how to cite thesis in apa format

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How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in APA

In this citation guide, you will learn how to reference and cite an undergraduate thesis, master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation. This guide will also review the differences between a thesis or dissertation that is published and one that has remained unpublished. The guidelines below come from the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (2020a), pages 333 and 334. Please note that the association is not affiliated with this guide.

Alternatively, you can visit EasyBib.com for helpful citation tools to cite your thesis or dissertation .

Guide Overview

Citing an unpublished thesis or dissertation, citing a published dissertation or thesis from a database, citing a thesis or dissertation published online but not from a database, citing a thesis or dissertation: reference overview, what you need.

Since unpublished theses can usually only be sourced in print form from a university library, the correct citation structure includes the university name where the publisher element usually goes.

Author’s last name, F. M. (Year published). Title in sentence case [Unpublished degree type thesis or dissertation]. Name of institution.

Ames, J. H., & Doughty, L. H. (1911). The proposed plans for the Iowa State College athletic field including the design of a reinforced concrete grandstand and wall [Unpublished bachelor’s thesis]. Iowa State University.

In-text citation example:

• Parenthetical :  (Ames & Doughty, 1911)
• Narrative :  Ames & Doughty (1911)

If a thesis or dissertation has been published and is found on a database, then follow the structure below. It’s similar to the format for an unpublished dissertation/thesis, but with a few differences:

• The institution is presented in brackets after the title
• The archive or database name is included

Author’s last name, F. M. (Year published). Title in sentence case (Publication or Document No.) [Degree type thesis or dissertation, Name of institution]. Database name.

Examples 1:

Knight, K. A. (2011). Media epidemics: Viral structures in literature and new media (Accession No. 2013420395) [Doctoral dissertation, University of California, Santa Barbara]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Trotman, J.B. (2018). New insights into the biochemistry and cell biology of RNA recapping (Document No. osu1523896565730483) [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses & Dissertations Center.

In the example given above, the dissertation is presented with a Document Number (Document No.). Sometimes called a database number or publication number, this is the identifier that is used by the database’s indexing system. If the database you are using provides you with such a number, then include it directly after the work’s title in parentheses.

If you are interested in learning more about how to handle works that were accessed via academic research databases, see Section 9.3 of the Publication Manual.

In-text citation examples :

• Parenthetical citation : (Trotman, 2018)
• Narrative citation : Trotman (2018)

Author’s last name, F. M. (Year Published). Title in sentence case [Degree type thesis or dissertation, Name of institution]. Name of archive or collection. URL

Kim, O. (2019). Soviet tableau: cinema and history under late socialism [Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh]. Institutional Repository at the University of Pittsburgh. https://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/37669/7/Olga%20Kim%20Final%20ETD.pdf

Stiles, T. W. (2001). Doing science: Teachers’ authentic experiences at the Lone Star Dinosaur Field Institute [Master’s thesis, Texas A&M University]. OAKTrust. https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2001-THESIS-S745

It is important to note that not every thesis or dissertation published online will be associated with a specific archive or collection. If the work is published on a private website, provide only the URL as the source element.

In-text citation examples:

• Parenthetical citation : (Kim, 2019)
• Narrative citation : Kim (2019)
• Parenthetical citation : (Stiles, 2001)
• Narrative citation : Stiles (2001)

We hope that the information provided here will serve as an effective guide for your research. If you’re looking for even more citation info, visit EasyBib.com for a comprehensive collection of educational materials covering multiple source types.

If you’re citing a variety of different sources, consider taking the EasyBib citation generator for a spin. It can help you cite easily and offers citation forms for several different kinds of sources.

To start things off, let’s take a look at the different types of literature that are classified under Chapter 10.6 of the Publication Manual :

• Undergraduate thesis
• Master’s thesis
• Doctoral dissertation

You will need to know which type you are citing. You’ll also need to know if it is published or unpublished .

When you decide to cite a dissertation or thesis, you’ll need to look for the following information to use in your citation:

• Author’s last name, and first and middle initials
• Year published
• Title of thesis or dissertation
• If it is unpublished
• Publication or document number (if applicable; for published work)
• Degree type (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)
• Thesis or dissertation
• Name of institution awarding degree
• DOI (https://doi.org/xxxxx) or URL (if applicable)

Since theses and dissertations are directly linked to educational degrees, it is necessary to list the name of the associated institution; i.e., the college, university, or school that is awarding the associated degree.

To get an idea of the proper form, take a look at the examples below. There are three outlined scenarios:

• Unpublished thesis or dissertation
• Published thesis or dissertation from a database
• Thesis or dissertation published online but not from a database

American Psychological Association. (2020a). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

American Psychological Association. (2020b). Style-Grammar-Guidelines. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/basic-principles/parenthetical-versus-narrative

Published August 10, 2012. Updated March 24, 2020.

Written and edited by Michele Kirschenbaum and Elise Barbeau. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist and the in-house librarian at EasyBib.com. Elise Barbeau is the Citation Specialist at Chegg. She has worked in digital marketing, libraries, and publishing.

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Multiple Authors
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Parenthetical Citations
• Reference Page
• Sample Paper
• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all APA Examples

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To cite a published thesis in APA style, it is important that you know some basic information such as the author, publication year, title of the thesis, institute name, archive name, and URL (uniform resource locator). The templates for an in-text citation and reference list entry of a thesis, along with examples, are given below:

In-text citation template and example:

Use the author surname and the publication year in the in-text citation.

Author Surname (Publication Year)

Cartmel (2007)

Parenthetical:

(Author Surname, Publication Year)

(Cartmel, 2007)

Reference list entry template and example:

The title of the thesis is set in sentence case and italicized. Enclose the thesis and the institute awarding the degree inside brackets following the publication year. Then add the name of the database followed by the URL.

Author Surname, F. M. (Publication Year). Title of the thesis [Master’s thesis, Institute Name]. Name of the Database. URL

Cartmel, J. (2007). Outside school hours care and schools [Master’s thesis, Queensland University of Technology]. EPrints. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/17810/1/Jennifer_Cartmel_Thesis.pdf

To cite an unpublished dissertation in APA style, it is important that you know some basic information such as the author, year, title of the dissertation, and institute name. The templates for in-text citation and reference list entry of an online thesis, along with examples, are given below:

Author Surname (Year)

Averill (2009)

(Author Surname, Year)

(Averill, 2009)

The title of the dissertation is set in sentence case and italicized. Enclose “Unpublished doctoral dissertation” inside brackets following the year. Then add the name of the institution awarding the degree.

Author Surname, F. M. (Publication Year). Title of the dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of the Institute.

Averill, R. (2009). Teacher–student relationships in diverse New Zealand year 10 mathematics classrooms: Teacher care [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Victoria University of Wellington.

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How to Cite a Thesis in APA: A Comprehensive Guide to Proper Citations

Citing a thesis in APA format is a critical skill for students and researchers alike. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of APA citation for theses, ensuring your academic work adheres to widely accepted standards.

The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is commonly used in the social sciences, education, and psychology fields. It provides a consistent framework for referencing sources, including theses.

Key Components of a Thesis Citation in APA

An APA citation for a thesis includes several key components: the author’s name, publication year, thesis title, university name, and the URL or database name (if applicable).

These elements are arranged in a specific order and format to ensure clarity and uniformity in scholarly communication. Understanding and correctly applying these components is crucial for accurate and ethical academic writing.

Why Accurate Citation Matters

Accurate citation is vital for several reasons. It acknowledges the original author’s work, provides readers with the context and sources of your research, and helps avoid plagiarism. Proper citation is not just a formal requirement; it’s a sign of academic integrity and respect within the research community.

For expert assistance in crafting your thesis and ensuring accurate APA citations, consider the specialized services offered at thesisrush.com , a resource dedicated to supporting students with their academic writing challenges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Citing a Thesis in APA

1. formatting the author’s name and publication year.

When citing a thesis in APA format, begin with the author’s last name followed by a comma, then the initial(s) of their first and middle names (if available).

After the author’s name, include the publication year in parentheses. This information is crucial as it identifies the thesis’s creator and the time of its creation, helping readers locate the source.

2. Citing the Thesis Title and University Name

Next, include the title of the thesis in sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. Italicize the title to distinguish it from other elements of the citation.

Following the title, state the name of the university where the thesis was submitted. This detail provides context about the academic environment in which the research was conducted.

3. Including the URL or Database Name

If the thesis is available online, conclude the citation with the URL or the name of the database where it can be found.

This information is crucial in the digital age, as it allows readers to access the source material directly. Make sure the URL is accurate and leads to the specific document to ensure ease of access for your audience.

Examples of Thesis Citations in APA Format

Citing an Unpublished Thesis

When citing an unpublished thesis, the format slightly differs from a published one. An example of an unpublished thesis citation in APA format would be:

• Doe, J. (2020). Exploring Behavioral Patterns in Early Childhood Education (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Education.

This example demonstrates how to format each element, from the author’s name to the university’s name, for an unpublished thesis.

Citing a Published Thesis from a Database

For a published thesis retrieved from a database, the citation includes the database name or URL. An example is:

• Smith, A. B. (2018). A Comparative Study of Cognitive Development in Children (Doctoral dissertation, University of Psychology). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

This citation shows the inclusion of the database where the thesis can be accessed, a crucial detail for published theses.

Citing an Online Thesis

Citing a thesis found online requires including the direct URL. An example of this citation is:

• Lee, C. (2019). Innovative Teaching Methods in Higher Education. The University of Learning. Retrieved from (here you will insert URL)

This example illustrates the format for citing a thesis available on a university’s digital repository, emphasizing the inclusion of a retrievable URL.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Inaccurate author details.

One common mistake is inaccurately recording the author’s name or initials. Always double-check these details against the original source to ensure accuracy.

Incorrect Title Formatting

Another error is incorrect title formatting. Remember, the thesis title should be in sentence case and italicized. Paying attention to these details is crucial for consistency in APA citations.

Overlooking the University Name and URL

Omitting the university name or the URL (for online theses) can lead to incomplete citations. Ensure every element of the citation is included and correctly formatted.

Advanced Tips

Incorporating Direct Quotes from a Thesis

When including direct quotes from a thesis, it’s important to provide page numbers in the citation. This helps readers locate the specific part of the thesis you’re referencing. For instance:

• Doe, J. (2020). Exploring Behavioral Patterns in Early Childhood Education (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Education. (p. 45).

This citation shows how to incorporate a page number, enhancing the accuracy and usefulness of your reference.

Citing a Thesis with Multiple Authors

In cases where a thesis has multiple authors, list them in the order they appear in the source. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example:

• Doe, J., & Smith, A. B. (2018). A Comparative Study of Cognitive Development in Children. University of Psychology.

This format acknowledges all contributors, maintaining the integrity of your citation.

Handling Missing Information

Sometimes, certain information like the publication year or university name might be missing. In such cases, use placeholders like “n.d.” (no date) or provide as much information as possible. Be thorough in your search for information to minimize these occurrences.

Utilizing APA Citation Tools and Resources

Online generators.

There are numerous online tools available to assist with APA citation. These generators can automatically format your references, but it’s important to double-check their accuracy. Examples include Citation Machine and BibMe.

Academic Databases and Libraries

Academic databases and university libraries often provide guides and resources for APA citation. Utilizing these resources ensures that your citations are aligned with the latest APA standards.

Consultation with Instructors or Librarians

When in doubt, consulting with your instructor or a librarian can provide clarity and ensure that your citations are correct. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially for complex or unusual citation scenarios.

Concluding Thoughts

Mastering APA citations for theses is a fundamental skill for students and researchers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, from understanding the basics to correctly formatting each citation component.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your academic work adheres to the highest standards of scholarly communication , maintaining integrity and credibility in your field.

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APA Style Guide: How to Cite a Master's Thesis in APA Format

Citing a master's thesis in APA format can be a daunting task, especially given the intricacies involved in adhering to the specific guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA). Whether the thesis is published or unpublished, and regardless of whether you're using the 6th or 7th edition of the APA manual, it's crucial to get the citation right. This article will guide you through the essential elements, formatting rules, and common pitfalls to avoid when citing a master's thesis in APA format.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the key elements of APA style is essential for citing a master's thesis correctly.
• Accurate citation is crucial to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.
• There are distinct differences between citing published and unpublished master's theses.
• The APA 6th and 7th editions have specific guidelines and notable differences for thesis citations.
• Utilizing citation tools can simplify the process and ensure adherence to APA formatting rules.

Understanding APA Style for Master's Theses

Key elements of apa style.

When citing a master's thesis in APA format, it is crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. The key elements include the author's name, year of publication, title of the thesis, and the institution awarding the degree. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original author but also allows readers to locate the source material easily.

Importance of Accurate Citation

Accurate citation is essential in academic writing as it upholds the integrity of your work. By following APA style, you demonstrate attention to detail and respect for intellectual property. This practice also helps in avoiding plagiarism, which can have serious academic consequences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is neglecting to include all necessary components in the citation. For instance, forgetting the title or the institution can render the citation incomplete. Another frequent error is incorrect formatting, such as misplacing the year or using the wrong punctuation. Always double-check your citations against the APA guidelines to ensure they are correct.

Formatting the Citation for a Published Master's Thesis

When citing a published master's thesis in APA format, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency . Proper citation not only gives credit to the original author but also enhances the credibility of your own work.

Citing an Unpublished Master's Thesis

When citing an unpublished master's thesis in APA format, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original author but also allows readers to locate the source material if needed. Below are the essential components and formatting guidelines for citing an unpublished master's thesis.

Essential Components

To cite an unpublished master's thesis, you need to include the following elements:

• Author's Name : The surname is followed by the initials (e.g., Aube, K. E.).
• Year of Publication : The year the thesis was completed (e.g., 2019).
• Title of the Thesis : The title should be in sentence case and italicized (e.g., A comparison of water main failure prediction models in San Luis Obispo, CA ).
• Description : Indicate that it is an unpublished master's thesis (e.g., [Unpublished master's thesis]).
• Institution : The name of the institution where the thesis was completed (e.g., Cal Poly).

Formatting Guidelines

The general format for citing an unpublished master's thesis is as follows:

For example:

Here are a few examples to illustrate the correct format:

• Stewart, Y. (2000). Dressing the tarot [Unpublished master's thesis]. Auckland University of Technology.
• Cartmel, J. (2007). Outside school hours care and schools [Unpublished master's thesis]. Queensland University of Technology.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and complete, thereby maintaining the integrity of your academic work. If you experience thesis anxiety , remember that finding assistance with your master thesis writing involves identifying specific needs, researching resources, evaluating assistance providers, and overcoming challenges for academic success.

Differences Between APA 6th and 7th Editions

The transition from APA 6th to 7th edition brought several significant changes that you need to be aware of when formatting your master's thesis. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring your citations are up-to-date and accurate.

Using Citation Tools for APA Formatting

Benefits of citation tools.

Citation tools offer numerous advantages for students and researchers. They help generate and format citations accurately, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. These tools also ensure consistency in citation style, which is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. Additionally, they often come with features like grammar and plagiarism checks, further enhancing the quality of your work.

Popular Citation Tools

Several citation tools are widely used in academic writing. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Grammarly's free citation machine , which can generate and format citations in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
• Zotero, a versatile tool that helps manage and organize research sources.
• EndNote, which offers advanced features for managing bibliographies and references.

Step-by-Step Guide

Using citation tools effectively involves a few straightforward steps:

• Choose a citation tool that suits your needs.
• Input the necessary information about your source, such as author, title, and publication date.
• Select the citation style required for your work (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
• Generate the citation and copy it into your document.
• Review the generated citation for accuracy and make any necessary adjustments.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your citations are both accurate and properly formatted, thereby enhancing the overall quality of your academic writing.

Ensuring Academic Integrity Through Proper Citation

Avoiding plagiarism.

One of the key purposes of referencing is to acknowledge the role that the work of others has played in developing your ideas. This means that you must include citations for any ideas, data, or direct quotes that are not your own. Proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism , which is a serious academic offense. By giving credit to the original authors, you not only respect their work but also enhance the credibility of your own research.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations in Ph.D. thesis research and writing are crucial to maintain academic integrity, avoid misconduct, and balance research objectives with ethical concerns. When citing sources, it is important to be honest and transparent about where your information comes from. Misrepresenting sources or fabricating data can lead to severe consequences, including academic penalties and damage to your professional reputation.

Institutional Policies

Different institutions may have specific policies regarding citations and academic integrity. It is important to familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure compliance. Many institutions provide an academic integrity toolkit that includes guidelines on proper citation practices, examples of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, and resources for further assistance. Adhering to these policies not only helps you avoid unintentional plagiarism but also upholds the standards of your academic community.

Ensuring academic integrity through proper citation is crucial for any student's success. At Research Rebels, we understand the challenges students face and offer a comprehensive Thesis Action Plan to guide you every step of the way. Don't let sleepless nights and anxiety hold you back. Visit our website to claim your special offer now and start your journey towards stress-free thesis writing.

In conclusion, mastering the APA format for citing a master's thesis is an essential skill for academic writing. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps and considerations for accurately citing both published and unpublished theses in APA style. By adhering to these guidelines, students and researchers can ensure their work maintains academic integrity and contributes to the scholarly community. Proper citation not only acknowledges the original authors but also allows readers to trace the research lineage, thereby fostering a culture of transparency and credibility in academic discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basic format for citing a master's thesis in apa 7th edition.

The basic format for citing a master's thesis in APA 7th edition is: Author(s) of the thesis. (Year of publication). Title of the Master's thesis (Publication number) [Master's thesis, Name of the degree awarding institution]. Name of Platform. URL.

How do I cite an unpublished master's thesis in APA format?

For an unpublished master's thesis, the format is: Author(s) of the thesis. (Year of publication). Title of the master's thesis [Unpublished master's thesis]. Name of the degree awarding institution.

What are the major differences between APA 6th and 7th editions for citing theses?

Major differences include changes in the format for the title, the inclusion of the publication number, and the way URLs are presented. The 7th edition also provides clearer guidelines for citing online sources.

Can I use citation tools to format my master's thesis citation in APA?

Yes, citation tools can be very helpful for formatting citations in APA style. They can save time and ensure accuracy, but it's important to double-check the generated citations for correctness.

What are common mistakes to avoid when citing a master's thesis in APA format?

Common mistakes include incorrect author formatting, missing publication year, improper title capitalization, and incorrect URL formatting. Always follow the specific guidelines of the APA edition you are using.

Why is accurate citation important in academic writing?

Accurate citation is crucial for giving credit to original authors, avoiding plagiarism, and allowing readers to verify sources. It upholds academic integrity and contributes to the credibility of your work.

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Thesis/Dissertation – APA Reference List

Capitalization.

• The document title is in sentence case – Only the first word and proper nouns in the title are capitalized. Always capitalize the first word, the first word after a colon or a dash.
• The title of the thesis or dissertation is in title case – Each word in the name is capitalized, except for articles (a, an, the), prepositions (against, between, in, of, to), conjunctions (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet), and the infinitive 'to'.

Thesis/Dissertation – Unpublished/Print version

For papers written in United States list City and State. For countries outside United States list City and Country.

Author , A . A . ( Year ). Title of dissertation/thesis  (Unpublished doctoral dissertation [OR] Unpublished master's thesis). Academic Institution , City , State [OR] Country .

• Considine, M. (1986). Australian insurance politics in the 1970s: Two case studies . (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
• Kassover,A. (1987). Treatment of abusive males: Voluntary vs. court-mandated referrals (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

Thesis/Dissertation – From a commercial database (e.g., ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database)

Author , A ( Year ). Title of dissertation/thesis (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Name of database . ( Accession or Order Number )

Cooley, T. (2009).  Design, development, and implementation of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): The Hartford Job Corps Academy case study (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3344745)

Thesis/Dissertation – Institutional Database (i.e. University website)

For U.S. thesis do not include university or locations. Include the university and location (City and Country) for a non-U.S. online thesis.

Author , A . A . ( Year ). Title of dissertation/thesis (Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis). Retrieved from http:// url.com

• Adams, R. J. (1973). Building a foundation for evaluation of instruction in higher education and continuing education (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/
• Barua, S. (2010). Drought assessment and forecasting using a nonlinear aggregated drought index  (Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia). Retrieved from http://vuir.vu.edu.au/1598

Thesis/Dissertation – Web

For U.S. thesis do not include locations. Include the location (City and Country) for a non-U.S. online thesis.

Author , A . A . ( Year ). Title of dissertation/thesis (Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis, Institution issuing degree). Retrieved from http:// www.url.com

• Bruckman, A. (1997). MOOSE Crossing: Construction, community, and learning in a networked virtual world for kids (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Retrieved from http://www-static.cc.gatech.edu/~asb/thesis

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How To Cite A Dissertation APA 7th Edition Style Guideline

In the academic world, proper citations are the cornerstone of research integrity. They not only acknowledge the work of others but also guide readers to the source for further exploration.

If you’ve ever wondered “how to cite a dissertation APA 7th edition,” you’re not alone. Many scholars and students grapple with the nuances of the APA 7th edition format, especially when citing dissertations. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a dissertation in APA 7th edition format, ensuring your work stands out for its academic rigor rather than citation errors.

So, whether you’re an academic, a student, or a curious reader, this guide will shed light on the intricacies of APA dissertation formatting practices. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

What is apa citation, what is the 7th edition apa citation, how to cite a dissertation in apa 7th edition, additional information on apa 7th edition dissertation citation.

The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is one of the most widely used formats for scholarly writing, especially in the social sciences. Another common writing formats include MLA (click to learn more about citing a thesis in MLA ) and Chicago styles.

At its core, APA citation is a set of rules and guidelines that scholars use to ensure their work’s clarity, consistency, and credibility. Citations serve as bridges, connecting readers to the sources of information, allowing them to verify facts, delve deeper into topics, and give credit to original authors.

The APA citation system involves two primary components:

• In-text citations: These are brief references within the body of the text that direct readers to the full citation in the reference list.
• Reference list: Located at the end of a document, this comprehensive list provides full details of all sources cited in the text.

The APA periodically updates its style manual to accommodate the evolving needs of academic writing and the dynamics of publishing. The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, released in October 2019, introduced several changes to the previous version.

Here’s what you need to know about the APA style 7th edition:

Student Papers: Unlike previous editions, the 7th edition provides formatting guidelines for student papers, distinguishing them from professional papers intended for publication. Simplified In-text Citation: The 7th edition allows using the singular “they” as an inclusive pronoun and has done away with the requirement to include “doi:” in front of DOIs. Increased Flexibility: The updated edition offers more flexibility in font choices and introduces new guidelines for citing online sources, reflecting the digital age’s prevalence. Reference List: The format for multiple authors in the reference list has been simplified, and there are clearer guidelines on how to cite a dissertation, how to cite a thesis APA, and other unique source types.

This 7th edition underscores the APA’s commitment to staying current and provides scholars with tools to present their work in a structured, clear, and consistent manner.

Whether looking into APA report citation, APA citation dissertation, or figuring out how to cite a report in APA, this 7th APA style edition has streamlined the process.

Dissertations, being significant academic works, often serve as invaluable sources of information. Knowing how to cite a dissertation APA 7th is crucial for academic writers and students. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this specific citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Middle Initial. (Year). Title of dissertation [Degree type]. Academic Institution. URL or Database Name

Example: Smith, J. A. (2020). Exploring the impacts of climate change on marine life [Doctoral dissertation, University of California]. Academic Database.

Example: Doe, M. L. (2019). The History of Urban Architecture in New York [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. New York University.

Example: Brown, T. R. (2018). A Study on Sustainable Agriculture Practices in the Midwest [Master’s thesis, University of Illinois]. University Archive.

Example: Williams, K. P. (2017). Social Media’s Role in Modern Politics [Doctoral dissertation, Oxford University]. https://www.oxford.edu/dissertations/williams2017

Now that you know how to cite a dissertation, you must ensure that all the details you supply are accurate. This gives due credit to the original author and helps readers trace back to the original source for further exploration. Remember, proper citation is a hallmark of good academic practice.

Here are some extra details about APA 7th Edition citations to keep in mind when working on dissertation proofreading :

Avoid plagiarism Provide readers with the tools to delve deeper into topics. Contribute to the academic discourse by situating your research within a broader context.

The use of singular “they” as an inclusive pronoun. Specific formats for different source types, like podcasts, tweets, and more. Guidance on using font styles and sizes that enhance readability.

Get Citation Help Today

Now that you have all the information on how to cite in APA 7th Edition correctly you can proceed to work on your dissertation. However, you might be feeling stuck, or are running out of time. This is where our editing service might come in handy. You can get in touch with our professional writers who will help you finish up your dissertation or help with with formatting a research paper . You will receive the highest scores!

What is the main difference between APA 6th and APA 7th edition citations?

The APA 7th edition introduced several changes from the 6th edition, including guidelines for student papers, more flexibility in font choices, simplified in-text citations, and clearer guidelines for citing unique sources like dissertations.

Do I need to include the database name when citing a published dissertation?

Yes, for published dissertations available on a database, you should include the name of the database and the accession or order number at the end of the citation.

How do I cite an unpublished dissertation in APA 7th edition?

For unpublished dissertations, replace the database name with the phrase “Unpublished doctoral dissertation” and then list the university.

For instance, Doe, M. L. (2019). The history of urban architecture in New York [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. New York University.

Is there a difference between citing a doctoral dissertation and a master’s thesis in APA 7th edition?

Yes, when citing a master’s thesis, you’d specify a master’s thesis in the citation.

For example: Brown, T. R. (2018). A study on sustainable agriculture practices in the Midwest [Master’s thesis, University of Illinois]. University Archive.

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How to Cite a Dissertation in APA Style

Dissertations are valuable sources of original research in academic writing. Citing dissertations in APA style requires specific elements: author’s name, dissertation title, institution name, year, and publication status. These details apply to both in-text citations and reference list entries.

Published vs. Unpublished Dissertations

The main distinction between published and unpublished dissertations lies in their accessibility. Published dissertations are readily available to the public, while unpublished ones are more restricted in their distribution. This difference affects how they are cited in APA style, as the citation must reflect their availability and source.

Differences in Citation Requirements

When citing a published dissertation, you need to include details like the author’s name, the year of publication, the title of the dissertation, the institution awarding the degree, and a URL if accessed online. For unpublished dissertations, the citation is slightly different. It typically includes the author’s name, the year, the title of the dissertation, and a note that it is an unpublished doctoral dissertation along with the institution name.

Citing a Published Dissertation

Elements of a published dissertation citation.

A complete citation for a published dissertation includes several critical elements:

• The author’s last name and initials
• The year of publication in parentheses
• The title of the dissertation in italics
• The institution awarding the degree
• A URL or database name if accessed onlin e

For example:

Smith, J. A. (2020). Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion (Doctoral dissertation, University of California). Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations/

Formatting Rules and Examples

The formatting of a published dissertation citation follows specific APA guidelines. Ensure the title is italicized and the institution and database names are correctly formatted. Proper punctuation and capitalization are crucial for maintaining accuracy.

Another example:

Brown, L. B. (2018). The Role of Social Media in Modern Marketing (Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Citing an Unpublished Dissertation

Essential elements for unpublished dissertations.

Citing an unpublished dissertation involves a slightly different set of elements. These include:

• The author’s name
• The year of completion
• The label “Unpublished doctoral dissertation”
• The name of the institution

Johnson, M. C. (2019). Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Stanford University.

Citation Guide with Examples

Creating an accurate citation for an unpublished dissertation requires attention to detail. Start with the author’s last name, followed by initials. Next, include the year in parentheses, the italicized title, the “Unpublished doctoral dissertation” label, and the institution name. Here’s another example:

Davis, R. T. (2021). Advancements in Quantum Computing Algorithms (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Handling Electronic Dissertations

Citing dissertations from online databases.

When citing dissertations accessed from online databases, it’s essential to include the URL or database name. This ensures that readers can locate the original document. The citation should follow the standard format for published dissertations but with the addition of the URL or database. For instance:

Lee, K. Y. (2017). The Impact of Urbanization on Wildlife Habitats (Doctoral dissertation, University of Chicago). Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations/

Unique Considerations for Digital Sources

Digital dissertations often have unique identifiers like DOIs or specific database URLs. Including these details can enhance the accuracy of your citation. Ensure you use the correct format for URLs and DOIs, and always check for any additional requirements from your institution or the database provider.

In-Text Citations for Dissertations

When and how to cite dissertations within the text.

In-text citations are crucial for acknowledging sources and avoiding plagiarism. When citing a dissertation within your text, include the author’s last name and the year of publication. For direct quotes, add the page number. For example:

According to Smith (2020), the effects of climate change are becoming more pronounced in coastal regions.

Practical Examples and Common Mistakes

Proper in-text citation helps maintain academic integrity. Avoid common mistakes like omitting the year or page number. Here are a few practical examples:

• Paraphrase : (Brown, 2018)
• Direct quote: (Johnson, 2019, p. 45)

Creating a Reference List Entry for a Dissertation

Comprehensive guide to formatting reference entries.

The reference list entry for a dissertation should include all necessary details to help readers locate the source. Follow these steps:

• Author’s last name, initials
• Year of publication in parentheses
• Title in italics
• Label and institution (if unpublished)
• URL or database name (if applicable)

Ensuring Accuracy and Consistency

Accuracy in your reference list is vital. Double-check each element for correct formatting and spelling. Consistency throughout your reference list enhances professionalism and readability. Compare your entries to official APA style examples to ensure compliance.

Tools and Resources for APA Citations

Consider our tool WriterBuddy’s APA Dissertation Citation generator to ensure precise and efficient citations. Such tools simplify the citation process and help maintain accuracy and consistency.

What are the key differences between citing published and unpublished dissertations in APA style?

Citing a published dissertation in APA style involves including the author’s name, year of publication, dissertation title in italics, the awarding institution, and a URL if accessed online. For unpublished dissertations, you also include the author’s name, year, title in italics, but add “Unpublished doctoral dissertation” followed by the institution’s name.

How do I cite a dissertation accessed from an online database in APA style?

When citing a dissertation from an online database, include the author’s last name and initials, year of publication, title in italics, institution, and the URL or database name. For example: Smith, J. A. (2020). Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion (Doctoral dissertation, University of California). Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations/

What common mistakes should I avoid when citing dissertations in APA style?

Common mistakes include incorrect formatting, missing elements like publication year or institution, and improper use of italics. Double-check each component against APA guidelines and use citation tools or manuals to ensure accuracy. Peer reviews can also help catch errors.

Why is it important to use proper APA style citations in academic writing?

Proper APA style citations ensure clarity, credibility, and consistency in academic writing. They help avoid plagiarism by giving credit to original sources and allow readers to locate and verify the referenced material, enhancing the overall integrity of your work.

Final Thoughts

Accurate citation of dissertations in APA format is essential for academic credibility. The process involves including author information, title, institution, year, and publication details. Following these guidelines helps properly attribute original research and provides readers with necessary information to locate the dissertation.

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How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in APA 7 With Examples

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
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Dissertations are useful resources for academic writing, which implies that it is vital for students to learn the American Psychological Association (APA) style regulations for a thesis citation. Basically, this guide on how to cite a dissertation in APA begins with a detailed description of this type of paper and a discussion on the types of dissertations. In this case, the manual explains citation guidelines for unpublished thesis or dissertation sources, which represent the standard citation format. Then, the guide identifies and expounds on the modifications of the unpublished dissertation reference entry that students should implement to create correct reference list entries for published dissertations on databases and published dissertations that are not part of any databases.

Definition of a Dissertation

A dissertation is a piece of scholarly work, which is the output of a research task that students at different levels of tertiary education must complete in order to receive a degree. Unlike typical research assignments, a thesis is an extended research activity, where students actively participate in research to advance the discourse on a specific topic through an original contribution to the existing literature. In this case, a thesis has five main sections: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. Also, subsections under each of these sections vary extensively due to differences in the complexity of the research.

Types of Dissertations

There are three types of dissertations: undergraduate thesis, master’s thesis, and doctoral dissertation. For example, undergraduate students write an undergraduate thesis to earn their first post-high school degree. Similarly, a postgraduate student writes a master’s thesis in pursuit of a master’s degree and a doctoral dissertation to attain a doctor in philosophy degree at the university. In turn, the length and complexity of a thesis increase as the level of tertiary education rises.

Citing an Unpublished Thesis or Dissertation with an Author, Date, and Title

The author’s name is the first component of any dissertation citation. Basically, the author’s name undergoes inversion, which results in the surname appearing before the other names of the author. In this case, surnames are the only names that appear in full in the author element of the thesis citation while the remaining author’s names are abbreviated. Moreover, a comma separates the author’s last name and the abbreviations of the other names of the author. Then, a period appears immediately after the initial that represents any of the author’s other names. Also, a single space separates the initials of the other names. In a case where the author’s other names contain hyphens, a period follows the initials of the individual hyphenated names. However, there is no space between the initials and the hyphen. Suffixes of the author’s name appear after the initials.

Spelling and Capitalization:

In the citing of a dissertation or thesis reference entry in APA, the author’s name is a duplicate of the author’s name as it appears in the byline. Basically, the citation should retain the hyphenation and spelling of the author’s name. In this case, two-part surnames or any non-English symbols should be similar to their original appearance in the work. Then, consultation of the other author’s works, bibliographic database records, or an online copy of the author’s curriculum vitae resolves issues regarding spelling, hyphenation, accents ambiguity. Moreover, the APA style emphasizes that reference entries should maintain the authors’ preferred capitalization of their names, which implies that they overrule conventional capitalization rules. If an author prefers their names to appear in lower case, inversion of the names occurs, but the names retain their lower case styling in both the reference entry and in-text citation.

Appropriate Date:

The date is the second element when citing a dissertation reference entry in APA. Basically, the date element of the thesis reference list entry refers to the date of publication. In the case of an unpublished thesis or dissertation, the date of approval takes the place of the publication date because it is the only way to create a time-based context for the content of the work. Accordingly, the ‘date of publication’ for citing a dissertation or thesis in APA is the date of approval that appears on the actual manuscript.

Referencing Structure:

A period that follows the parentheses distinguishes the date element from other elements of the citation. Basically, the date can take four forms, where a comma separates the individual measures of time:

• year, month, and day
• year and month
• year and season

In APA, authors of a paper have the freedom to select any of the four forms when citing a dissertation source. Notwithstanding, the author must ensure that there is consistency in the date format for all entries in the reference list. The reference list entries for thesis sources do not contain retrieval dates because they exist in stable forms regardless of the source.

Title of Source:

The title of the dissertation is readily accessible from the front page of the soft copy or hard copy version of the document. Basically, citing a dissertation source in APA means using a standalone work, which implies that it undergoes formatting that is identical to the styling of a book’s title. Moreover, sentence case capitalization and italicization are the only formatting requirements for the title of a thesis source. In turn, the user of a source creates an exact replication of the dissertation’s title to ensure ease of identification.

Bracketed Descriptions:

It may be challenging to discriminate between the numerous types of sources that are present on the reference list at a glance. Basically, the use of square brackets to describe the nature of the source is a common practice. In this case, it allows readers to distinguish a thesis from other sources with similar citation formats, for example, reports and books. Furthermore, the description enables the audience to differentiate between the various types of dissertations. Then, a single space separates the title of the source and square brackets. Usually, square brackets contain the words “Unpublished doctoral thesis” or its equivalents. In turn, APA style allows authors to use ‘back-to-back’ square brackets to provide any relevant additional information, for example, the translation of a foreign dissertation’s title. Besides, researchers include a single space between back-to-back square brackets.

The source element of the thesis or dissertation refers to the ‘location’ researcher acquired the document. In the case of an unpublished thesis or dissertation, any researcher can gain access to the dissertation by visiting the university library where a print form of the source is available. Therefore, the name of the institution that awards the degree upon completion and approval of the thesis is the source. In turn, the name of the university appears as the final element of the reference list entry for citing an unpublished dissertation in APA and retains the institution’s name capitalization preferences.

4. Citing Alterations of a Dissertation to the Standard Reference List Entry Format in APA

• Discussions under this section of the guide point out the modifications of the unpublished thesis reference list entry that occur for correct citation of other forms of dissertations.
• Explanations for the author, date, title, and source elements of the unpublished dissertation citation are universal unless there are explicit changes identified in this section for particular types of sources.

Citing a Thesis or Dissertation from a Database in APA

1. name of awarding institution:.

A database is the source of a published dissertation, which implies that the database name occupies the source element and displaces the name of the institution. As a result, the title element of a reference list entry for citing a dissertation in APA located on a database has the name of the awarding institution as a minor element because it is still an essential piece of bibliographical information. Moreover, the name of the university follows the description of the nature of the thesis source in the square brackets. In turn, a comma and space separate the two items that exist within the squared brackets.

2. Publication Number:

The reference list entry for a published citation may contain a publication number that the database assigns the document for ready location. In this case, the publication number can take various formats, for example, “Paper No. 123.” Then, a writer places the publication number between the title of the source and the square bracketed descriptions while using single spaces as separators before and after the publication number. Parentheses enclose publication numbers. However, publication numbers are not a mandatory element of dissertation citations because electronic databases contain search engines that can locate the document using the name or title of the source.

3. Date of Publication

The date element for citing a dissertation in APA does not prioritize the database publication date. Instead, a writer uses the approval date. Moreover, the date of publication on a database is not accurate for dating the source because the approval of a thesis may occur a couple of years before the work finds its way to a database. In turn, the date the dissertation is available on the database has no value in the creation of a reference list entry.

4. Source Element:

This element of the reference list entry contains the name of the database. Basically, this information tells the audience of the specific database where they can access the published dissertation material. In this case, researchers should accurately present the database name in full to follow the rules on how to cite a dissertation in APA. Moreover, the capitalization of the database’s name borrows from the preferred styling of the database owners, for example, ProQuest. In turn, the name of the database does not undergo italicization.

Citing Theses or Dissertations Published Online in APA

• Modifications of the title and date elements for the published dissertations in databases apply to the citation of dissertations published online.

1. Archive-Name:

The source of a dissertation, which is available online but does not exist within a database, is an online archive. Basically, the online archive is not a database because the links to thesis sources generate the works directly, which is not possible for a database where logins and passwords prohibit direct access to sources from links. In this case, the name of the archive is often a derivative of the hosting educational institution’s name, which the writer may identify from the archive’s home page. Mostly, the archive name maintains the formatting preferences of the owner of the archive, except for italicization.

2. Universal Resource Locator

A universal resource locator (URL) accompanies the citation for a dissertation source in APA that is not in a database container. For example, writers present the URL as a hyperlink with black font and underlined text. Alternatively, researchers may format the URL as plain text with no underlining. In turn, the ‘copy and paste’ technique is ideal for the inclusion of URLs in the reference list because it prevents any alterations that may result in a URL that does not work.

Referencing Templates for Citing a Dissertation or Thesis in APA

1. unpublished thesis or dissertation.

Last Name, Initials of Other Names. (Date). Title of the dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of the College that Awards the Degree.

Brooks, J. D. (2015). Bamboo as a strengthening agent in concrete beams for medium height structures [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. The University of Washington.

2. Thesis or Dissertation From a Database

Last Name, Initials of Other Names. (Date). Title of the dissertation [Doctoral dissertation, Name of the University that Awarded the Degree]. Database Name.

Purat, F. (2015). Internationalization in European minority language literature: A case study of Faeroese, Catalan, and Irish Gaelic in translation [Master’s thesis, The American University of Paris]. ProQuest Dissertation & Thesis Global.

3. Thesis or Dissertation Published Online (Not in a Database)

Last Name, Initials of Other Names. (Date). Title of the dissertation [Doctoral dissertation, Name of the University that Awarded the Degree]. Archive Name. URL

Nordin, H. (2007). Pricing credit derivatives using the Hull-White two-factor model [Master’s thesis, University of Gothenburg]. University of Gothenburg Digital Assets. https://gu.se/digitalAssets/1342/1342762_mscthesisnordin.pdf

Tips on How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in APA

• Square bracketed descriptions distinguish the type of thesis source.
• The source of an unpublished dissertation is the university that awards the degree.
• The source of a published dissertation is a database or an online archive.
• URLs are present in citations of published theses that do not exist in databases.

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How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation In APA

If you’re writing a dissertation or APA thesis, here’s a guide on how to cite a thesis or dissertation in APA. APA reference dissertation carries major points and will bring down your overall grade if done wrong. Moreover, plagiarism is a serious offense in academia, and APA citing a dissertation wrong is synonymous with plagiarism.

This article talks about citing a thesis APA, including how to cite a thesis paper and other related topics. So, keep reading if you want to know how to APA cite a dissertation.

• How to Cite a Thesis

How to Cite a Dissertation Source with No Author APA

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• Dissertation APA Citation Example

APA Style Thesis: How to Cite a Master’s Thesis Quote In-Text

Conclusion: how to cite ph.d. thesis, how to cite a thesis – secondary sources for apa citation of dissertation.

A secondary source is a source quoted within another source; APA cites thesis requires citing such sparingly. For example, you cite dissertation APA sparingly when the original work is unavailable, out of print, or only available in a foreign language. As much as possible, find the primary source and cite directly rather than the secondary source to APA cite a dissertation. We will talk more about APA citation for the dissertation later in the article.

As far as APA dissertation citation goes, determining authorship requires asking who is responsible for the content. Sometimes the author isn’t one person or persons but an entity, including companies, governments, associations, and agencies; the entity is the author. When you don’t see an author, use the first few words from the title used by your source for APA citing dissertation, unless it specifically says “Anonymous.”

When citing a thesis, you use block quotes when using the author’s exact words, which are forty or more words. The rules to APA cite a dissertation include:

• Indenting the blockquote half an inch or five spaces from the left margin;
• No quotation marks;
• Double spacing for quotes unless otherwise instructed;
• No additional spaces or lines before or after the blockquote;
• The period in block quotes goes before the parenthesis, not after;

In paraphrases, you’re using your words; this method is usually preferable to direct quotes because you wrote with your style. However, you must be careful not to change the sentence’s meaning, and you still need to acknowledge where you got the idea. The APA cite dissertation should include a parenthetical citation to do that.

When citing paraphrased information in a  dissertation  citation using APA format, you must include the author and date. You may also include the page number; it’s recommended but not required. The page number format in the APA format dissertation depends on if the information is on a range of pages or just a single page. Knowing how to cite thesis APA and write a thesis bibliography is vital to the paper’s success.

If you’re citing dissertation APA for multiple sources where the author has multiple publications published in the same year, the in-text citations should be identical. APA style requires you to include as many names as needed before using “et al.” to distinguish the sources. An example of an APA citation thesis is: Smith, A. A., Lieth, B. B., Gilbert, B. B., Schmidt, D. D. (2019)

For a Ph.D. dissertation citation APA or thesis citation, provide the full name of the university, not its brand name or abbreviation. Below is a sample of how to cite a Ph.D.:

Author, B. B. (date).  Title of doctoral dissertation  (unpublished doctoral dissertation). Institution’s name, location.

If the  master’s thesis  is published and available from an archive, database, or an online platform, cite it in the APA thesis format below:

• Last name and initials of authors with the last name preceded by “&.” For twenty-one or more authors, write the first nineteen names, an ellipsis (…), and the last author’s name;
• Write the APA dissertation publication year in brackets and add a full stop;
• Write the title of the master’s thesis; capitalize only the first letter of the first word and the proper nouns;
• Write the thesis’s publication or identification number, if available;
• Provide the name of the higher institution awarding the degree;
• Provide the name of the platform, archive, or database holding the thesis; omit the URL if you got the thesis on a database.

The 7th edition of the APA referencing dissertation is as follows:

For Unpublished Dissertations: Author, A. A., (year).  Dissertation title: Unpublished doctoral dissertation (use sentence case) . Name of degree-awarding institution.

For Published Dissertations: Author, A. A. (year).  Dissertation title: Doctoral dissertation, degree-awarding institution name (use sentence case). Database or archive name. URL

Dissertation APA Citation Example: APA Citation of a Dissertation

Below is an example of a citation a dissertation APA gets from an institutional database:

Andrea, V. O. (2004).  Perceptions of networked nonprofit organizations: creating an instrument for defining and measuring the behavior  (doctoral dissertation). https://www.lucknowlink.edu/

Direct quotations are verbatim reproductions from another author’s original work. APA thesis format citation requires that you paraphrase when possible; the thesis APA format depends on the quotation length. The APA citation dissertation will include the author, year, and page numbers. APA thesis citation requires formatting direct quotations into short quotations for fewer than forty words and blocks for more.

With this guide on how to cite a dissertation APA and how to cite a thesis in APA, you can correctly cite your paper. Knowing how to cite a thesis or cite a dissertation is just as important as writing the paper right. You can cite a dissertation APA using the information in this guide.

However, if all of these seem like difficult tasks, you can hire our professional writing services to help you. We have a team of experts who understand this citation and are ready to help you.

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How to Cite in APA Format (7th edition): Citation Style Guide

Table of Contents

What is APA 7th Edition ?    

The American Psychological Association (APA) introduced the latest edition of the APA Style Manual (i.e., APA 7 th edition ) in 2019. APA Style has its origins in 1929 , when a group of academics and professionals decided to develop a set of guidelines that would standardize scientific writing. The earliest form was a seven-page guide published in the Psychological Bulletin . The first formal edition of the APA Publication Manual was published in 1952, with subsequent editions appearing in 1974, 1983, 1994, 2001, 2009, and most recently, in 2019.  

Over the years, the APA style guide has evolved considerably to meet the changing needs of a wide range of disciplines, from social and behavioral sciences to health care, natural sciences, and humanities. APA Style is widely used by academic journals and books.  

As APA 7 th edition is the current and most updated version, students and researchers should familiarize themselves with the style guidelines, including the reference and citation styles.  

Who Should Use APA 7th Edition ?    

The aim of style guides such as the APA Style Guide is to simplify the work of editors and make it easier for readers to understand a text by ensuring a uniform format for a given publication. For example, the APA Style Guide will contain guidelines that lay down the APA reference format and APA style citation for authors to follow.  

The APA Style Guide can be a valuable reference when writing and formatting academic papers, irrespective of discipline. However, this style is primarily used by professionals, researchers, and students in the social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, anthropology), behavioral sciences, education, business, and nursing.  

If you are a student, you may consult with an instructor to check what style your discipline uses before using APA Style in your work. Most importantly, be sure to check the guidelines of your university or the journal you plan to publish in to ensure APA 7 th edition is the correct style to use.   

APA In-text Citations    

Researchers rely on citations and references to give credit to original sources, support their arguments, and guide readers to additional information for further study. Let us now look at how to cite sources in APA format. The formatting requirements of APA 7th edition citation for referring to secondary sources in your text are as follows.  

The APA citation format includes the author’s last name and the year of publication. When referring to a particular part of a source, the page number may be included, e.g., “(Rawat et al., 2018, p. 115).”  

APA style citation in the text may be parenthetical or narrative.  

In parenthetical citation, the author’s name and the year of publication are placed in parentheses within the text. This style is used at the end of a sentence. See below for an example:  

• Gender, age, education, and income determine a person’s risk and adaptive capacities (Birkmann et al., 2022).  

In narrative citation, the author’s name appears as a part of the sentence, followed by the publication year in parentheses. See below for an example:  

• Birkman et al. (2022) note that gender, age, education, and income determine a person’s risk and adaptive capacities.

Table 1: How to cite sources in APA format when there are multiple authors and organizations as authors  

*First time with an abbreviation: (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016); all subsequent citations: (WHO, 2016)  

Table 2: How to cite sources in APA format when some information is missing  

  APA Reference Format    

After APA citations , let us now look at the APA reference format. As an academic, you might use a wide array of source types. According to the APA style guide , each type is formatted in a certain manner. The most commonly used sources are journal articles, books, and dissertations. However, you occasionally might need to cite webpages, podcasts, and news article. How would all these appear in an APA 7 reference page ? You will find your answers in Table 3!  

Table 3: How to format various sources in the APA reference list  

Formatting the APA Paper    

Papers formatted according to APA 7th edition typically contain the following elements:  

Title page with the title (bold, centered), running head and page number in the header, author names and affiliations, and author notes (ORCID ID, conflicts of interest, etc.); see below:  

Next comes the abstract . It should be double spaced and use consistent font. The keywords appear below the abstract, with an indent.  

For the main text, margins are 1 inch on all four side s. T he text is double spaced . T he font used should be consistent . H eadings are used to separate sections , and d etails on heading levels are as follows:  

Source: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/headings

Finally, the APA 7 reference page contains the references to all sources used in the paper. References are double-spaced and use hanging indents :  

Style guides in academic writing serve to standardize formatting, citations, and language use across scholarly works. They provide readers with cues they can use to follow the text more efficiently and to locate information of interest to them. In other words, it avoids distraction of unfamiliar or non-uniform formatting.  

In this piece about APA 7th edition , we have explained in detail the nuances of APA citations , including how to cite in APA format and how to format the APA 7 reference page . A brief primer on formatting a manuscript in line with APA 7th edition is also provided.  

Frequently Asked Questions    

• What are the major changes from APA 6th to APA 7th Edition ?  

The updates from APA 6th to APA 7th Edition reflect a commitment to improving clarity, inclusivity, and usability in scholarly writing. The salient differences from APA 6 th edition are as follows:  

• Title page format: The title page has been updated for professionals. The author note includes information such as ORCID IDs and conflict of interest disclosures.
• Running head: The running head format has been simplified for professional authors.
• Font flexibility : There is greater flexibility in font specifications to enhance accessibility.
• Bias-free language guidelines: The guidelines for bias-free language have been updated to promote inclusivity and respect when writing about various identities.  
• Reference formatting: In APA 7th edition , the number of authors included in a reference entry has changed to allow up to 20 authors before using an ellipsis. The presentation of DOIs and URLs has been standardized.  
• In-text citations: In-text citations for works with three or more authors have been simplified to include only the first author’s name followed by “et al.”
• Accessibility: APA 7th edition emphasizes accessibility for users with disabilities, ensuring that guidelines support various modalities, including screen readers.  
• How do I cite a journal article in APA 7th Edition ?  

According to APA 7 th edition , a reference would appear as below:  

Author, A. A. (Year of Publication). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number (issue number), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy .  

The in-text citation would include the author name(s) and year of publication, e.g., (Andriolatou, 2007).   

• How should multiple authors be cited in APA 7th Edition?  

APA 7 citation style would vary depending on the number of authors and whether you are citing the source parenthetically or narratively:  

Single author, parenthetical: (Bik, 2020)  

Single author, narrative: Bik (2020) reported that…  

Two authors, parenthetical: (Bik & Urs, 2019)  

Two authors, narrative: As demonstrated by Bik and Urs (2019), …  

Three or more authors, parenthetical: (Bik et al., 2023)  

Three or more authors, narrative: Bik et al. (2023) have published…  

• How do I format in-text citations for a direct quote?  

When someone else’s words are copied verbatim in your paper, it refers to a direct quote.   

For APA 7 citation of short direct quotes (<40 words), use quotation marks around the quote and cite the author, year, and page number:  

Another way to look at it is how people “get a broader range of experience than they would on a feature” (Catmull, 2014, p. 209).  

For APA 7 citation of longer quotes, or block quotes, the sentence preceding the quote ends in a colon and is followed by the quoted text. No quotation marks are used. The quote is indented and cited without a period at the end (see the figure below).   

Figure: How to cite block quotes in APA citations

To conclude  

Over the years, the APA style guide has evolved significantly. The current version, APA 7th edition , has expanded in both scope and size to accommodate the needs of wide-ranging fields and to address changing times. Despite these changes, the core intention—to provide clear, consistent guidelines for effective communication—remains at the heart of APA Style .   

For busy researchers, not only is it difficult to remember the different elements of citations and references and the subtle differences in formatting, but it also a tedious task to manually format in-text citations and reference lists and ensure consistency between them. In addition, you might need to format (and even re-format) your manuscript according to different journals, which might follow styles different from APA 7th edition (MLA, Chicago, AMA, etc.)! But there is no need to worry…help is at hand!

Citation generators are online tools that format references in different styles. There are a number of citation generators available, and Paperpal has launched its new citation generator , which stands out from the others in many ways. As a part of Paperpal’s writing workflow, you can easily find and cite sources accurately in a matter of seconds.

This free citation generator supports the updated recent versions of 10,000+ styles, including APA 7th edition . Therefore, it can serve as an APA 7th edition citation generator if you need one! What’s more, you don’t need to switch between multiple tools to search, save, or format your citations. You can rely Paperpal’s citation generation feature for help with citing sources accurately and consistently in your writing. Explore Paperpal for free now!  

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed.  Try for free or  upgrade to Paperpal Prime  starting at US$19 a month  to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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The Library Research Process, Step-by-Step

• Understanding & Using a Citation Style
• Finding & Exploring a Topic
• Finding Books
• Finding Articles
• Evaluating Sources
• Reading Scholarly Articles

Citation Styles

What is a Citation?

A citation is positioned within the body of your paper, right after you finish referencing or quoting another author's work. This is known as an inline or in-text citation. At the end of your paper, you will also provide a complete reference. A reference must provide enough information to both identify and locate the original source of the information.

A reference usually includes:

• Name(s) of author(s)
• Title of source (article or chapter title and journal or book title)
• Publication date (if known)
• Page number(s)
• Volume and edition/issue numbers (for books and articles)
• If the content is likely to change over time, include the date you originally accessed the content.

Citation Resources

Style Guide Resources

Check out the U-M Library's comprehensive  Citation Help Research Guide  for examples and formatting tips for APA Style, MLA Style, IEEE Style, and well as other Science Styles. You'll also find guidance on citing government documents, data and statistics, and using bibliography tools. Learn how to manage your citations and get help with the  Manage Citations with Zotero, Mendeley, Endnote Research Guide .  

Many students also rely on PurdueOWL for their various style guides, but be aware that the website has many ads, whereas our Citation Help Research Guide is ad-free.

Related Sources

• Do you have a literature review assignment? Check out this guide for an in depth look at writing an advanced literature review.
•   Beyond Plagiarism  is made up a series of lessons that focus on strategies for finding, citing, analyzing, and quoting source material responsibly.

Tools for Formatting Citations

Having trouble formatting your citations? Use these tools to automatically generate citations for books, journal articles, newspapers and more in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.

• EasyBib EasyBib is an automatic bibliography and citation generator for MLA citations.
• University of North Carolina Citation Builder This citation generator will format citations in MLA, APA, Chicago, or CSE citation styles.
• ZoteroBib Helps you build a bibliography instantly from any computer or device, without creating an account or installing any software.

Ready to Write?

When you're ready to write, check out  Sweetland Writing Center's Resources  page for undergraduate students. Here you'll find Writing Support , Writing Guides , and more. 

References provide the information necessary for readers to identify and retrieve each work cited in the text .

Check each reference carefully against the original publication to ensure information is accurate and complete. Accurately prepared references help establish your credibility as a careful researcher and writer.

Consistency in reference formatting allows readers to focus on the content of your reference list, discerning both the types of works you consulted and the important reference elements (who, when, what, and where) with ease. When you present each reference in a consistent fashion, readers do not need to spend time determining how you organized the information. And when searching the literature yourself, you also save time and effort when reading reference lists in the works of others that are written in APA Style.

Academic Writer ®

Master academic writing with APA’s essential teaching and learning resource

Course Adoption

Teaching APA Style? Become a course adopter of the 7th edition Publication Manual

Instructional Aids

Guides, checklists, webinars, tutorials, and sample papers for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of APA Style

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• APA Citation Generator

Free APA Citation Generator

Generate citations in APA format quickly and automatically, with MyBib!

🤔 What is an APA Citation Generator?

An APA citation generator is a software tool that will automatically format academic citations in the American Psychological Association (APA) style.

It will usually request vital details about a source -- like the authors, title, and publish date -- and will output these details with the correct punctuation and layout required by the official APA style guide.

Formatted citations created by a generator can be copied into the bibliography of an academic paper as a way to give credit to the sources referenced in the main body of the paper.

👩‍🎓 Who uses an APA Citation Generator?

College-level and post-graduate students are most likely to use an APA citation generator, because APA style is the most favored style at these learning levels. Before college, in middle and high school, MLA style is more likely to be used. In other parts of the world styles such as Harvard (UK and Australia) and DIN 1505 (Europe) are used more often.

🙌 Why should I use a Citation Generator?

Like almost every other citation style, APA style can be cryptic and hard to understand when formatting citations. Citations can take an unreasonable amount of time to format manually, and it is easy to accidentally include errors. By using a citation generator to do this work you will:

• Save a considerable amount of time
• Ensure that your citations are consistent and formatted correctly
• Be rewarded with a higher grade

In academia, bibliographies are graded on their accuracy against the official APA rulebook, so it is important for students to ensure their citations are formatted correctly. Special attention should also be given to ensure the entire document (including main body) is structured according to the APA guidelines. Our complete APA format guide has everything you need know to make sure you get it right (including examples and diagrams).

⚙️ How do I use MyBib's APA Citation Generator?

Our APA generator was built with a focus on simplicity and speed. To generate a formatted reference list or bibliography just follow these steps:

• Start by searching for the source you want to cite in the search box at the top of the page.
• MyBib will automatically locate all the required information. If any is missing you can add it yourself.
• Your citation will be generated correctly with the information provided and added to your bibliography.
• Repeat for each citation, then download the formatted list and append it to the end of your paper.

MyBib supports the following for APA style:

Daniel is a qualified librarian, former teacher, and citation expert. He has been contributing to MyBib since 2018.

Citation guides

All you need to know about citations

How to cite an honors thesis in APA

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To cite an honors thesis in a reference entry in APA style 6th edition include the following elements:

• Author(s) of the thesis: Give the last name and initials (e. g. Watson, J. D.) of up to seven authors with the last name preceded by an ampersand (&). For eight or more authors include the first six names followed by an ellipsis (…) and add the last author's name.
• Year of publication: Give the year in brackets followed by a full stop.
• Title of the honors thesis: Only the first letter of the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
• URL: Give the full URL where the document can be retrieved from.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of an honors thesis in APA style 6th edition:

Author(s) of the thesis . ( Year of publication ). Title of the honors thesis (Honors thesis). Retrieved from URL

If the thesis is available from a database, archive or any online platform use the following template:

• Author(s) of the thesis: Give the last name and initials (e. g. Watson, J. D.) of up to 20 authors with the last name preceded by an ampersand (&). For 21 or more authors include the first 19 names followed by an ellipsis (…) and add the last author's name.
• Publication number: Give the identification number of the thesis, if available.
• Name of the degree awarding institution: Give the name of the institution.
• Name of Platform: Give the name of the database, archive or any platform that holds the thesis.
• URL: If the thesis was found on a database, omit this element.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of an honors thesis in APA style 7th edition:

Author(s) of the thesis . ( Year of publication ). Title of the honors thesis ( Publication number ) [Honors thesis, Name of the degree awarding institution ]. Name of Platform . URL

If the thesis has not been published or is available from a database use the following template:

• Location: Give the location of the institution. If outside the United States also include the country name.

Author(s) of the thesis . ( Year of publication ). Title of the honors thesis (Unpublished honors thesis). Name of the degree awarding institution , Location .

If the thesis is not published, use the following template:

Author(s) of the thesis . ( Year of publication ). Title of the honors thesis [Unpublished honors thesis]. Name of the degree awarding institution .

APA reference list examples

Take a look at our reference list examples that demonstrate the APA style guidelines for an honors thesis citation in action:

An honors thesis found in an online platform

Stevens, I . ( 2019 ). Iron complexes for photocatalytic hydrogen generation ( Undergraduate honors thesis ). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1287/

Stevens, I . ( 2019 ). Iron complexes for photocatalytic hydrogen generation [ Undergraduate honors thesis ]. William & Mary Digital Archive . https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1287/

An unpublished honors thesis

Zhang, I. Y., & Goffin, R. D . ( 2018 ). Evil geniuses at work: Does intelligence interact with the dark triad to predict workplace deviance? ( Unpublished undergraduate honors thesis ). Western University , Ontario, Canada .

Zhang, I. Y., & Goffin, R. D . ( 2018 ). Evil geniuses at work: Does intelligence interact with the dark triad to predict workplace deviance? [ Unpublished undergraduate honors thesis ]. Western University .

This citation style guide is based on the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association ( 6 th edition).

More useful guides

• APA Referencing: Theses
• APA Citation Style: Theses and Dissertations
• APA Style Guide: Thesis, dissertation or exegesis?

More great BibGuru guides

• Harvard: how to cite a computer program
• APA: how to cite a 10-q report
• MLA: how to cite a Reddit post

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Academic Referencing: How to Cite a Research Paper

Learning how to conduct accurate, discipline-specific academic research can feel daunting at first. But, with a solid understanding of the reasoning behind why we use academic citations coupled with knowledge of the basics, you’ll learn how to cite sources with accuracy and confidence.

When it comes to academic research, citing sources correctly is arguably as important as the research itself. "Your instructors are expecting your work to adhere to these professional standards," said Amanda Girard , research support manager of Shapiro Library at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

With Shapiro Library for the past three years, Girard manages the library’s research support services, which includes SNHU’s 24/7 library chat and email support. She holds an undergraduate degree in professional writing and a graduate degree in library and information science. She said that accurate citations show that you have done your research on a topic and are knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field.

In other words, when you cite sources according to the academic style of your discipline, you’re giving credit where credit is due.

Why Cite Sources?

Citing sources properly ensures you’re following high academic and professional standards for integrity and ethics.

“When you cite a source, you can ethically use others’ research. If you are not adequately citing the information you claim in your work, it would be considered plagiarism ,” said Shannon Geary '16 , peer tutor at SNHU.

Geary has an undergraduate degree in communication  from SNHU and has served on the academic support team for close to 2 years. Her job includes helping students learn how to conduct research  and write academically.

“In academic writing, it is crucial to state where you are receiving your information from,” she said. “Citing your sources ensures that you are following academic integrity standards.”

According to Geary and Girard, several key reasons for citing sources are:

• Access. Citing sources points readers to original sources. If anyone wants to read more on your topic, they can use your citations as a roadmap to access the original sources.
• Attribution. Crediting the original authors, researchers and experts  shows that you’re knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field and adhering to high ethical standards, said Girard.
• Clarity. “By citing your sources correctly, your reader can follow along with your research,” Girard said.
• Consistency. Adhering to a citation style provides a framework for presenting ideas within similar academic fields. “Consistent formatting makes accessing, understanding and evaluating an author's findings easier for others in related fields of study,” Geary said.
• Credibility. Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work, according to Geary.

Ultimately, citing sources is a formalized way for you to share ideas as part of a bigger conversation among others in your field. It’s a way to build off of and reference one another’s ideas, Girard said.

How Do You Cite an Academic Research Paper?

Any time you use an original quote or paraphrase someone else’s ideas, you need to cite that material, according to Geary.

“The only time we do not need to cite is when presenting an original thought or general knowledge,” she said.

While the specific format for citing sources can vary based on the style used, several key elements are always included, according to Girard. Those are:

• Title of source
• Type of source, such as a journal, book, website or periodical

By giving credit to the authors, researchers and experts you cite, you’re building credibility. You’re showing that your argument is built on solid research.

“Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work,” Geary said. “Properly formatted citations are a roadmap for instructors and other readers to verify the information we present in our work.”

Common Citation Styles in Academic Research

Certain disciplines adhere to specific citation standards because different disciplines prioritize certain information and research styles . The most common citation styles used in academic research, according to Geary, are:

• American Psychological Association, known as APA . This style is standard in the social sciences such as psychology, education and communication. “In these fields, research happens rapidly, which makes it exceptionally important to use current research,” Geary said.
• Modern Language Association, known as MLA . This style is typically used in literature and humanities because of the emphasis on literature analysis. “When citing in MLA, there is an emphasis on the author and page number, allowing the audience to locate the original text that is being analyzed easily,” Geary said.
• Chicago Manual of Style, known as Chicago . This style is typically used in history, business and sometimes humanities. “(Chicago) offers flexibility because of the use of footnotes, which can be seen as less distracting than an in-text citation,” Geary said.

The benefit of using the same format as other researchers within a discipline is that the framework of presenting ideas allows you to “speak the same language,” according to Girard.

APA Citation for College: A Brief Overview

Are you writing a paper that needs to use APA citation, but don’t know what that means? No worries. You’ve come to the right place.

How to Use MLA Formatting: A Brief Overview

Are you writing a paper for which you need to know how to use MLA formatting, but don’t know what that means? No worries. You’ve come to the right place.

How to Ensure Proper Citations

Keeping track of your research as you go is one of the best ways to ensure you’re citing appropriately and correctly based on the style that your academic discipline uses.

“Through careful citation, authors ensure their audience can distinguish between borrowed material and original thoughts, safeguarding their academic reputation and following academic honesty policies,” Geary said.

Some tips that she and Girard shared to ensure you’re citing sources correctly include:

• Keep track of sources as you work. Writers should keep track of their sources every time an idea is not theirs, according to Geary. “You don’t want to find the perfect research study and misplace its source information, meaning you’d have to omit it from your paper,” she said.
• Practice. Even experienced writers need to check their citations before submitting their work. “Citing requires us to pay close attention to detail, so always start your citation process early and go slow to ensure you don’t make mistakes,” said Geary. In time, citing sources properly becomes faster and easier.
• Use an Online Tool . Geary recommends the Shapiro Library citation guide . You can find sample papers, examples of how to cite in the different academic styles and up-to-date citation requirements, along with information and examples for APA, MLA and Chicago style citations.
• Work with a Tutor. A tutor can offer support along with tips to help you learn the process of academic research. Students at SNHU can connect with free peer tutoring through the Academic Support tab in their online courses, though many colleges and universities offer peer tutoring.

Find Your Program

How to cite a reference in academic writing.

A citation consists of two pieces: an in-text citation that is typically short and a longer list of references or works cited (depending on the style used) at the end of the paper.

“In-text citations immediately acknowledge the use of external source information and its exact location,” Geary said. While each style uses a slightly different format for in-text citations that reference the research, you may expect to need the page number, author’s name and possibly date of publication in parentheses at the end of a sentence or passage, according to Geary.

A longer entry listing the complete details of the resource you referenced should also be included on the references or works cited page at the end of the paper. The full citation is provided with complete details of the source, such as author, title, publication date and more, Geary said.

The two-part aspect of citations is because of readability. “You can imagine how putting the full citation would break up the flow of a paper,” Girard said. “So, a shortened version is used (in the text).”

“For example, if an in-text citation reads (Jones, 2024), the reader immediately knows that the ideas presented are coming from Jones’s work, and they can explore the comprehensive citation on the final page,” she said.

The in-text citation and full citation together provide a transparent trail of the author's process of engaging with research.

“Their combined use also facilitates further research by following a standardized style (APA, MLA, Chicago), guaranteeing that other scholars can easily connect and build upon their work in the future,” Geary said.

Developing and demonstrating your research skills, enhancing your work’s credibility and engaging ethically with the intellectual contributions of others are at the core of the citation process no matter which style you use.

A degree can change your life. Choose your program  from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

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Reference List: Other Print Sources

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Important Note: Because the 7 th edition of the APA Publication Manual heavily emphasizes digital and electronic sources, it does not contain explicit instructions for certain less-common print sources that earlier editions covered. For this reason, some of the examples below have been adapted from the instructions for sources with similar attributes (e.g., the conference proceedings example is derived from the instructions the 7 th edition manual gives for citing edited collections). Every example below that has been adapted in this way is accompanied by a note explaining how it was adapted.

Please also note: While this resource contains many examples of citations for uncommon print sources that we think are helpful, it may not account for every possibility. For even more examples of how to cite uncommon print sources, please refer to the 7 th edition of the APA Publication Manual.

Entry in a Dictionary, Thesaurus, or Encyclopedia with a Group Author

The 7 th edition of the APA manual does not provide specific guidance on how to cite physical reference works such as dictionaries, thesauruses, or encyclopedias. Therefore, this citation, as well as the one for an individual author of an entry in a reference work, is modeled on that of a chapter in an edited book or anthology, both which are similar in format to reference works.

Institution or organization name. (Year). Title of entry. In Title of reference work (edition, page numbers). Publisher name.

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (1997). Goat. In Merriam Webster’s collegiate dictionary (10 th ed., pp. 499-500). Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.

Entry in a Dictionary, Thesaurus, or Encyclopedia with an Individual Author

Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of entry. In F. M. Lastname (ed.), Title of reference work (edition, page numbers). Publisher.

Tatum, S. R. (2009). Spirituality and religion in hip hop literature and culture. In T. L. Stanley (ed.), Encyclopedia of hip hop literature (pp. 250-252). Greenwood.

Work Discussed in a Secondary Source

Provide the source in which the original work was referenced:

Nail, T. (2017). What is an assemblage? SubStance , 46 (1), 21-37. http://sub.uwpress.org/lookup/doi/10.3368/ss.46.1.21

Note: Provide the secondary source in the references list; in the text, name the original work, and give a citation for the secondary source. For example, if Deleuze and Guattari’s work is cited in Nail and you did not read the original work, list the Nail reference in the References. In the text, use the following citation: 

Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of the assemblage (as cited in Nail, 2017)….

Dissertation Abstract

The 7 th edition of the APA manual does not provide specific guidance on how to cite dissertation abstracts. Therefore, this citation models that of a journal article, which is similar in format.

Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of dissertation. Dissertation Abstracts International , Vol., Page.

Angeli, E. L. (2012). Networks of communication in emergency medical services. Dissertation Abstracts International, 74 , 03(E).

Dissertation or Master’s Thesis, Published

Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation/Master’s thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. Database or Archive Name.

Angeli, E. L. (2012). Networks of communication in emergency medical services (Publication No. 3544643) [Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Note: If the dissertation or thesis is not published in a database, include the URL of the site where the document is located.

Dissertation or Master’s Thesis, Unpublished

Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis [Unpublished doctoral dissertation/master’s thesis]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree. 

Samson, J. M. (2016). Human trafficking and globalization [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Federal or State Statute

Name of Act, Public Law No. (Year). URL

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Publ. L. No. 111-148, 124 Stat. 119 (2010).  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ148/pdf/PLAW-111publ148.pdf

Report by a Government Agency or Other Organization

Organization Name. (Year). Title of report. URL

United States Government Accountability Office. (2019). Performance and accountability report: Fiscal year 2019 . https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/702715.pdf

Report by Individual Authors at Government Agency or Other Organization

Lastname, F. M., & Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of report . Organization Name. URL

Palanker, D., Volk, J., Lucia, K., & Thomas, K. (2018). Mental health parity at risk: Deregulating the individual market and the impact on mental health coverage . National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Publications-Reports/Public-Policy-Reports/Parity-at-Risk/ParityatRisk.pdf  

Conference Proceedings

The 7 th edition of the APA manual does not provide guidance on citing conference proceedings. Therefore, this citation models that of an edited collection, which is similar in format.

Lastname, F. M., & Lastname, F. M. (Eds.). (Year). Title of Proceedings . Publisher. URL (if applicable)

Huang, S., Pierce, R., & Stamey, J. (Eds.). (2006). Proceedings of the 24 th annual ACM international conference on the design of communication . ACM Digital Library. https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1166324&picked=prox

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Research Guide for Online Communication Students

• Find Sources
• Citing & Writing
• APA Formatting & Style Guide From Purdue's OWL.
• APA Style Help Overviews, tutorials, and FAQs

Online Writing Lab

Organizing and Managing Citations

Citation management software can help you manage your research and easily organize and format your citations in a wide variety of citation styles. Check out the links below for more information about these useful programs. 

• Citation Management Basics This guide provides an overview of citation management software options, including basic functions and the differences between the various options available, including EndNote, EndNote Web, and Zotero. Also provided is contact information for Purdue librarians available to provide citation management support for Purdue faculty, students, and staff.
• EndNote at Purdue This guide provides detailed how-to and FAQ for EndNote citation management software, the desktop version.
• EndNote Basic EndNote Basic is an online citation management program that is freely available for all Purdue users. This guide highlights how-to, key functions, and FAQ, as well as differences between the desktop and online versions of this product.
• Zotero Zotero is a free and open, web-based citation management program. This guide provides info on getting started and carrying out key functions, for students and instructors. It also includes video tutorials.

Avoid Plagiarism

• Types of Plagiarism Plagiarism.org presents Plagiarism 101: What is Plagiarism?
• Citing Sources Plagiarism.org's useful guide to everything about citing sources.
• Avoiding Plagiarism Tips on how to summarize, paraphrase, and quote sources without plagiarizing from the Purdue OWL. Use the links on the left to navigate.
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• Last Edited: Aug 26, 2024 4:29 PM
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How to do apa citation on Google docs?

APA Citation on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a professional or student, you may struggle with the task of citing academic sources properly. The citation standards for papers and articles written in various fields can get confusing. But fear not; Google Docs has made it easier and more convenient for you to cite those sources quickly and accurately. And in this article, we will see how to do APA citation on Google Docs .

What is an APA Citation?

APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is based on a uniform system for formatting human studies such as psychology education, engineering, and social scientific papers. APA citation style : In the first line of the main body, each source is cited both in-text and in-text references should be included outside of it. The APA format includes :

Formatting and styles Crisp typography Clear headings within a 5-level series Bullets and numbered lists instead of lettered lists Bold formatting for headings but not with italic highlighting

The APA citation formats and references are used in various topics like medicine, education, and history. As a result, both primary and secondary sources , like theses, articles reviews, papers are included in the library of these references.

Preparation: Setting Up Citations

Before you start researching and using Google Docs: • Sign in to your document in the Google Drive if you do not have an invite code; you can create on or add an existing document: New. Create multiple files at once so that there are no problems storing. • After creating a tab or tab, click on the option for setting up the menu by opening the "Tools"; the dropdown menu is available:

Select from the dropdown menu where the options: "Add-ons;" > "Install" > "Get updates"; Install the "Census citation" • The program has both APAand MLAcitation styles . Now that your Google Doc program has updated, you can change it APA citation style is default now .

Step: How to do APA Citation

Following the directions below, you quickly set the formatting for your document style APA, while using the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style at Google Drive.

Step.0: Citations

Within your paper, you can create tables for data and citations

Create a table for research: Insert a table by simply right-clicking on the page header

Select "Delete row above" or else create and delete a table structure in rows and columns while in that table

Edit Table to Create Citate Table Structure: Select 1 line of the table headers for header

From the drop-down, select "Format". Table title: insert a new table title you will type Remove the header row – it becomes a table header only. After creating the table cells with formatting, you can delete all blank cells.

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