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APA Citation Style 6th Edition

This guide will help you cite sources in APA Citation Style 6th Edition.

How to Cite a Direct Quotation (pp. 170-1)

Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the APA 6th Edition manual.

When you incorporate a direct quotation into a sentence, you must cite the source. Fit quotations within your sentences, enclosed in quotation marks, making sure the sentences are grammatically correct.

Examples:
Gibaldi (2003) indicates that, “Quotations are effective in research papers when used selectively” (p. 109).

Remember that “[q]uotations are effective in research papers when used selectively” (Gibaldi, 2003, p. 109).

In 2003, Gibaldi wrote that, “Quotations are effective in research papers when used selectively” (p. 109).

If a quotation is 40 words or more, omit quotation marks and use a block format in which the quotation is indented about ½ inch (or 5 spaces) from the left margin. Maintain double-spacing within the block quote. Cite the source an parentheses at the end of the block quote, after the final punctuation mark.

Example:
Co-presence does not ensure intimate interaction among all group members. Consider large-scale social gatherings in which hundreds or thousands of people gather in a location to perform a ritual or celebrate an event.
     In these instances, participants are able to see the visible manifestation of the group, the physical gathering, yet their ability to make direct, intimate connections with those around them is limited by the sheer magnitude of the assembly. (Purcell, 1997, pp.111-112)

How to Cite When Altering a Direct Quotation (pp. 172-3)

Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the APA 6th Edition manual.

When you need to leave out part of a quotation to make it fit grammatically or because it contains irrelevant/unnecessary information, insert ellipses.
 
If you must add or slightly change words within a quotation for reasons of grammar or clarity, indicate the change with square brackets.

How to Paraphrase (pp. 170-4)

Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the APA 6th Edition manual.

Even if you put information in your own words by summarizing or paraphrasing, you must cite the original author and the date of publication. You are also encouraged to provide a page or paragraph number (check with your instructor to see if page numbers are required).

Example:

Within the research paper, quotations will have more impact when used judiciously (Gibaldi, 2003, p. 109).

How to Cite More than One Author (pp. 175-7)

Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the APA 6th Edition manual.

When a work has 2 authors, cite both names every time the reference occurs.

When a work has 3-5 authors, cite all the names the first time the reference occurs; in subsequent citations, use the surname of the first author followed by et al.

When a work has 6 or more authors, use the surname of the first author followed by et al. every time the reference occurs in the text.

Tip: There is a helpful chart on how to cite references with different numbers of authors on page 177 of the APA Manual.

How to Cite Information If No Page Numbers Are Available (pp.171-172)

Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the APA 6th Edition manual.

If a resource contains no page numbers, as can be the case with electronic sources, then you cannot include a page number in the parentheses. However, if the source indicates paragraph numbers, use the abbreviation “para” and the relevant number in the parentheses. If the paragraph number is not visible, cite the heading and the paragraph number following it.

Examples:
As Myers (2000) aptly phrased it, "…" (para. 5).
(Beutler, 2000, Conclusion, para. 1)

How to Cite Information When You Have Not Seen the Original Source (Secondary Sources) (p.178)

Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the APA 6th Edition manual.

Sometimes an author writes about research that someone else has done, but you are unable to track down the original research report. In this case, because you did not read the original report, you will include only the source you did consult in your References. The words “as cited in” in the parenthetical reference indicate you have not read the original research.

Example:
Fong’s 1987 study (as cited in Bertram, 1996) found that older students’ memory can be as good as that of young people, but this depends on how memory is tested. [Do not include Fong (1987) in your References; do include Bertram (1996).]

What Needs to be Cited?

When do I need to cite?

If you use information from another source, that source must be cited. This includes:

  • Direct quotations
  • Paraphrased information
  • Summarized ideas

When don't I need to cite?

You don't need to cite information that is considered "common knowledge." Common knowledge includes facts that are known by a lot of people and can be found in many sources. For example, you do not need to cite:

  • Canada's Confederation was in 1867.
  • Edmonton is the capital of Alberta.
  • Water freezes at 0° Celsius.

What is considered "common knowledge" can change based on a person's culture, academic discipline, or peer group.

To decide whether information is "common knowledge," consider:

  • Who is your audience?
  • What can you assume they already know?
  • Will you be asked where you found the information?

Not sure?

When in doubt, cite the source! Citation adds credibility to your writing and highlights the accuracy of your information.