Apa citation

Definition

APA citation is a standardized format for citing sources in academic writing, specifically developed by the American Psychological Association. It provides guidelines on how to format references and in-text citations, ensuring that authors give proper credit to the original sources of information. This systematic approach helps maintain academic integrity and allows readers to locate the sources used by the author.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. APA citation style emphasizes the use of the author's last name and publication year for in-text citations, making it easy for readers to understand when the source was published.
2. The reference list in APA format must be on a new page at the end of the document and should be titled 'References' with entries listed alphabetically by the author's last name.
3. When citing books in APA style, include the author's last name, first initial, publication year, title in italics, and publisher's name.
4. For journal articles, include the author(s), publication year, article title (in sentence case), journal title (in italics), volume number (in italics), and page range.
5. Electronic sources should include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) when available; if there is no DOI, provide the URL of the source instead.

Review Questions

• How does APA citation enhance academic writing and research?
  • APA citation enhances academic writing by providing a clear and consistent method for referencing sources. This structure allows readers to easily locate original materials and understand the context of the cited information. By using APA citation, writers demonstrate academic integrity, giving proper credit to authors whose work they reference while helping to avoid issues like plagiarism.
• Discuss how to correctly format an APA citation for a journal article.
  • To correctly format an APA citation for a journal article, start with the author's last name followed by their first initial. Then include the publication year in parentheses, followed by the article title in sentence case (only the first word capitalized). Next, provide the journal title in italics and title case, followed by the volume number in italics. Conclude with the page range of the article. If available, include the DOI at the end of the citation for electronic articles.
• Evaluate how adhering to APA citation guidelines impacts research credibility and scholarly communication.
  • Adhering to APA citation guidelines significantly enhances research credibility by ensuring that sources are accurately credited and traceable. This not only reinforces the integrity of scholarly communication but also allows readers to verify facts and further explore cited works. By maintaining a standardized citation style, researchers contribute to a cohesive academic discourse where ideas can be exchanged and built upon effectively, fostering collaboration and advancement in knowledge.

Related terms

In-text citation: A brief reference within the text that identifies the source of information or ideas, typically including the author's last name and the publication year.

Reference list: A complete list of all sources cited in a paper, formatted according to APA guidelines, that provides detailed information about each source.

Plagiarism: The act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution, which can be avoided by following citation guidelines.