices, technologies. Walnut Creek, CA: Left Coast Press.
Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Strauss, Rupp, & Love, 2013).
Strauss, Rupp, and Love (2017) highlight...
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2018). Adult development and aging (8th edition). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Publishing.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2013).
Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2017) highlight...
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Pearlman, L. A. (2012). Moral dimensions of trauma therapies. In M. Mikulincer & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), The social psychology of morality: Exploring the causes of good and evil (pp. 311-28).Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Pearlman, 2012).
Pearlman (2017) highlights...
American Psychiatric Association (Ed.). (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
American Psychiatric Association (2013) highlights...
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Edinger, S. K., & Sain, L. (2015). The hidden leader: Discover and develop greatness within your company. New York: AMACOM. Retrieved from http://www.ilstu.eblib.com/EBLWeb/patron/?target=patron&extendedid=P_1711864_0
In-text Citations:The longitudinal study indicates a higher tendency for certain behavior (Edinger & Sain, 2015).
Edinger and Sain (2015) have shown…
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Skinner, J., & Jolliffe, L. (Eds.). (2017). Murals and tourism: Heritage, politics and identity. Florence: Taylor and Francis. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ilstu/detail.action?docID=4865852
In-text Citations:The longitudinal study indicates a higher tendency for certain behavior (Skinner & Jolliffe, 2015).
Skinner and Jolliffe (2015) have shown…
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Roux, G., & Halstead, J. A. (2018). Issues and trends in Nursing: Practice, policy, and leadership (2nd edition). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ilstu/detail.action?docID=4838489
In-text Citations:The longitudinal study indicates a higher tendency for certain behavior (Roux & Halstead, 2018).
Roux and Halstead (2018) have shown…
Use Book author examples for formatting & citing multiple authors.
Nadimi, Farzin. (2013). The role of oil in the outcome of the Iran–Iraq War: Some important lessons in historical context. In N. Ashton & B. Gibson (Eds.), The Iran-Iraq War new international perspectives (pp. 77–91). New York: Routledge. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ilstu/detail.action?docID=1097796
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Nadimi, 2013).
Nadimi (2013) highlights...
Martín, G. A. R. (2013). Shaw by the numbers. Shaw: The Annual of Bernard Shaw Studies, 33(1), 176-202.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Martín, 2013).
Martín (2013) highlights...
Li, L. C. (2014). Multiple trajectories and “good governance” in Asia: An introduction. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 44(2), 187-203. doi: 10.1080/00472336.2013.870827
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Li, 2014).
Li (2014) highlights...
Greene, M., & Shorter, P. (2012). Building conceptual understanding in precalculus. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching & Learning Journal, 6(2), 1-16. Retrieved from http://www.kpu.ca/sites/default/files/TD.6.2.2_Greene%26Shorter_Conceptual_Understanding_in_Precalculus.pdf
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Greene & Shorter, 2012).
Greene and Shorter (2012) highlight...
Fiore, A. (2014, May). The master code. Popular Science, 284(5), 54-59, 82-84.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Fiore, 2014).
Fiore (2014) highlights...
Sarconi, P. (2017, June). OK, House. Get Smart: Make the Most of Your AI Home Minions. WIRED. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2017/06/guide-to-ai-artificial-intelligence-at-home/
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Sarconi, 2017).
Sarconi (2017) highlights...
Stibel, J. (2018, February 17). The Internet is changing us, but it’s not all bad. USA Today, p. 2B.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Stibel, 2018).
Stibel (2018) highlights...
For no author, use the first few words of the title in double quotation marks and the year.
MLB appears close to new drug agreement. (2014, March 26). The Washington Post, p. D05.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods ("MLB appears close," 2014).
In the newspaper article "MLB appears close to new drug agreement" (2013), it highlights...
Hartocollis, A. (2010, November 7). Running for your life. The New York Times, pp. CT1, CT6.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Hartocollis, 2010).
Hartocollis (2010) highlights...
Delgado, J. (2014, June 2). Work to begin on Grant Park skate park. The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-grant-park-new-skate-park-met-20140602,0,2192644.story
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Delgado, 2014).
Delgado (2014) highlights...
Hansen, Anders. (2017, October 24). The Most Important Thing We Can Do for Our Brain? Exercise! [Blog]. Retrieved from http://brainblogger.com/2017/10/24/the-most-important-thing-we-can-do-for-our-brain-exercise/
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Hansen, 2017).
Hansen (2017) highlights...
Why Gardening Can Help You Live Longer and Be Healthier. (2018, March 12). [Blog]. Retrieved from https://wellnessmama.com/5437/gardeners-live-longer/
Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods ("Why Gardening Can Help You", 2018).
"Why Gardening Can Help You" (2018) highlights...
Wernet, L. (Photographer). (2012, Octobr 30). Want a Little Kiss? Retrieved from www.flickr.com/photos/ farbenflut/8148446518/in/gallery-flickr-72157665643443294/.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Wernet, 2012).
Wernet (2012) highlights...
Planning for the signing of the document was almost complete (J. Smith, personal communication, May 4, 2014).
J. Smith (personal communication, May 4, 2014) highlights...
Beyonce. (2016, April 25). #LEMONADE the Visual Album Available Now! [Facebook update]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/beyonce/photos/10156956506310601.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Beyonce, 2016).
Beyonce (2016) highlights...
IISUtube1857. (2012). Celebration of President Bowman’s Legacy at Illinois State University [Online Video]. Normal, Illinois. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_vNPD1rhFY&feature=youtu.be
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (ISUtube1857, 2012).
ISUtube1857 (2012) highlights...
Mondello, B. (Narrator). (2008, September 1). Fall Movies: Corsets, Crises, Comedies and Cranks [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/ story/story.php?storyId =94117753.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Mondello, 2008).
Mondello (2008) highlights...
Lacques, A. (Writer), & Nash, B. (Director). (2009). Ben Franklin tech [Television series episode]. In D. Cambou (Executive producer), Modern Marvels. New York, NY: A&E Television Networks. Retrieved from http://www.hulu.com/watch/93273/modern-marvels-ben-franklin-tech?c=News-and-Information
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Lacques, 2009).
Lacques (2009) highlights...
Media Shift [MediaShiftOrg]. (2016, July 12, 3:35 a.m.). How Will Facebook’s Algorithm Changes Impact Your Newsroom? [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/MediaShiftOrg/status/ 752813655247519744.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Media Shift, 2016).
Media Shift (2016) highlights...
Hatch, R. (2014, May 22). The renegades of BioMath. Retrieved from http://stories.illinoisstate.edu/university/media-relations/report/renegades-biomath/
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Hatch, 2014).
Hatch (2014) highlights...
Moran, C. (n.d.). 7 Mindfulness Habits That Lead To 365 Days of Happiness. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/346064/7-mindfulness-habits-that-lead-365-days-happiness
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Moran, n.d.).
Moran (n.d.) highlights...
Illinois State athletics’ battle bird. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.goredbirds.com/trads/ilstu-trads-battlebird.html
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods ("Illinois State athletics’ battle bird," n.d.).
"Illinois State athletics’ battle bird" (n.d.) highlights...
Levinson, D., & Pfister, G. (Eds.). (2013). Yachting. In Berkshire encyclopedia of world sport (3rd ed., Vol. 3, pp. 1203–1205). Great Barrington, MA: Berkshire Publishing Group.
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Levinson & Pfister, 2013).
Levinson & Pfister (2013) highlights...
Ross, J. I. (Ed.). (2013). Hooliganism. In Encyclopedia of street crime in America (pp. 203-205). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. Retrieved from http://www.ilstu.eblib.com/EBLWeb/patron/?target=patron&extendedid=P_1207759_0
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Ross, 2013).
Ross (2013) highlights...
APA does not designate government publications as a separate source type and they often can be cited like a book, technical/research report, or brochure. The main components need to include: author name (who), date of publication (when), title of the work (what), and publication information (where). If the publication includes a report number or a series name, that information should also be included.
Stewart, H., Hyman, J., Carlson, A., & Frazão, E. (2016). The cost of satisfying fruit and vegetable recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines (Economic Brief, Number 27). Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Retrieved from http://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo69773
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Stewart, Hyman, Carlson, & Frazão, 2016).
Stewart, Hyman, Carlson, and Frazão (2016) highlights...
Note: These are not included in the reference list and should be cited parenthetically.
Planning for the signing of the document was almost complete (J. Smith, personal communication, May 4, 2014).
J. Smith (personal communication, May 4, 2014) highlights...
White, S., & Ivie, R. (2013). Number of women in physics departments: a simulation analysis. Report (pp. 1-13). College Park, MD: Statistical Research Center of the American Institute of Physics. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED547644.pdf
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (White & Ivie, 2013).
White and Ivie (2016) highlights...
Hagen, C. K. (2016). We’ve been here : Possibilities for prolonging experiential intimacy in art (Masters of Fine Arts). Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. Retrieved from http://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/504
In-text Citations:Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same methods (Hagen, 2016).
Hagen (2016) highlights...