APA Citation

Definition

APA citation is a standardized method of documenting sources used in research, developed by the American Psychological Association. This format emphasizes clarity and consistency, making it easier for readers to locate and verify the sources you referenced. It is widely used in the social sciences, psychology, education, and other fields, ensuring proper attribution to original ideas while avoiding plagiarism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. APA citation style includes specific rules for formatting references for books, articles, websites, and other sources.
2. In APA format, in-text citations typically include the author's last name and year of publication, allowing readers to easily find the full citation in the reference list.
3. The reference list should be double-spaced with a hanging indent for each entry, providing a clean and organized appearance.
4. Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) are preferred in APA citations for electronic sources, ensuring easier access to journal articles and other online materials.
5. APA citation guidelines are regularly updated, so it’s important to check the most current version for any changes in formatting rules.

Review Questions

• How does APA citation help maintain academic integrity in research writing?
  • APA citation helps maintain academic integrity by providing a systematic way to credit original authors and sources. By properly citing works, researchers acknowledge the contributions of others, which prevents plagiarism and promotes ethical writing practices. This transparency allows readers to trace the origins of ideas and findings, fostering trust in academic work.
• What are the key elements required when creating an APA citation for a journal article?
  • When creating an APA citation for a journal article, key elements include the author's last name and initials, publication year, article title (in sentence case), journal title (in italics and title case), volume number (also in italics), issue number (if applicable), page range of the article, and DOI if available. Ensuring accuracy in these details is crucial for proper referencing.
• Evaluate the importance of using DOIs in APA citations for digital content. How does this practice enhance scholarly communication?
  • Using DOIs in APA citations is vital as they provide a permanent link to digital content, enhancing accessibility and reliability for readers. This practice improves scholarly communication by ensuring that sources can be easily located regardless of changes in URLs or website structures. By promoting consistency and ease of access to referenced materials, DOIs contribute significantly to the integrity of academic research.

Related terms

Citation: A reference to a source of information or an idea, usually including details like the author, publication date, and title.

Bibliography: A list of all sources consulted in the preparation of a work, including those not directly cited in the text.

In-text citation: A brief reference within the text that directs readers to the full citation in the reference list, typically including the author's last name and publication year.