The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely used citation format in social sciences, education, and business. When citing sources with multiple authors, it is essential to follow the APA guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will explore the rules for citing multiple authors in APA style, providing examples and explanations to help you master this critical aspect of academic writing.
Basic Rules for Citing Multiple Authors
In APA style, the number of authors determines the citation format. For sources with two to seven authors, all authors’ names are listed in the reference list and in the in-text citations. However, for sources with eight or more authors, only the first six authors are listed, followed by an ellipsis, and then the last author’s name.
Citing Two to Seven Authors
When citing sources with two to seven authors, all authors’ names are listed in the reference list and in the in-text citations. The authors’ names are separated by commas, and the word “and” is used before the last author’s name. For example:
In the reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, K., Williams, P., Davis, M., & Thompson, R. (2020). The effects of climate change on mental health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(2), 123-135.
In the in-text citation: (Smith, Johnson, Williams, Davis, & Thompson, 2020)
Citing Eight or More Authors
For sources with eight or more authors, only the first six authors are listed, followed by an ellipsis, and then the last author’s name. For example:
In the reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, K., Williams, P., Davis, M., Thompson, R., Lee, S., ... Kim, J. (2020). The effects of climate change on mental health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(2), 123-135.
In the in-text citation: (Smith et al., 2020)
| Number of Authors | Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Two to seven authors | All authors' names listed, separated by commas and "and" before the last author |
| Eight or more authors | First six authors listed, followed by an ellipsis, and then the last author's name |
Additional Guidelines for Citing Multiple Authors
In addition to the basic rules, there are some additional guidelines to consider when citing multiple authors in APA style.
Authors with the Same Last Name
When citing sources with authors who share the same last name, include their first initials in the in-text citations to avoid confusion. For example:
In the in-text citation: (J. Smith, 2020; K. Smith, 2020)
Group Authors
When citing sources with group authors, such as organizations or companies, use the group name in the reference list and in the in-text citations. For example:
In the reference list: American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Author.
In the in-text citation: (American Psychological Association, 2020)
Multiple Sources with the Same Authors and Publication Year
When citing multiple sources with the same authors and publication year, use lowercase letters to distinguish between the sources. For example:
In the in-text citation: (Smith et al., 2020a); (Smith et al., 2020b)
What is the correct citation format for sources with two to seven authors in APA style?
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All authors’ names are listed in the reference list and in the in-text citations, separated by commas, and the word “and” is used before the last author’s name.
How do I cite sources with eight or more authors in APA style?
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Only the first six authors are listed, followed by an ellipsis, and then the last author’s name.
What should I do when citing sources with authors who share the same last name?
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Include their first initials in the in-text citations to avoid confusion.
