Using database citation tools
Most of the library databases have citations for the articles they contain. These should only be considered a starting point - they often get things wrong. Here are some common errors that pop up:
- Incorrect capitalization
- Incorrect volume and issue information
- Incorrect page numbers
- Incorrect punctuation (stray parentheses or periods, etc.)
It's a good idea to be aware of APA citation rules in order to identify and fix those kinds of mistakes. If you need to brush up on your APA knowledge, here are a few good resources:
- APA Style & Grammar GuidelinesThe American Psychological Association manages this site, so consider it the most reputable source on this list of links!
- In-Text Citations: The BasicsThis site is managed by the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
- Reference List: Basic RulesThis site is managed by the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). There are also instructions on how to format different types of citations.
- Penfield Library's APA Style GuideThis four-page handout was created by librarians here at Oswego.
Using Ebsco's citations
In Ebsco databases, just click on the Cite link, in the right sidebar, and then scroll down until you see the citation style you need.
Using ProQuest's citations
In ProQuest, click on the Cite button, make sure APA is selected, and then copy the provided citation.
How to cite articles in APA format
Most APA citations have two parts:
In-Text Citations
In-text citations should have:
- the author's (or authors') last name
- the year of publication
- the page number(s), if you're using a direct quote
There are two ways to do in-text citations:
-
Parenthetical citations – all citation information is in parentheses
Ex. Some studies have found that students with disabilities are not always encouraged to go to college (Elmore, Veitch, & Harbor, 2018).
-
Narrative citations – citation information is split up
Ex. Elmore, Veitch, and Harbor (2018) found that students with disabilities are not always encouraged to go to college.
General rules for in-text citations:
- The quotation mark goes before the parentheses
- The period goes after the parentheses
- If the quotation is on just one page, use "p." before the page number. If the quotation spans across two pages, use "pp."
Reference List Citations
Most things in reference list citations should be lowercase - the exceptions are:
- The first letter of the first word of the title
- The first letter of the first word after a colon (see the example below)
- Proper nouns (see the example below)
- Not sure if something is a proper noun? Google it!
How to do article citations
In-text citation
Narrative style in-text citation
Masta (2018) notes that participants in her study were "most at ease interacting with other Native American students" (p. 29).
Parenthetical style in-text citation
Native American students were "most at ease interacting with other Native American students" (Masta, 2018, p. 29).
Reference list
Masta, S. (2018). Strategy and resistance: How Native American students engage in accommodation in mainstream schools. Anthropology & Education Quarterly, 49(1), 21-35.
Note: The general format for article citations is:
- The author's (or authors') last name, followed by their first initial (and middle initial, if they choose)
- The publication year
- The article title
- The journal or magazine title, in italics
- The volume number, also in italics
- The issue number, in parentheses but not in italics
- The page numbers
Learn how to do a hanging indent!
When putting together a reference list in APA style, the first line should be normal, but all other lines should be indented. This is called a hanging indent. Here's how you can do it.