The American Psychological Association (APA) Style is a method for formatting research papers and giving appropriate credit to the resources you use. APA also establishes writing standards and helps you prepare your work for possible publication. Following a common structure makes it easier for your readers to follow the ideas expressed in your paper.
APA Style uses the author-date citation system. A brief in-text citation directs readers to your references page.
You should use an in-text citation for any ideas or information that is not your own or not common knowledge. You can:
In-text citations can be:
The References page provides full citations for all the sources you cited in your paper.
The format of the citation will vary. In general, every citation includes:
Use cautiously. Double-check results. You may need to make corrections.
ZoteroBib is a free, web-based tool that helps create in-text citations and reference page citations.
Additional handouts on avoiding plagiarism, abbreviations, numbers, and more: APA Handouts.
Writing tutoring is available online and face-to-face in the library (by request).
Go to https://libraryguides.mdc.edu/MDCTutoring and click on the Writing tab.
Click “Make a tutoring appointment’ (the blue stripe). Once you select this, it will take you to the EAB Navigate window where you log in. Click on Schedule Appointment and then enter your preferred campus, time, and date for your appointment.
This video walks you through the process.
