Citing sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity. Knowing how to cite two authors in APA style is a fundamental skill for students and researchers. This guide will walk you through the process, providing clear examples and addressing common questions.
In-Text Citations with Two Authors
When citing two authors in the text of your paper, always include both authors' last names every time you reference their work. Use the ampersand (&) symbol to connect the two names within the parentheses.
Example:
Research by Smith & Jones (2023) indicates a strong correlation between variable X and variable Y.
A recent study (Smith & Jones, 2023) challenges previous findings in the field.
Reference List Entries for Two Authors
The reference list entry for two authors follows a specific format. Here's the breakdown:
- Authors: List the authors' last names and initials, separated by a comma. The second author's name is followed by a period.
- Year: The year of publication, enclosed in parentheses.
- Title: The title of the work (book, article, etc.), italicized. Capitalize only the first letter of the first word and any proper nouns.
- Journal/Source: The name of the journal or book, italicized. For journals, include the volume number and issue number (if applicable). For books, include the publisher's location and name. For web sources, include the URL.
Example (Journal Article):
Smith, J. A., & Jones, B. (2023). The impact of variable X on variable Y. Journal of Research, 15(2), 123-145.
Example (Book):
Smith, J. A., & Jones, B. (2023). A comprehensive guide to variables X and Y. New York, NY: Publisher Name.
Example (Web Source):
Smith, J. A., & Jones, B. (2023). Title of Webpage. Retrieved from [Insert URL Here]
Key Considerations:
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in your citation style throughout your paper.
- Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy to avoid plagiarism.
- Formatting: Pay close attention to punctuation and capitalization. Using a citation management tool can help ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Multiple Works by the Same Authors: If you cite multiple works by the same two authors in the same year, differentiate them by adding lowercase letters (a, b, c) after the year in both the in-text citation and the reference list. For example: (Smith & Jones, 2023a) and (Smith & Jones, 2023b).
What if there are more than two authors?
If there are three to five authors, list all authors the first time the work is cited. After that, you can shorten it to the first author's last name followed by "et al." For six or more authors, you should always use the first author's name followed by "et al."
By following these guidelines, you can accurately and consistently cite two authors in APA style, demonstrating proper academic practice and avoiding potential issues with plagiarism. Remember to always consult the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the most up-to-date information.
