how to reference an article in the essay in apa format

how to reference an article in the essay in apa format

To reference an article within an essay in APA format, you’ll need to follow specific guidelines to provide proper credit to the source. Here’s how to do it within a 1000-word essay:

1. In-Text Citations:

• When you reference or quote an article within your essay, include an in-text citation. This citation provides the reader with enough information to locate the source in your reference list.
• For a direct quote, include the author(s), publication year, and page number (if applicable). For paraphrased or summarized information, include the author(s) and publication year.
• The general format is as follows:
  • For a direct quote: (Author(s), Year, p. Page Number)
  • For paraphrased or summarized information: (Author(s), Year)

2. Author and Year:

• If the article has one or two authors, include both authors’ last names in the in-text citation every time you reference it.
• If the article has three or more authors, include the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” in the in-text citation after the first citation.

3. Title of the Article:

• Do not include the title of the article in the in-text citation; only include the author(s) and year.

4. Reference List Entry:

• In your reference list at the end of your essay, provide a full citation for the article you’re referencing. This citation should include the following components:
  • Author(s)
  • Publication year
  • Title of the article
  • Title of the journal (italicized or in title case)
  • Volume number (italicized or in title case)
  • Issue number (in parentheses)
  • Page range
  • DOI (if available)

5. Formatting Within Your Essay:

• Ensure that your in-text citations and reference list entry for the referenced article follow APA formatting guidelines.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides, double-spacing throughout the essay, and a 12-point Times New Roman font.

6. Multiple Authors:

• When referencing an article with multiple authors (two or more), include all authors’ last names in the in-text citation the first time you cite it. In subsequent citations, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”

7. Electronic Sources:

• If the article you’re referencing is an online source, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the reference list entry. If a DOI is not available, include the URL of the journal’s homepage.

Here’s a fictional example of an in-text citation and reference list entry for an article in APA format:

In-text citation (first time): (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 45)

In-text citation (subsequent times): (Smith et al., 2020)

Reference List Entry:

Smith, A. B., & Johnson, C. D. (2020). Title of the Article. Journal of Example Research, 25(3), 45-67. DOI: 10.1234/example

Adapt these guidelines to the specific article you are referencing within your essay, and make sure to provide accurate and complete citation information for proper attribution.