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Writing Center
APA Citation rules and examples
In-Text Citation
(pdf
version of the Basic Rules for In-text Citation (APA style) is available)
This handout is based on the rules set out in the publication manual
(fifth edition) of the American Psychological Association (APA). It
is not intended to replace the APA manual. When in doubt consult the
APA publication manual and your professor. The library call number is:
Ref
BF 76.7
P83
2001
The American Psychological Association (APA) format follows an “author-date”
style of in-text citation. When using this style, the author's last
name and the year of publication for the source material appears in
the text. Every source used in the paper, direct quotation,
paraphrase, summary or translation must be cited in the text
of the paper and listed in the References. A complete reference listing
for each source cited in-text (except personal communication) is listed
in the “References” at the end of the paper. Failure to
do so will result in the charge of “plagiarism” which will
have serious consequences to an academic career.
Direct Quotation
Direct quotes are used when you take another author’s ideas
and exact words for use in your own paper. This is also a normal and
expected form of academic writing which shows authority and raises the
credibility of your work. Care must be taken that the quote is relevant
and coherent with your own writing – it should not jar the reader’s
sensibilities of tone and style.
- Short Quote
Short quotes (fewer than 40 words) are enclosed in double quotation
marks. In addition to the author and date of publication a page number
must be included in the in-text citation.
Examples
She stated, "Students often have difficulty using appropriate
study skills," (Kerr, 2002, p. 199), but she did not offer an
explanation as to why.
According to Kerr (2002), "Students often had difficulty using
appropriate study skills," (p. 199).
Kerr (2002) argued "Students often had difficulty using appropriate
study skills," (p. 199); what implications does this have for
faculty?
- Long Quote
Quotations longer than 40 words are placed in a block of
text. The block quotation starts on a new line, indented five spaces
from the left margin. The entire quotation is indented. Maintain double-spacing
throughout. The page number should come after the closing punctuation
mark.
Example
Rathbun’s 2002 study found the following:
Students often have difficulty using appropriate study skills, especially
in their first year in an undergraduate program. This difficulty could
be attributed to the fact that many students have not been properly
trained in these skills at the middle or high school level. It could
also be due to the fact that many students have never been challenged
academically to the point where efficient study skills were needed.
(p. 99)
Paraphrase
Paraphrase is used when you take the ideas from another author’s
work but put the ideas in your own words. This is a normal and expected
form of academic writing. It shows that you have read within the field
of study and that you can incorporate ideas into your own framework,
context and prose. Moreover, it shows that you have understood the original
work. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that you have not changed
the sense or connotation of the original source – you cannot put
words in another author’s mouth. You must also take care to fully
paraphrase. Paraphrase is not just changing a word or two. It is a complete
incorporation into your own thinking and writing. It is also crucial
that you cite the original source in your writing.
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