Ever read a research paper and wondered where the author got that compelling statistic or that perfectly worded phrase? Properly citing sources is the bedrock of academic integrity, and in many fields, including psychology, education, and the social sciences, the American Psychological Association (APA) style is the gold standard. Mastering APA quoting conventions isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism; it’s about giving credit where credit is due, building upon the existing body of knowledge, and adding credibility to your own work. When you accurately and effectively integrate quotes, you demonstrate a thorough understanding of your topic and a respect for the contributions of other scholars.
The correct use of quotations in APA style can seem daunting at first. From short in-text citations to long block quotes and everything in between, there are nuances to learn. Ignoring these rules can lead to confusion, diminish the impact of your arguments, and, worst of all, undermine your reputation as a researcher. A well-quoted paper not only avoids plagiarism but also strengthens the overall coherence and persuasiveness of your arguments. Think of citations not as a chore but as a valuable tool for enriching your scholarship and showcasing your command of the subject matter.
What are the most frequently asked questions about quoting in APA style?
How do I format short quotations in APA?
For quotations shorter than 40 words, integrate the quotation directly into your text and enclose it within double quotation marks. Be sure to include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (or other specific location information) within the citation, either before or after the quotation.
When incorporating a short quotation, strive for seamless integration into your sentence. The citation should not disrupt the flow of your writing. For example, you can introduce the quote with a signal phrase that includes the author’s name, such as “Smith (2020) argued that ’the results clearly demonstrate…’ (p. 25).” Alternatively, you can place the citation at the end of the sentence containing the quotation: “The study found that ‘participants responded positively to the intervention’ (Smith, 2020, p. 25).” Note that the placement of the period depends on whether the citation is parenthetical or integrated into the sentence. Remember that accurate page numbers are crucial for direct quotations. If the source doesn’t have page numbers (e.g., a webpage or streaming video), use paragraph numbers, section headings, or timestamps to help the reader locate the quoted material. For instance, you might write “(Smith, 2020, para. 3)” or “(Smith, 2020, ‘Introduction’ section).” The key is to provide specific and easily identifiable location information to maintain academic integrity.
What’s the difference between block quotes and regular quotes in APA style?
The primary difference between block quotes and regular quotes in APA style lies in their length and formatting. Regular quotes, used for quotations shorter than 40 words, are incorporated directly into the text within quotation marks. Block quotes, used for quotations 40 words or longer, are presented as a separate paragraph, indented from the left margin, and without quotation marks.
Regular quotes maintain the flow of your writing. Because they are shorter, they are punctuated with double quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quoted material and are seamlessly integrated into your own sentences. The in-text citation, including the author, year, and page number (or paragraph number if no page number is available), follows directly after the quotation. Block quotes, conversely, signify a substantial excerpt from another source that warrants being visually separated from your own prose. This signals to the reader that a significant portion of the following text originates from another author’s work.
Beyond length and quotation marks, the formatting differences are crucial. Block quotes are indented half an inch (0.5 inches or 1.27 cm) from the left margin of the rest of your text. If the block quote consists of multiple paragraphs, the first line of each subsequent paragraph within the block quote should be indented an additional half inch. The in-text citation for a block quote appears after the final punctuation mark of the quote, also indented half an inch from the left margin. No extra line space is added before or after the block quotation; simply continue with your regular text after the citation.
How do I cite a source within a quotation using APA?
When you’re quoting material that already includes a quotation, you need to acknowledge both the original source and the source where you found the quote. APA Style handles this by using “as cited in” within your in-text citation. This indicates that you haven’t read the original source, but are relying on another author’s use of that source.
Let’s say you’re reading a book by Dr. Smith (2023), and he quotes Dr. Jones (1995). Dr. Jones’s original quote is what you want to use in your paper. Your in-text citation would then look something like this: “The core concept is fundamentally flawed” (Jones, 1995, as cited in Smith, 2023, p. 45). This tells the reader that Jones is the originator of the quote, but you found it within Smith’s work. In your reference list, you only provide the details for the source you actually consulted – in this case, Dr. Smith’s 2023 book. You do *not* include an entry for Dr. Jones’s 1995 publication, as you did not read it directly. Your reference list entry would therefore only be for Smith, ensuring accuracy and transparency about the sources you’ve used.
What are the rules for altering a quote (adding/omitting words) in APA?
When quoting material in APA Style, you may sometimes need to alter the original wording by adding or omitting words for clarity or conciseness. These alterations must be clearly indicated to maintain academic integrity. You use square brackets to add words and ellipses to indicate omissions.
To add words to a quote, enclose the added words within square brackets, [ ]. This is typically done to provide context or clarify a pronoun. For instance, if the original quote says “He argued for change,” and it’s unclear who “he” is, you could write: “[Professor Smith] argued for change.” The added information should integrate smoothly into the sentence and maintain the original meaning. Avoid adding your own interpretation or commentary within the brackets; they are solely for clarification.
To omit words from a quote, use an ellipsis (three periods with spaces between them: . . . ). The ellipsis indicates that you have removed material from the original quote. If the omission occurs within a sentence, use the three periods. For example, “The results indicated a strong correlation . . . between the two variables.” If the omission includes the end of a sentence, use four periods; the first period indicates the end of the sentence, followed by the ellipsis. For example, “Further research is needed to confirm these findings. . . . " Make sure that the omission does not distort the original meaning of the quote. The remaining words should still form a grammatically correct and coherent sentence.
And there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has cleared up any confusion you had about quoting in APA style. Thanks for taking the time to read through it. We’re always adding new content and resources, so please feel free to come back and visit us again soon for more helpful writing tips and tricks. Happy writing!