In-text citations are crucial for giving proper credit to the authors whose ideas you are incorporating into your research paper. APA7 provides clear guidelines on how to do this through quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing. In this article, we will delve into each of these aspects to help you master the art of citation in APA7.
What Is an In-text Citation?
An in-text citation points the reader to the corresponding entry in the reference list at the end of your paper. The primary elements include the author’s last name and the publication year, usually in parenthesis.
Quoting in APA7
When you are quoting directly from a source, you need to provide the author, year, and specific page number(s) in the citation. If the source doesn’t have page numbers, use paragraph numbers or section headings. Place the citation immediately after the quote, separated by a comma inside the parenthesis.
Example: "The data indicates significant improvements" (Smith, 2020, p. 22).
Paraphrasing in APA7
When you paraphrase, you restate the author's ideas in your own words. You need to include the author's last name and the year of publication in parenthesis immediately following the paraphrased text.
Example: The study by Smith (2020) found substantial gains in the sample group's performance.
Summarizing in APA7
Summarizing involves condensing the main points of a source into a brief overview. The in-text citation follows the same format as paraphrasing.
Example: Overall, the research indicates that effective management styles significantly affect employee morale (Johnson, 2019).
Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing each have their place in academic writing, and knowing how to use them effectively is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. By following APA7 guidelines for in-text citations, you ensure that your work is both credible and ethical.
