The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a treasure trove of information for students and researchers alike, offering comprehensive guidance on various aspects of academic writing. This guide focuses specifically on citing electronic sources using the APA (American Psychological Association) style, drawing heavily from the wealth of information available on the Purdue OWL website. We'll break down the essentials, addressing common questions and providing clear examples to ensure you're citing correctly every time.
What are the Key Differences Between Citing Print and Electronic Sources in APA?
The core principle of APA citation remains consistent: provide enough information for a reader to locate the source. However, electronic sources require additional details compared to print sources. The most significant difference lies in the inclusion of a retrieval date (unless the source is stable and unchanging like a government website) and the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier). For print sources, you would cite the page numbers; for online sources, you may cite paragraph numbers or section headings if page numbers aren't available.
How Do I Cite a Website in APA Style?
Citing a website in APA requires careful attention to detail. Here's a general format, and remember to adapt it based on the specific elements available on the website:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of page. Site name. URL
Example:
Smith, J. (2023, March 15). The impact of social media on teenagers. Social Science Today. https://www.socialsciencet.com/socialmedia
Important Considerations:
- Author: If no author is listed, use the website name in the author position.
- Year: Use the most recent copyright date or publication date if available. If no date is found, use "n.d." (no date).
- Title of page: Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle (unless proper nouns are used). Italicize the title if it's a standalone work (like a report) otherwise put it in quotation marks.
- URL: Ensure the URL is accurate and functional.
How Do I Cite a Journal Article from an Online Database in APA Style?
Journal articles accessed through databases like JSTOR, EBSCOhost, or ProQuest require a slightly different approach. Here's a general format:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, Volume(Issue), pages. DOI or URL
Example:
Jones, B. (2022). The effects of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Science, 15(2), 120-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2022.15.2.120
Important Considerations:
- DOI: If available, always prioritize the DOI over the URL. The DOI is a persistent identifier that's less prone to change.
- Database Information: You generally don't need to include the database name in the citation itself.
What About Articles Retrieved from Google Scholar?
Articles accessed through Google Scholar often lack consistent formatting. The best approach is to follow the format guidelines as if it was retrieved directly from the journal's website or database using the DOI or URL if available. The information regarding the source should be prioritized over where you found the article.
Do I Need to Include a Retrieval Date?
You only need a retrieval date if the content of the online source is likely to change over time. For instance, if you are citing a news article or a blog post, providing a retrieval date is crucial. However, if you are citing material that's unlikely to be updated, such as a PDF of a government report or a stable webpage, including a retrieval date is unnecessary.
What if I Can't Find All the Information Required?
If you encounter difficulties locating specific information (such as the publication date or author), do your best to find as much as possible. Document what information you have found, and in your in-text citation, you can clarify the missing data if needed. For instance, in the text, you might write: (Smith, n.d.) to indicate that no publication date was found.
This guide offers a solid foundation for citing electronic sources using APA style. Remember to always consult the most up-to-date guidelines on the Purdue OWL website for the most accurate and comprehensive information. Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and ensures the credibility of your work.
