NoodleTools will help you correctly format your citations for the Reference list. The following information is basic information you should remember when working with articles.
Articles from Databases: In general, when you cite an article from a database, the format is the same as for a print article.
Note about the DOI: APA asks for the DOI number (digital object identifier) - some of the databases St. Paul's subscribes to will provide this number but some will not. If you can find the DOI, provide it. If not, at the end of the citation, provide the URL of the journal, magazine, or newspaper home page OR the name of the database where you retrieved the article.
In addition, APA rules do not require a retrieval date for electronic sources, unless they are likely to change. At St. Paul's, your teacher required the retrieval date.
If the author's name is in your text, you do not need to repeat it in the in-text citation.
Format
Signal phrase, Author (Year), "quote" (p. page number).
Example
One researcher, Carol Gilligan (2005), concluded that "women impose a distinctive construction on moral problems" (p. 105).
If the author's name is not in your text, you must include it in the in-text citation.
Format
Signal phrase, "quote" (Author, year, p. page number).
Example
As a result, studies suggest that "women impose a distinctive construction on moral problems" (Gilligan, 2005, p. 105).
Use last names only. Add an "&" before the second name.
Format
Signal phrase, "quote" (Author, & Author, Year, p. page number).
Example
According to a study, "The poor and minorities were victims" (Frieden & Sagalyn, 2005, p. 29).
First time cited
Signal phrase, "quote" (Author, Author, & Author, Year, p. page number).
Example
Our text discussed the "ethical dilemmas in public relations" (Wilcox, Ault, & Agee, 2005, p. 125).
Subsequent times cited
Signal phrase, "quote" (Author et al., Year, p. page number).
Example
As mentioned before, there may be "ethical dilemmas in public relations" (Wilcox et al., 2005, p. 125).
In either the signal phrase or parentheses, give only the first author’s last name, followed by et al.
Format
Signal phrase, "quote" (Author et al., Year, p. page number).
Signal phrase with First Author et al. (Year) …
Example
Recent research showed that … (Graham et al., 2010).
According to a research study by Graham et al. (2010), …
Use shortened version of title.
Format
Signal phrase, "quote" ("Shortened Title", Year, p. page number). Note: Titles of articles in "Quotation Marks", titles of Books or Longer Works are italicized.
Example
One article stated that, "A death row inmate may demand his execution for notoriety" ("Right", 2005, p. 135).
A database source is NOT the same as an Internet source. Most sites do not reproduce the article exactly as it was published in the original journal or magazine. If you find an article on a news website, such as the BBC site or CBC site please remember to cite the source as a website.
Use author or title and year.
For an electronic source without pages but with numbered paragraphs, use “para.” and the paragraph number. If there are no numbered paragraphs, provide a section header.
Format
Signal phrase, "quote" (Author, Year).
Signal phrase, "quote" (Shortened title, Year).
Example
According to a study, "Twins reared apart report similar feelings" (Palfrey, 2005, Conclusions section).
Use the abbreviation “n.d.” for “no date.”
If there are no page numbers on an electronic source, you can use numbered paragraphs. Use "para." and paragraph number or provide a section header.
Format
Signal phrase with author’s name (n.d.), “quote” (p. page number).
Signal phrase, “quote” (Author, n.d., p. page number).
Example
According to Magnus (n.d.), "it has been difficult to identify a connection between watching television and eating habits" (p. 67).
This LibGuide is based on the MLA Citations LibGuide created by Montgomery College Libraries. The content and format are used with permission.