Citing sources is essential in research to acknowledge the work of others, avoid plagiarism, and provide readers with the means to verify your sources. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in academic writing for formatting in-text citations and reference lists. This lesson will equip you with the skills to cite sources accurately using the APA style.
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to
explain the importance of citing sources in research;
determine the different steps in doing an APA style citation;
cite related literature and studies using the APA Style.
Lesson Content
A citation appears in the main text of the paper. It is a way of giving credit to the information that you have specifically mentioned in your research paper by leading the reader to the original source of information. Meanwhile, a reference is a detailed description of the source of information that you want to give credit to via a citation. The references in research papers are usually in the form of a list at the end of the paper. The essential difference between citations and references is that citations lead a reader to the source of information, while references provide the reader with detailed information regarding that particular source (Panse, 2022).
Why citations and references are important?
Citations are a key part of academic writing practice and there are a lot of benefits that come from properly referencing the secondary sources used.
A well-written reference list evidences your attention to detail as well as your,
Credibility. Citing sources add credibility of your work by highlighting the sources you used, particularly those that are high-quality and peer-reviewed.
Academic integrity. Referencing acknowledges the original author’s contribution and shows respect for the foundation of knowledge they’ve provided. To maintain academic integrity, always give proper credit to sources by citing them consistently and ethically.
Avoid plagiarism. How you use and integrate others' research in your work is unique to you. Failing to cite or reference properly can lead to plagiarism, which is using someone else's ideas without credit. Referencing helps prevent plagiarism by clearly showing the sources you've used.
Foundation for further research. Referencing helps you discover new sources and build a research archive. By using citations from relevant academic sources, you can find related research. Consistent referencing while taking notes creates a well-organized archive of sources tied to your topic.
Good academic practice. Referencing reflects good academic practice by respecting others' intellectual property, ensuring clear research methods, and preventing plagiarism. Even if your lecturer is an expert, you should support your arguments with citations and references to show the basis of your research.
What should be cited?
an idea borrowed from another author
a word or a phrase copied from a source and
a paragraph copied from a written work of another author
Paraphrasing – is restating the author’s ideas into your own words to make the writing style suitable to your and your audience. Even though the wording changes, the source must still be cited.
Example
Original: “Climate change is accelerating, and its effects are more visible every year.” (Source: Smith, 2020, p. 45)
Paraphrase: Climate change is happening more rapidly, with its consequences becoming increasingly evident each year (Smith, 2020).
Quoting – is the use of the author’s exact words which is enclosed in quotation marks. It is encouraged when a word, a phrase a sentence or a paragraph cannot be paraphrased or summarized because it may distort the meaning of the text.
Example
Original: “The rapid pace of technological advancement is reshaping industries and economies worldwide.” (Source: Johnson, 2019, p. 102)
Quote: According to Johnson (2019), “The rapid pace of technological advancement is reshaping industries and economies worldwide” (p. 102).
Summarizing - involves condensing an author’s ideas into your own words while retaining the key points. The summarized text supports your ideas, but it must be clearly cited to acknowledge the original author. The summary is shorter than the original but still conveys the essential concepts.
Example
Original Text: The rapid expansion of technology in the 21st century has significantly altered the global job market, creating new industries while rendering others obsolete. Automation and artificial intelligence are major drivers of these changes, leading to shifts in workforce demands and skill requirements.
— Johnson, A. (2020). The Future of Work: Technology's Impact on Employment. Global Tech Press.
Summary: Johnson (2020) discusses how technological advancements, such as automation and artificial intelligence, are reshaping the job market by creating new industries and changing workforce demands.
APA In-Text Citation Guide
The tense of the verb used in the introductory phrase follows the rule in S-V agreement.
One to Two Authors
Example 1: According to Dungo (2016) writing is a tedious process
Example 2: Writing is tedious process (Dungo, 2016)
Three to Seven Authors – spell out the names of all authors during the first citation
Example 1: According to Pesigan and Maranan (2012) perseverance and hard work are the keys to success
Example 2: Perseverance and hard work are the keys to success (Pesigan and Maranan, 2012)
In the succeeding citations, write only the name of the first author followed by “et.al”
Example 3: According to Pesigan et. al (2012)…
Example 4: …. (Pesigan et al., 2012)
More than Seven Authors – Only the name of the first author should be written followed by “et al.”
Example 1: Dela Cruz et. al (2009) assert that there are multiple way to write an essay.
Example 2: There are multiple way to write an essay. (Dela Cruz et. al., 2009)
No Author
Example 1: The most common strategies of exposition includes development by example, process, analysis and definition (The Strategies of Exposition, 2006)
Example 2: The most common strategies of exposition includes development by example, process, analysis and definition (“The Strategies of Exposition, 2006”)
No Date
Example 1: Park (n.d.) asserts that incorporating source materials shows the readers where the idea came from.
Example 2: Incorporating source materials shows the readers where the idea came from. (Park, n.d.).
Multiple Sources
Example: The best time to study is determined by the student himself (Bondoc, 2003; Hardy, 2007; Si, 2008)
Online Sources
Example: A new and improve publication manual will be released in three months time (Burke, 2005, 7).
Four Steps to Referencing
1. Record
While reading, record all necessary citation details, including page numbers for direct quotes and for journal articles or book chapters. Keep track of the publication information for photocopied articles or book chapters to ensure accurate referencing.
2. Organize
Store citation details and source documents in an easily accessible format. You can write them on print copies, use filing cards, or maintain a digital reference list on your computer. Reference management software like EndNote can help organize and generate citations in the required style.
3. Cite
Insert citations within your essay following the correct guidelines for the citation style you are using.
4. List
Create a reference or works cited list at the end of your essay or thesis. Book titles and journal names should be italicized, and capitalization and punctuation must be consistent according to the citation style used.
In APA style, references are listed alphabetically by the author’s surname, with initials following. If a source has no author, it is listed alphabetically by the first significant word of the title.
APA Reference Guide
1. Book (One author)
Format:
Surname, First Name Initials. (Year of Publication). Title of the Book. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Example:
Bernard, J. (2000). The construction of personal identity of high school students. Manila: SSC Publishing House.
2. Book (Two or more authors)
Format:
Surname, First Name Initial & Surname, First Name Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of the Book. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Example:
Garay, G. & Dela Rosa, K. (2000). Exceptional children in the modern society. Quezon City: Gillard Press.
3. Article (Journal)
Format:
Surname, First Name Initials. (Year of Publication). “Title of the Article”. Title of the Journal, volume (no.), pages.
Example:
Beltran, J. & Mariano, R. (2003). “Perceived democracy of the Filipino Youth.” The Political Science Journal, 44 (2), 101-102.
4. Magazine
Format:
Surname, First Name Initials. (Year, month, day of Publication). “Title of the Article”. Title of the magazine, volume, pages.
Example:
Noble, H. (2009, October, 20). “Communicating at its best.” The Cosmopolitan Vogue, 4, 8-11.
5. Newspaper
Format:
Surname, First Name Initials. (Year, month, day of Publication). “Title of the Article”. Name of the Newspaper, page/s.
Example:
Tiburcio, L. (2003, April, 29). “The advancement but disadvantages of technology.” Philippine Herald Times, p. A11.
6. Online
Format:
Surname, First Name Initials. (Year, Month Date). Title of the webpage. Website Name. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL
Example:
Hollister, P. (2006). The art of letting go and moving on. Retrieved April 27, 2010, from http://www.yourpersonalcounsellor.com.ph.
Once you proceed with the activity, you cannot exit the modal unless you complete answering the necessary fields. Do you wish to continue?
References
Callaman, R. A. & Itaas, E. C. (2020). Students’ mathematics achievement in Mindanao context: A metaanalysis. JRAMathEdu (Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education), 5(2), 148-159. doi:https://doi.org/10.23917/jramathedu.v5i2.10282
Frazier, A. Y. (2020). The impact of blended learning upon mathematics attitudes and academic achievement: An action research study [Doctoral dissertation, University of South Carolina]. Scholar Commons. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/6144
Kuzat, H. (2023). Blended learning implementation among mathematics students: A comparison to traditional learning platform [Doctoral dissertation, Tennessee State University]. Tennessee State University Digital Scholarship. https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI30418133
ACTIVITY 14.1 - In-Text Citation
A. Paraphrasing – Instructions: Rewrite the sentences below and include the correct in-text citation.
Sentence
Your Answer
1. Technology has significantly impacted classroom dynamics. (Source: Sanchez)
2. According to a 2020 study, effective leadership skills influence workplace productivity. (Source: Miller and White)
3. Global health issues are escalating at an unprecedented rate, according to a 2021 report. (Source: WHO)
4. A 2022 report highlights the importance of global initiatives for children’s education. (Source: UNICEF)
B. Quoting Directly – Direction: Insert the correct in-text citation for the following sentences that directly quote the authors.
Quoted Sentence
Your Answer
1. “The use of interactive tools in classrooms enhances student engagement.” (Source: Sanchez, Page 45)
2. “Leadership is not just about decision-making; it is about creating a vision.” (Source: Miller and White, Page 78)
These are the recorded responses you've already submitted for this activity. You're welcome to retake it if you'd like — just keep in mind that resubmitting will overwrite the answers currently saved in our system.
✓
You've answered all the items. Ready to submit?
Your responses has been saved, do you wish to proceed to the next activity?
ACTIVITY 14.2 - APA Format Referencing
Instructions: Write the reference list entries using APA format. Ensure correct punctuation, italics, capitalization, and order.
Source Details
Your Answer (APA Reference Entry)
1. Book Author: Laura S. Parker Title: Global Health Issues Year: 2020 Publisher: McGraw-Hill
2. Journal Article Author: M. T. Lopez Title: Mental Health and Adolescents Journal: Youth Psychology Volume: 45 Issue: 3 Pages: 205-217 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.5678/psy.2020.003
3. Website Organization: World Health Organization (WHO) Title: COVID-19 Updates Published: 2022 URL: https://www.who.int/covid19updates
4. Book Author: James R. Lawson Title: Modern Approaches to Education Year: 2021 Publisher: Wiley
5. Journal Article Author: S. R. Nguyen Title: Technological Advancements in Healthcare Journal: Medical Innovations Quarterly Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Pages: 30-42 Year: 2020 DOI: 10.1016/mhq.2020.04.006
These are the recorded responses you've already submitted for this activity. You're welcome to retake it if you'd like — just keep in mind that resubmitting will overwrite the answers currently saved in our system.
✓
You've answered all the items. Ready to submit?
Your responses has been saved, do you wish to proceed?