How to Cite a Research Paper in APA 7th Edition: A Complete Guide

Welcome to our blog post on how to cite a research paper in APA 7th edition! As researchers, we know the importance of giving credit where it’s due and referencing our sources accurately. With the release of the 7th edition of the APA style guide, there have been some updates and changes to the citation rules. So, if you’re wondering how to navigate through these changes and properly cite your sources, you’ve come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about citing a research paper in APA 7th edition. From in-text citations for websites to referencing a research paper, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions, examples, and tips to help you master the art of APA citation. So, let’s dive in and ensure that your research paper is properly cited and ready to shine!

Without further ado, let’s explore the ins and outs of APA 7th edition citation and make your research paper an epitome of academic integrity.

How to Cite a Research Paper in APA 7th Edition

In the world of academia, proper citation is the key that unlocks the doors to scholarly respect and admiration. And when it comes to citing research papers in APA 7th edition, you need to embrace the rules with open arms (and a sprinkle of humor!). So, grab your APA wand and let’s dive into the magical world of citations!

Formatting Magic: The Reference List

When citing a research paper in APA 7th edition, you need to create a reference list that acts as your bibliography’s charming companion. This list should include all sources you consulted, whether it be scholarly articles, books, or websites. It’s like giving credit to all the magical beings that helped shape your research!

Crafting Enchanting Spells: Author Names

The first ingredient in our citation potion is the author’s name. If the paper has one author, rejoice! Place their last name, followed by a comma, and then their initials. But if the paper has multiple authors, things get interesting! Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name, creating a spellbinding effect. And remember, don’t forget the comma before the final author’s name, or it might cast a grammatical curse!

Summoning the Title: Paper, Unveiled

Now, let’s call upon the title of the research paper. The title should be written in sentence case, with only the first word and proper nouns capitalized. It’s like giving each word its own little crown!

Journal Names: The Secret Passageways

Oh, the mystical journal names! To cite a research paper published in a journal, you must unveil the journal’s name in italics, using title case. But be careful not to confuse it with a paper’s title, for that would be a magical mishap!

Time Traveling: Publication Dates

To transport your readers through time (figuratively, of course), include the publication date of the research paper. Use parentheses to encircle the year of publication, ensuring that it stands out amidst the sea of text.

In-Text Citations: The Whispers of Research

In-text citations are like secret messages that guide your readers to the full citation in your reference list. Embrace the magic of APA 7th edition and use the author’s last name and year of publication to create these whispers. Place them within parentheses, and you’ll be on your way to scholarly greatness!

Quoting and Paraphrasing: Stealing Spells

When you quote or paraphrase ideas from another paper, don’t forget to give credit where it’s due! If you’re indulging in the art of citation, weave the author’s last name, a comma, the publication year, and the page number into your textual incantation. And just like that, you’re protected from the plagiarism curse!

The DOI Charm: Unlocking Digital Doors

Ah, the DOI (Digital Object Identifier), a magical charm that unlocks the digital doors of knowledge! When citing a research paper with a DOI, include it at the end of the reference list entry. Trust me, your readers will thank you for this mystical key to further exploration!

And there you have it, my fellow sorcerers of academia! With these fantastical tips, you’re now equipped to navigate the labyrinth of APA 7th edition citations. So go forth, cite your research papers with confidence, and let the magic of proper citations guide your scholarly journey!

Note: Always consult the latest edition of the APA manual for complete and up-to-date guidelines on citing research papers. Stay enchanted, my friends!

Keywords: Citing research paper APA 7th edition, reference list formatting, author names, title formatting, journal names, publication dates, in-text citations, quoting and paraphrasing, DOI citation

FAQ: How to Cite a Research Paper in APA 7th Edition?

How to In-Text Cite a Website in APA 7th Edition

When it comes to in-text citations, websites can sometimes be a tricky source to navigate. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! Follow these simple steps to ensure you’re citing websites correctly in APA 7th edition:

  1. Include the author’s last name and year of publication. The general format for an in-text citation is (Author, Year). If the website doesn’t have an individual author, you can use the organization name as the author.

Example: According to a recent study on unicorns (Smith, 2021), they are indeed real creatures.

  1. Use quotations for direct quotes. If you’re directly quoting a website, make sure to enclose the quote in double quotation marks and provide the page or paragraph number.

Example: “Unicorns are fascinating creatures with magical powers” (Smith, 2021, para. 4).

  1. Include the URL or website name for non-retrievable sources. If the website is not retrievable or the content might change over time, you can include the URL or the name of the website in the text of your paper.

Example: According to the official website of the National Unicorn Society (https://www.unicorn-society.org), the population of unicorns is on the rise.

How to Cite a Research Paper in APA 7th Edition

Ah, the research paper! A staple of academic life. But what’s the proper way to cite one in APA 7th edition? Let us unravel this mystery for you:

  1. Start with the author’s last name and initials. If there are multiple authors, include all of their names. If the paper has a group or organization as the author, use their name instead.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., & Anderson, R.

  1. Include the year of publication in parentheses. Place the year after the authors’ names, separated by a comma.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., & Anderson, R. (2022).

  1. Add the title of the paper in sentence case. Capitalize only the first word of the title and any proper nouns, just like you would in a regular sentence.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., & Anderson, R. (2022). The impact of unicorn sightings on the global economy.

  1. Specify the name of the publication or journal. Italicize the title of the journal or book where the research paper was published.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., & Anderson, R. (2022). The impact of unicorn sightings on the global economy. Journal of Unicorns and Economics, 25(3), 137-152.

  1. Provide additional information for online sources. If the research paper was accessed online, include the URL or digital object identifier (DOI) at the end of the citation.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., & Anderson, R. (2022). The impact of unicorn sightings on the global economy. Journal of Unicorns and Economics, 25(3), 137-152. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jue.2022.1234

How to Reference in APA 7th Edition

Referencing can be a confusing process, but don’t worry! We’ll guide you through it step by step in APA 7th edition style:

  1. Start with the author’s last name and initials. Include all author names for up to 20 authors. If there are more than 20 authors, include the first 19 names, insert an ellipsis (three dots), and then add the last author’s name.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., Anderson, R., … Davis, L.

  1. Provide the publication year in parentheses. Place the year in parentheses immediately after the authors’ names, separated by a period.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., Anderson, R., … Davis, L. (2022).

  1. Include the title of the work in sentence case. Capitalize only the first word of the title and any proper nouns.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., Anderson, R., … Davis, L. (2022). The impact of unicorn sightings on the global economy.

  1. Specify the source type. Use appropriate abbreviations to indicate the type of source, such as “J” for journal articles or “B” for books.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., Anderson, R., … Davis, L. (2022). The impact of unicorn sightings on the global economy. Journal of Unicorns and Economics, 25(3), 137-152.

  1. Add the DOI or URL for online sources. For online sources, include the DOI or URL at the end of the reference. If a DOI is available, use that instead of the URL.

Example: Smith, J. D., Johnson, A., Anderson, R., … Davis, L. (2022). The impact of unicorn sightings on the global economy. Journal of Unicorns and Economics, 25(3), 137-152. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jue.2022.1234

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of APA 7th edition citation and referencing, go forth and conquer your research papers with confidence! Remember, accurate citations lead to happy professors and higher grades. Happy citing!

You May Also Like