When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, the American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used formats. APA citation style is commonly used in social sciences, education, and business fields. In this article, we will explore how to cite APA style, with a focus on journal article formatting.
Introduction to APA Citation Style
The APA style guide provides a set of rules and guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic writing. The style is designed to be clear, concise, and easy to read. APA citation style is used to credit the original authors of an idea, concept, or research finding, and to provide a way for readers to locate the original source of the information.
Basic Principles of APA Citation Style
There are a few basic principles to keep in mind when using APA citation style. First, all sources must be cited in the text and in the reference list. Second, the citation style is based on the author-date system, where the author’s last name and the year of publication are included in the in-text citation. Third, the reference list is arranged alphabetically by author’s last name.
Journal Article Formatting in APA Style
Journal articles are a common source of information in academic writing. To cite a journal article in APA style, you will need to include the following elements: author’s last name, first initial, year of publication, title of the article, title of the journal, volume number, issue number, and page numbers. The format for citing a journal article in APA style is as follows:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pp-pp.
For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The effects of climate change on mental health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 66(2), 12-20.
Examples of Journal Article Citations in APA Style
Here are a few more examples of journal article citations in APA style:
Single author: Johnson, K. (2019). The impact of social media on relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(1), 1-15.
Multiple authors: Lee, S., Kim, J., & Park, H. (2020). The effects of exercise on cognitive function in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28(2), 249-262.
Article with a DOI: Davis, P. (2018). The relationship between sleep and productivity. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 23(1), 1-9. doi: 10.1037/ocp0000114
Reference List in APA Style
The reference list is a crucial part of APA citation style. It provides a complete list of all sources cited in the text, and is arranged alphabetically by author’s last name. The reference list should include all sources cited in the text, including journal articles, books, and websites.
Example of a reference list entry for a journal article:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pp-pp. doi: xxxxxxxx
For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The effects of climate change on mental health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 66(2), 12-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.11.002
Tables and Figures in APA Style
Tables and figures are an essential part of academic writing, and APA style provides guidelines for formatting and citing them. Tables should be numbered and have a clear title, while figures should be labeled and have a clear caption.
| Type of Source | Format |
|---|---|
| Journal article | Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pp-pp. |
| Book | Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher. |
| Website | Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com |
Common Mistakes in APA Citation Style
One of the most common mistakes in APA citation style is inconsistent formatting. Make sure to check the APA style guide for the most up-to-date guidelines and examples. Another common mistake is failing to include the DOI (digital object identifier) for online sources. The DOI is a unique identifier that provides a permanent link to the source.
Tips for Using APA Citation Style
Here are a few tips for using APA citation style:
- Use the APA style guide to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Make sure to include all necessary elements in the citation, including the author's last name, year of publication, title of the article, and page numbers.
- Use the correct formatting for different types of sources, such as journal articles, books, and websites.
- Double-check the reference list to ensure that all sources are included and formatted correctly.
What is APA citation style?
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APA citation style is a set of rules and guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic writing, commonly used in social sciences, education, and business fields.
How do I cite a journal article in APA style?
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To cite a journal article in APA style, include the author’s last name, first initial, year of publication, title of the article, title of the journal, volume number, issue number, and page numbers, in the format: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pp-pp.
What is a DOI, and why is it important in APA citation style?
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A DOI (digital object identifier) is a unique identifier that provides a permanent link to an online source. It is essential in APA citation style to include the DOI for online sources, as it ensures that the source can be easily located and accessed.
How do I format a reference list in APA style?
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A reference list in APA style should be arranged alphabetically by author’s last name and include all sources cited in the text, with each entry formatted according to the type of source, such as a journal article, book, or website.
What are some common mistakes in APA citation style, and how can I avoid them?
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Common mistakes in APA citation style include inconsistent formatting and failing to include the DOI for online sources. To avoid these mistakes, use the APA style guide, double-check the reference list, and ensure that all necessary elements are included in the citation.
