APA Style Citation Tutorial

7th edition

Sarah Adams and Debbie Feisst

NorQuest College Library and Alissa Droog

University of Alberta Library

Edmonton

APA Style Citation Tutorial by University of Alberta Library is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

APA Style Citation Tutorial by University of Alberta Library is an adaptation of Introduction to APA Library Tutorials by NorQuest College Library licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

This book was produced with Pressbooks.

Contents

- Introduction

- Why Do We Cite?

- Why Do We Cite?

- Why APA Style?

- Exploring Source Types

- Exploring Source Types

- Source Type: Journal Article Cues

- Source Type: Trade Publication Cues

- Source Type: Webpage Cues

- Source Type: Book & eBook Cues

- Source Types Summary

- Reference List Citations

- Two Types of Citation

- What is a Reference List Citation?

- Creating Reference List Citations

- Creating Reference List Citations Activity

- In-Text Citations

- What is an In-Text Citation?

- In-Text Citations Activity

- How it All Works Together

- How it All Works Together

- Matching Reference and In-Text Citations Activity

- APA and Writing Support

- Conclusion

- References and Attribution

1

Introduction

Welcome to the APA Style citation tutorial for your EDU 100/300 course created by the University of Alberta Library. In this tutorial, you will be introduced to APA Style citation based on the 7th edition guidelines.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this tutorial, you will be able to:

1. Identify why using citations is important,

2. Recognize cues within sources to identify their source type,

3. Create and format reference list and in-text citations in APA Style,

4. Access resources to help you with APA Style citation.

Image from: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.

Why Do We Cite?

Learning Outcome

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

- Identify why using citations is important.

It’s important to understand why citations are a fundamental part of any research assignment, aside from being a requirement. A citation is a reference to a source that contains key pieces of information about that source in order to find them.

The following are 3 key reasons why citing is important.

Reason 1:  For Scholarly Communication

By reading, analyzing, and including scholarly sources in your assignments, you are contributing to and participating in scholarly communication!

You grow in your understanding of a field of study by learning from its subject experts. As educators, you apply educational research to improve your teaching practices and meet Alberta Education’s Teaching Quality Standard 2d.

Reason 2:  To Give Credit and Show Professionalism

This is key for showing professionalism and evidence in your paper.

You will mainly use scholarly and professional sources as evidence to support your research and give credit to their findings. Citations allow others (and you!) to find the sources used in your paper to learn more about them.

Reason 3:  To Avoid Plagiarism

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Watch this short video to learn about plagiarism and how to avoid it.

It might help to think: is this my own idea or did I read or hear about it in one of my sources? If it came from somewhere else, cite it.

Module 5.1 – Plagiarism Video Transcript

Summary

The main reasons why we cite are to:

1. Participate in scholarly communication,

2. Give credit to our sources,

3. Avoid plagiarism.

Media attribution:

“[What exactly is citing summary]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

Why APA Style?

APA Style citation is a standardized set of guidelines used in social sciences and professional programs, such as Education. It includes guidelines for formatting your paper (document formatting), citing sources in the text of your paper (in-text citations), and citing sources at the end of your paper (reference list citations).

The 7th edition of APA guidelines includes some key changes, particularly for online sources. If you’re interested in learning more about these changes you may watch the following video (optional).

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Media attribution:

Image from: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.

Scribbr. (2019, November 26). APA manual 7th edition: 17 most notable changes | Scribbr [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeSIXD6y3WQ

Exploring Source Types

Learning Outcome

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

- Recognize cues within sources to identify their source type.

To identify the correct APA citation elements needed for your reference list citation, you first need to know what type of source you have. Looking at a source’s visual cues and descriptions from a library catalogue or database can help you figure this out.

Now that so many sources are online, it can be a bit confusing figuring out a source’s type. To help, we will go through some examples of source types and cues to look for together.

Source Type: Journal Article Cues

In the following source type examples, examine the different sources and click on the symbol to learn about each cue that helps identify a source’s type.

First, we will examine a scholarly journal article.

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Work’s reference citation:

Kirkpatrick, L., Brown, H. M., Searle, M., Smyth, R. E., Ready, E. A., & Kennedy, K. (2018). Impact of a one-to-one iPad initiative on Grade 7 students’ achievement in language arts, mathematics, and learning skills. Computers in the Schools, 35(3), 171-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2018.1491771

Source Type: Trade Publication Cues

Examine the source and click on the symbol to learn about each cue that helps to identify a trade publication.

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Work’s reference citation:

Stone, A. (2020, January/February). The end of discipline in the classroom. Teach, 26-29. https://issuu.com/teachmag/docs/teach_janfeb2020

Source Type: Webpage Cues

Examine the source and click on the  symbol to learn about each cue that helps to identify a webpage.

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Work’s reference citation:

CAST. (2018). Universal design for learning guidelines version 2.2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org

Source Type: Book & eBook Cues

Examine the source and click on the  symbol to learn about each cue that helps to identify a Book or eBook.

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Work’s reference citation:

Kanu, Y. (2011). Integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the school curriculum: Purposes, possibilities and challenges. University of Toronto Press.

Source Types Summary

The first step in creating an APA reference citation is to identify the type of source you are using.

After figuring out the type of source you are citing, you can move on to identifying the information needed to create a reference list citation for that source. Using a previous reference citation example can help!

Two Types of Citation

Learning Outcome

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

- Create and format reference list citations in APA style.

In APA Style, there are two parts to every citation: an in-text citation and a reference list citation.

Reference list citations are longer citations that provide enough information needed to describe and find your source again, physically or online.

In-text citations are the shortened form of a reference list citation where a source is credited in your paper. It has enough information to locate its matching reference citation.

We will discuss both of these separately first and then together later. First, we will discuss reference list citations.

Media attribution:

“[Smith and Gould In-text Citation Example]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International / Border added and refocused.

What is a Reference List Citation?

Let’s begin by discussing what a reference list is. A reference list is an alphabetized list located on a separate page at the end of your paper that lists all the reference citations for the sources used in your paper to support your research.

Each reference citation includes key elements referred to as the Four W’s:

Author

Date

Title

Source Location

Who?

When?

What?

Where?

Asking these 4 questions helps identify the key elements needed for a reference list citation.

You’re not expected to memorize APA guidelines. Instead, use available resources (APA Quickguide and this tutorial) to help guide you. Over time you will become more comfortable with creating citations yourself.

Using APA resources to help create a reference citation is like using a recipe. The ingredients are the key pieces of information about a source (4Ws). If you’re missing an ingredient, leave it out or substitute it.

Following a recipe’s directions is like following a citation example. If you follow the directions and add the ingredients at the right point, then your recipe (i.e. your citation) will turn out!

Image Attributions:

“stack-of-food-books-2” by Cannelle is licensed under CC BY 4.0 International.

“512px-Internet2” by Fabio Lanari is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.

“Pancake recipe with ingredients Free Vector” by pikisuperstar is licensed under CC BY 4.0 International.

Creating Reference List Citations

Next, we will use the 4 W’s to look at each reference citation for the works evaluated during the “Exploring Source Types” section. Pay close attention to the punctuation and font emphasis (italic, underline) used for each source type.

The Library’s APA QuickGuide is a great resource to have on hand for creating reference citations.

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The example above is a typical reference citation for a journal article with a DOI.

- Author: is the Family name, Initials. for each author, with a comma in between, and ampersand before the last author.

- Authors are always ordered as they appear on the work.

- Date: is the publication date (Year) of the article.

- Title: is in sentence-case, as are all titles of works cited in APA Style.

- Source location: is the Scholarly Journal Title (in Title-Case and italics), Volume and Issue number, the article’s page range, and hyperlinked DOI.

- The article is part of a larger source (the scholarly journal), so the source is italicized and not the article.

The example above is an article in a trade publication accessed through its online version on a website.

- Author: the article’s individual author.

- Date: the journal’s publication date, which follows Year-First format, followed by the seasonal publication date.

- Title: the article title in sentence-case.

- Source location: is the Magazine’s Title (in Title-Case and italics), the article page range, and hyperlinked URL.

- This example has no volume or issue numbers, so they are skipped.

The example above is a webpage with a group author that is the same as the website title.

- Author: CAST is the full organization’s name, not an acronym.

- If the author is an acronym, spell out their full name.

- Date: the publication date of the webpage.

- Do not use the website’s copyright date for the date.

- Title: is in sentence-case and italics as it is an individual work.

- Source location: is the URL of the webpage.

- Webpage citations usually include the website title, but here the author is the same as the title so only the author is included.

The example above is an eBook accessed through a library database with no DOI.

- Author: is the book’s individual author.

- Date: the copyright date of the book, found on the copyright page (©2011).

- This is the guideline for all books and eBooks. The release date of a book is not used.

- Title: is in sentence-case and italics as it is a stand alone work and it includes a subtitle separated by a colon (:) with the first word upper-cased.

- Source location: is the book’s publisher. The book has no DOI and no URL is included because it’s located in a library database.

*If a work from a library database does not have a DOI, your instructor may prefer to have its URL. We advise asking your instructor.*

The infographic below provides an overview of each of the 4W’s with some examples.

You can download the full 2-page APA 7th edition overview infographic shown throughout this tutorial here: APA 7th Edition Overview Infographic [PDF].

Creating Reference List Citations Activity

As you’ve learned, creating a reference citation requires a few steps:

1. Identify the type of source,

2. Identify the 4W’s of the work (Who, When, What, Where),

3. Write the reference citation using the 4W’s and guidance from a correct example (APA QuickGuide),

4. Lastly, it’s also important to proofread your work.

When creating a reference citation, pay attention to the 4W’s and how to correctly format each reference citation using punctuation and font emphasis (italics).

Complete the activities below to practice creating reference citations. You may click on any of the images to enlarge them.

Activity 1

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Activity 2

You want to create a reference citation for the eBook above. Drag and drop each element of the reference citation into their correct box.

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Activity 3

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Activity 4

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What is an In-Text Citation?

Learning Outcome

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

- Create and format in-text citations in APA Style.

You find a great idea or argument in a source that supports your topic and you want to include it. To do this you need to create an in-text citation and add it to your paper where you have discussed evidence from that source, either as a direct quote or a paraphrase. In-text citations tell your reader which ideas belong to you and which ideas belong to someone else.

There are two different ways that you can include in-text citations into your assignments: as a parenthetical citation or as a narrative citation.

The following example shows how these two types of in-text citations have been included in a paper. Click on the symbol to learn about them.

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The image below provides an overview of these two types.

As you can see, an in-text citation is formatted using three key pieces:

1. Parentheses,

2. Author’s family name or group name, and

3. Year.

In-text citation information is pulled directly from its matching reference list citation. So, it is easiest to create the reference citation first and then its matching in-text citation.

So far we have focused on paraphrasing examples. So next, we’re going to look at quotation examples for in-text citations.

When you use a direct quote instead of a paraphrase, you also need to include the quote’s location in the work. Additionally, when you paraphrase specific passages in longer-length works, you include the location. Location information is added to your in-text citation directly after the date. For example, a parenthetical citation would look like: (Smith, 2010, pp. 3-4).

Note that instructors often prefer location information for all in-text citations, so check with your instructor.

For the following quotation examples, click on the symbol to learn about how to add in-text citations for short quotes and block quotes.

Short Direct Quote In-Text Citation Examples

Narrative Citation

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Parenthetical Citation

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Block Direct Quote In-Text Citation Examples

Narrative Citation

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Parenthetical Citation

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The image below details some location information examples and their appropriate abbreviation.

Note: Your instructor may prefer you include location information for all in-text citations. We advise asking your instructor.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of in-text citations, head to the next section to complete a few in-text citation practice activities.

Image attribution:

“Illuminated crumpled yellow paper light bulb idea on white background Free Photo” by Freepik is licensed under Freepik Licence, attribution required.

In-Text Citations Activity

In this section, complete the following three activities to practice creating parenthetical and narrative in-text citations by typing in the in-text citation.

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How it All Works Together

Learning Outcome

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

- Create and format reference list and in-text citations in APA Style.

As we have covered, reference list citations and in-text citations should match each other. They work together to clearly indicate which sources provide support to your assignment.

You wouldn’t want to wear mismatched socks, just like you don’t want mismatched citations!

You want your in-text and reference list citations (and socks) to match each other!

*One exception is personal communication, which is cited as an in-text citation, but is not included in the reference list.*

Why? Your reader can’t access your personal experiences.

In the next activity, you will practice matching in-text citations with their reference citation.

Image attribution:

“[In-Text Citation Example in Apple MAC Desktop Computer]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International / Added updated reference and in-text citation images.

“Mismatched Socks Solidarity Day” by Rik Panganiban is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

“X-ray socks” by unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

Matching Reference and In-Text Citations Activity

For the four questions in this activity, match the reference citation to their corresponding in-text citation by choosing the correct in-text citation from a selection of choices.

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APA and Writing Support

Learning Outcome

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

- Access available resources to help you with APA Style citation.

The University of Alberta has a number of resources to turn to if you need help with APA Style citation, library services and resources, and writing.

Citing in APA Style

On the Library Citation Guide, the library has resources to help you with APA Style, including the APA QuickGuide and Purdue OWL.

Another resource is the 2-page APA overview infographic seen throughout this tutorial; you can download it here.

The Official APA Style and Grammar Guidelines website also has many resources to help, including handouts, sample papers, and other resources. The Official APA website also has information about how to cite a source that is cited within the work you are reading here.

Foundational Tutorials

The Library has foundational tutorials to help you during your research process. Each tutorial is a short video on a particular topic to help you develop a search strategy, learn about different types of sources, start your search, and your research journey.

EDU 100/300 Library Subject Guide

Need help with finding sources or knowing which database to use for your assignments?  A library subject guide was created to help support you during your EDU 100/300 course.

Ask Us!

If you have questions library staff are here to help! Use the Ask Us button on the Library website to chat with library staff, book a consultation with a librarian, or email the library.

Writing and Other Support

For writing assistance and other services available for you at the University of Alberta, visit the Student Services webpage provided by the Dean of Students.

2

Conclusion

Thank you for completing the APA Style Citation Tutorial!
This tutorial is available for you to return to at any time to access the tutorial’s content and support links.

The University of Alberta Library would appreciate it if you could complete the Exit Ticket below. Your response will help us improve this tutorial and learn about your experience.

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Reminder: The staff at the University of Alberta Library are here to help if you have any questions about citation or our library services and resources.

3

References and Attribution

References

Barnes, J. (2018). Applying cross-curricular approaches creatively. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315513614

CAST. (2018). Universal design for learning guidelines version 2.2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org/

Centre for the Study of Historical Consciousness. (n.d.). Historical thinking concepts. Historical Thinking Project. http://historicalthinking.ca/historical-thinking-concepts

Creekpaum, S. (2019).  Child development through play. In M. Charles & J. Bellinson (Eds.), The importance of play in early childhood education: Psychoanalytic, attachment, and developmental perspectives (pp. 11-18). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315180090

Ewasiuk, K. (2012, Summer). What do I do all day? ATA Magazine, 92(4), 14.

Godin, K. M., Patte, K. A., & Leatherdale, S. T. (2018, February). Examining predictors of breakfast skipping and breakfast program use among secondary school students in the COMPASS study. Journal of School Health, 88(2), 150-158. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12590

Kanu, Y. (2011). Integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the school curriculum: Purposes, possibilities and challenges. University of Toronto Press.

Kirkpatrick, L., Brown, H. M., Searle, M., Smyth, R. E., Ready, E. A., & Kennedy, K. (2018). Impact of a one-to-one iPad initiative on Grade 7 students’ achievement in language arts, mathematics, and learning skills. Computers in the Schools, 35(3), 171-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2018.1491771

McRae, P. (2020, Winter). Ambiguous but gaining momentum. ATA Magazine, 100(2), 30-32. https://www.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/ATA Magazine/Vol 100/Vol100-No2-Winter_2020.pdf

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). APA sample paper.https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_sample_paper.html

Scribbr. (2019, November 26). APA manual 7th edition: 17 most notable changes | Scribbr [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeSIXD6y3WQ

Sensoy, Ö., & DiAngelo, R. (2017). Is everyone really equal?: An introduction to key concepts in social justice education (2nd ed.). Teachers College Press.

Stone, A. (2020, January/February). The end of discipline in the classroom. Teach, 26-29. https://issuu.com/teachmag/docs/teach_janfeb2020

Media Attributions

“book-collage_tcm11-262933_w1024_n” by American Psychological Association.

“Silhouette Head Bookshelf Knowledge” by Gerd Altmann is licensed under Pixabay Licence, no attribution required.

“[What exactly is citing summary]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

“[Publication Manual of the APA, 7th Edition Book Cover]” by American Psychological Association.

“[Smith and Gould In-text Citation Example]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International / Border added and refocused.

“write-writer-type-machine-creative-idea” by mohamed hassan is licensed under CC0 1.0 International.

“[Calendar Months]” by unknown author is licensed under CC0 1.0 International.

“stack-of-food-books-2” by Cannelle is licensed under CC BY 4.0 International.

“512px-Internet2” by Fabio Lanari is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.

“Pancake recipe with ingredients Free Vector” by pikisuperstar is licensed under CC BY 4.0 International.

“[Journal article publication and summary information]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

“Illuminated crumpled yellow paper light bulb idea on white background Free Photo” by Freepik is licensed under Freepik Licence, attribution required.

“[In-Text Citation Example in Apple MAC Desktop Computer]” from NorQuest College Library’s Intro to APA tutorials is licensed under  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International / Added updated reference and in-text citation images.

“Mismatched Socks Solidarity Day” by Rik Panganiban is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

“X-ray socks” by unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.

“Opinion” by unknown author is licensed under CC0 1.0 International.

All other images in this tutorial are created by the University of Alberta Library. The use of these images should be credited to the University of Alberta Library using the Creative Commons Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.