Using APA Or MLA As Source Documentation Systems1
Using APA or MLA as Source Documentation Systems1
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition (Ref BF 76.7.P8 2001)
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Term Papers.6th Edition. New York: Modern Language Association, 2003. (Ref LB2369.G35 2003)
What to Cite:
Incorporating the ideas and work of others can be a very effective tool for building a compelling argument or essay. The following are examples of source materials the might be considered to support or strengthen argumentsand also require citation:
- Summaries of someone else's original ideas
- Paraphrases of someone else's original ideas
- Direct quotations
- Statistics
- Charts, graphs, diagrams
Please see the following URL for a good discussion of the distinctions between quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing:
Note: this web site also offers some nice guidance on the following topics:
- General writing concerns:
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling:
- Professional writing:
"Signaling" Source Material Effectively
When summarizing, paraphrasing or directly quoting someone else’s original ideas to strengthen or complement your own ideas and/or arguments,it is very helpful to provide clear signal phrases in orderto prepare your reader properly for the source material. Effective signal phrases will usually including the author's name. It is also important to note that if your signal or "lead-in" phrase includes a verb that makes your source's stance clear. The following is an (APA) example:
Although what constitutes entrepreneurship in the corporate setting continues to be widely debated, we agree with Sharma and Chrisman’s (1999) suggestion that CE can be generally defined as “the process whereby an individual or a group of individuals, in association with an existing organization, create a new organization, or instigate renewal or innovation within that organization” (18).
Formatting In Text Citations Effectively
APA and MLA citations are made in the text of the paper, with the combination of a signal phrase and a parenthetical reference. Punctuation around sources will differ depending on a) whether APA or MLA style is chosen, and b) where the quotation or paraphrased material falls within a sentence or the text.
When summarizing or paraphrasing in APA style, include the author's last name and the dateeither in a signal phrase as near as possible to the material being documented, and where a pause would naturally occur or in parentheses at the end. A page number is not required with a summary or paraphrase--but you are encouraged to include one, since this would help an interested reader locate the relevant passage in a long or complex text. When directly quoting in midsentence, end the passage with quotation marks, cite the source in parentheses immediately after the quotation marks, and continue the sentence. Use no other punctuation unless the meaning of the sentence requires such punctuation.
When summarizing or paraphrasing in MLA style, include the author's last name and the page numbereither in a signal phrase as near as possible to the material being documented, and where a pause would naturally occur or in parentheses at the end. When directly quoting in midsentence, end the passage with quotation marks, cite the source in parentheses immediately after the quotation marks, and continue the sentence. Use no other punctuation unless the meaning of the sentence requires such punctuation.
The following examples are provided to help illustrate the points above.
Leading a sentence with a summary, paraphrase or direct quotation of an author’s original idea:
APA:
Zahra (1991) observes that entrepreneurial activity may be either or both formal and informal in nature, and can take place at various levels of organizations.
Sharma and Chrisman (1999) suggest, “[CE can be generally defined as] the process whereby an individual or a group of individuals, in association with an existing organization, create a new organization, or instigate renewal or innovation within that organization” (p. 18).
MLA:
Zahra observes that entrepreneurial activity may be either or both formal and informal in nature, and can take place at various levels of organizations (119-120).
Sharma and Chrisman suggest, “[CE can be generally defined as] the process whereby an individual or a group of individuals, in association with an existing organization, create a new organization, or instigate renewal or innovation within that organization” (18).
Summarizing, paraphrasing or directly quoting an author’s original idea midsentence:
APA:
Generally speaking, corporate entrepreneurial activity may be either or both formal and informal in nature (e.g., Zahra, 1991), which sometimes makes it more difficult to identify whether or not an organization has developed an effective culture for nurturing entrepreneurial activity.
Researchers observethat “the role of top-level managers revolves around the making of effective strategic decisions” (Kuratko, Ireland, Covin, and Hornsby, 2005, p. 701), but the role of middle managers in the implementation of such decisions should not be understated when it comes to organizational performance.
MLA:
Generally speaking, corporate entrepreneurial activity may be either or both formal and informal in nature (e.g., Zahra 119-120), which sometimes makes it more difficult to identify whether or not an organization has developed an effective culture for nurturing entrepreneurial activity.
Researchers observe that “the role of top-level managers revolves around the making of effective strategic decisions” (Kuratko,Ireland, Covin, and Hornsby 701), but the role of middle managers in the implementation of such decisions should not be understated when it comes to organizational performance.
Ending a sentence with summary, paraphrase or direct quote of an author’s original idea:
APA:
Researchers argue that interest in the concept of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) has grown over the past decade, at least in part, because increasing globalization and technological diffusion pressures are creating a need for all organizations to become flexible and learning oriented (Bettis and Hitt, 1995).
Although corporations undoubtedly vary widely with respect to their entrepreneurial capability, Covin and Miles (1999) observe that a key “commonality [or element necessary to describing such capability] is the presence of innovation” (p. 49).
MLA:
Researchers argue that interest in the concept of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) has grown over the past decade, at least in part, because increasing globalization and technological diffusion pressures are creating a need for all organizations to become flexible and learning oriented (Bettis and Hitt 203).
Although corporations undoubtedly vary widely with respect to their entrepreneurial capability, Covin and Miles observe that a key “commonality [or element necessary to describing such capability] is the presence of innovation” (49).
References Page --APA Format
Type and bold the word "References" at the top of the page. Double space references and arrange entries alphabetically by the first authors' last names. Use hanging indents – that is, the author’s name is flush left at the margin and the rest of the citation is indented ½”. The following are examples of specific reference page citation formats based on the type of reference.
Article in a Scholarly Journal with Continuous Annual Pagination
Coase, R. H. (1937). The nature of the firm. Economica, 4, 386-405.
Article in A Scholarly Journal Paginated by Issue
Baron, R. A. (1998). Cognitive mechanisms in entrepreneurship: Why and when entrepreneurs think differently than other persons. Journal of Business Venturing, 13(4), 275-294.
Book by a Single Author
Barney, J. B. (1997). Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Book by More Than One Author
Cohen, J. & Cohen, P. (1983). Applied multiple regression-correlation analysis for the behavioral sciences. Hillsdale, NJ: L. Erlbaum Associates.
Note: If a book has more than six authors, list the first six in the reference page followed by et al..
Wolchik, S.A., West, S.G., Sandler, I.N., Tein, J., Coatsworth, D., Lengua, L., et al. (2000). An experimental evaluation of programs for children. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
In text, use the following parenthetical citation each time the work is cited: (Wolchik et al., 2000).
Book, No Author or Editor
Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.) (1993). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
Edited Collection
Gartner, W.B., Shaver, K.G., Carter, N.M. Reynolds, P.D. (Eds.) (2004). Handbook of entrepreneurial dynamics: The process of business creation. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Work in an Anthology or Collection
Casson, M. (2003). Entrepreneurship, business culture and the theory of the firm. In Z. J. Acs and D. B. Audretsch (Eds.), Handbook of entrepreneurship research: An interdisciplinary survey and introduction(pp. 223-246). Boston, NJ: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Magazine Article
(Give the date shown on the publication--month for monthlies or month and day for weeklies. Give the volume number.)
Elms, J. (2006, December). Gone phishing: Use eBay’s security measures to avoid falling prey to online scams. Entrepreneur, 132-133.
Engardio, P. & Ihlwan, M. (2000, November 27). Beyond the lab: Researchers hang up their white coats to start businesses. Business Week, 3709, 136.
Personal Communications
In APA style, personal communications (letters, memos, e-mails, personal interviews, telephone conversations, and the like), are not included in References. The APA recommends instead citing the personal communication in the text of the paper with a parenthetical notation as in the example below.
T.K. Lutes noted several key issues while discussing financing strategy (personal communication, April 18, 2001).
A recent discussion of financing strategy revealed several key issues (V.-G. Nguyen, personal communication, September 28, 1998).
Electronic Sources
Electronic sources include aggregated databases, online journals, Web sites or Web pages, newsgroups, Web- or e-mail based discussion groups, and Web- or e-mail-based newsletters.
If information is obtained from a document on the Internet, provide the Internet address for the document at the end of the retrieval statement.
Example:
Electronic reference formats recommended by the American Psychological Association. (2000, October 12). Retrieved October 23, 2000, from
If information is retrieved from an aggregated database, providing the name of the database is sufficient; no address is needed.
Example:
Eid, M., & Langeheine, R. (1999). The measurement of consistency and occasion specificity with latent class models: A new model and its application to the measurement of affect. Psychological Methods, 4, 100-116. Retrieved November 19, 2000, from the PsycARTICLES database.
Use "available from" to indicate that the URL leads to information on how to obtain the cited material, rather than to the material itself.
Example:
Department of Health and Human Services, NationalCenter for Health Statistics. (1991). National Health Provider Inventory: Home health agencies and hospices, 1991 [Data file]. Available from National Technical Information Service Web site,
Finish retrieval elements with a period, unless they end with an Internet address.
Internet Articles Based on a Print Source
If the on-line article is an exact duplicate of the print version, use the form in the following example:
VandenBos, G., Knapp, S., & Doe, J. (2001). Role of reference elements in the selection of resources by psychology undergraduates [Electronic version]. Journal of Bibliographic Research, 5,117-123.
If you are referencing an online article that you have reason to believe has been changed (e.g. the format differs from the print version or page numbers are not indicated) or includes additional data or commentary, use the form in the following example:
VandenBos, G., Knapp, S., & Doe, J. (2001). Role of reference elements in the selection of resources by psychology undergraduates. Journal of Bibliographic Research, 5, 117-123. Retrieved October 13, 2001, from
Article in an Internet-Only Journal
Fredrickson, B. L. (2000, March 7). Cultivating positive emotions to optimize health and well-being. Prevention & Treatment, 3, Article 0001a. Retrieved November 20, 2000, from
Multipage Document Created by Private Organization, No Date
When an Internet document comprises multiple pages (i.e. different sections have different URLs), provide a URL that links to the home (or entry) page for the document.)
Example:
Greater New Milford (CT) Area Healthy Community 2000, Task Force on Teen and Adolescent Issues. (n.d.). Who has time for a family meal? You do! Retrieved October 5, 2000, from
Works Cited -- MLA Format
Type and bold the words "Works Cited" or the word “Bibliography” at the top of the page. Double space references and arrange entries alphabetically by the first authors' last names. Use hanging indents – that is, the author’s name is flush left at the margin and the rest of the citation is indented ½”. The following are examples of specific works cited page citation formats based on the type of reference.
Article in a Scholarly Journal with Continuous Annual Pagination
Coase, Ronald.“The nature of the firm.”Economica, 4(1937): 386-405.
Article in a Scholarly Journal Paginated by Issue
Baron, Robert A.“Cognitive mechanisms in entrepreneurship: Why and when entrepreneurs think differently than other persons.”Journal of Business Venturing 13.4(1998):275-294.
Book by a Single Author
Barney, Jay B.Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Reading: Addison-Wesley, 1997.
Book by More Than One Author
Cohen, JacobandPatricia Cohen. Applied multiple regression-correlation analysis for the behavioral sciences. Hillsdale: L. Erlbaum Associates, 1983.
Note: If a book has more than three authors, list the first author in the works cited page followed by et al.
Wolchik, Susan, et al.An experimental evaluation of programs for children. Newbury Park: Sage, 2000.
In text, use the following parenthetical citation each time the work is cited: (Wolchik et al. 124-126).
Book, No Author or Editor
Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary.10thed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 1993.
Edited Collection
Handbook of entrepreneurial dynamics: The process of business creation. Eds. William Gartner, Kelly Shaver, Nancy Carter, and Paul Reynolds. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2004.
Work in an Anthology or Collection
Casson, Mark. “Entrepreneurship, business culture and the thery of the firm.”Handbook of entrepreneurship research: An interdisciplinary survey and introduction.Eds. Zoltan Acs and David Audretsch. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003. 223-246.
Magazine Article
Elms, Janelle.“Gone phishing: Use eBay’s security measures to avoid falling prey to online scams.”EntrepreneurDec. 2006:132-133.
Engardio, Peteand Moon Ihlwan.“Beyond the lab: Researchers hang up their white coats to start businesses.”Business Week 27 Nov. 2000: 136.
Personal Communications
Lutes, Tom.Personal communication. 18 Apr. 2001.
Evans, Bill. “Re: Interview.” E-mail to author.28 Sept. 1998.
Electronic Sources
Electronic sources include aggregated databases, online journals, Web sites or Web pages, newsgroups, Web- or e-mail based discussion groups, and Web- or e-mail-based newsletters. If information is obtained from a document on the Internet, provide the Internet address for the document at the end of the retrieval statement.
Article in a full-text journal accessed from a database to which the library subscribes:
For works from a subscription service at Belmont’s library or another, the name of the service and the name and city of the library should be included in the citation. If only the starting page number is provided, then this number followed by a hyphen, space, and a period. The following example illustrates:
Eid, Michael and Rolf Langeheine. “The measurement of consistency and occasion specificity with latent class models: A new model and its application to the measurement of affect.”Psychological Methods4, 1999:100-116. ProQuest Direct. Belmont University Library, Nashville, TN. 19 Nov. 2000 <
Articles accessed directly from on an online magazine:
Engardio, Peteand Moon Ihlwan.“Beyond the lab: Researchers hang up their white coats.”Business Week 27 Nov. 2000. 12 June 2005 <
Some additional web sites providing resources, discussion and/or guidance on effective citation use:
- American Psychological Association (APA) website:
- Long Island University:
- Cornell University MLA guide
- Avoiding Plagiarism and Self-Test:
- Paraphrase it in Your Own Words:
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