In-text citations are brief. They include the author's last name, year of publication, and, for quotations only, page numbers or location references. This is enough information for readers to find the source in the references list. Note that punctuation marks (periods, commas, semi-colons) follow the parentheses for in-text citations.
Identify the kind of source you have and apply the APA guidelines. A few examples are covered below.
- Paraphrase
- Direct Quotation from source with page numbers
- Direct quotation from source with no page numbers
- Source with one author
- Source with two authors
- Source with three or more authors
- Agency author
- Source with no author
- Two or more sources from the same author in the same year
- Two or more sources in one parenthetical citation
- Citing a source you found in another source
Paraphrase
Examples:
According to Makad (2018), there are many reasons why Canadians should consider electoral reform.
Direct Quotations from Sources with Page Numbers
Examples:
Direct Quotations from Sources with No Page Numbers
PowerPoint Presentation
Example:
Example:
Video or Audio Book
Example:
At one point in the film, Marty yells, “please make it stop!” (Erikso, 2012, 1:19).
Webpage or other source with no page or section breaks
Example
According to the RNAO (2018), there are “specific best practices that can prevent falls” (para. 3).
Source with One Author
Examples:
Different cultures’ definitions of dignity can be in contradiction (Bourgois, 1995).
Source with Two Authors
Examples:
Source with Three or More Authors
Example:
Aubrey et al. (2004) observed participants in different stages of sleep.
Agency Author
Example:
First reference:
The American Psychological Association (APA, 2010) recommends . . .
Parenthetical citations are required (American Psychological Association [APA], 2010)
Subsequent references:
Running heads are required (APA, 2010).
Source with No Author
Examples:
("Diet for Stress Management", 2012)
Two or More Sources from the Same Author in the Same Year
Example:
In two studies by Lee (2008a; 2008b), anti-depressants were found . . .
Two or More Sources in one Parenthetical Citation
Example:
Citing a Source you found in Another Source
Example:
Khan (2002) theorized that . . . (as cited in Cohen, 2011).
Some theories suggest… (Kahn, 2002, as cited in Cohen, 2011)