How to Properly Cite Online Sources in APA Style
Properly citing online sources in APA style is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to original authors. This citation method helps readers trace the origin of information and avoid plagiarism. The American Psychological Association (APA) has established clear guidelines for citing various types of online content, including websites, blogs, and social media. Understanding these rules ensures that your work is credible and professionally presented.
Basic Structure of APA Citations
APA citations for online sources generally include the author’s name, publication date, title of the web page or article, website name, and URL. Here’s a basic format:
- Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of web page. Website Name. URL
For instance:
Smith, J. (2020, August 5). How to properly cite online sources in APA style. Example.com. http://www.example.com
If no author is listed, begin with the title of the web page.
Citing Web Pages Without Authors
When no author is provided, start the citation with the title of the web page or article followed by the date and source information:
- Title of web page. (Year, Month Date). Website Name. URL
For example:
How to properly cite online sources in APA style. (2020, August 5). Example.com. http://www.example.com
This ensures the reader can locate the source even without an author.
Citing Blog Posts and Articles
Blog posts and articles follow a similar format but may include additional details such as specific blog post titles or sections:
- Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of blog post [Blog post]. Blog Name. URL
An example might be:
Doe, J. (2021, May 14). APA citation guide [Blog post]. BlogExample.com. http://www.blogexample.com/apa-citation-guide
Citing Social Media Posts
Social media citations require specific details such as the username and type of post:
- Author [Username]. (Year, Month Date). Content of the post [Type of post]. Social Media Platform. URL
For example:
@APA_Style. (2020, October 1). How to cite social media posts in APA style [Tweet]. Twitter. http://twitter.com/APA_Style/status/1311234567890
Formatting Table for Quick Reference
| Type of Source | Format Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Web Page with Author | Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of web page. Website Name. URL | N/A |
| Web Page without Author | Title of web page. (Year, Month Date). Website Name. URL | Start with title if no author. |
| Blog Post | Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of blog post [Blog post]. Blog Name. URL | N/A |
| Social Media Post | @Username. (Year, Month Date). Content of the post [Type of post]. Social Media Platform. URL | N/A |
Citing Online Journals and Articles with DOI Numbers
The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) provides a permanent link to online journal articles:
- Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume number(issue number), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyyy
For example:
Smith, J., & Doe, R. (2020). Online citation practices: An overview. The Journal of Citation, 45(6), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/jocit.2020
Summing up Key Points
Understanding how to properly cite online sources using APA style enhances credibility and academic integrity. Different types of online content require specific citation formats. Tables and lists can aid quick reference. Mastering APA citations for online sources not only strengthens your writing but also contributes to a more robust academic environment.
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