The Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) is a treasure trove of information for academic writers, and its section on APA style is particularly helpful. Navigating the complexities of citing electronic sources in APA can be challenging, but this guide, inspired by the Purdue OWL's expertise, will break it down for you. We'll cover the essentials, address common questions, and provide practical examples to ensure you're citing correctly and confidently.
What Makes Electronic Source Citations Different in APA?
The core principles of APA citation remain consistent whether you're citing a book, journal article, or an online source. However, electronic sources require additional information to pinpoint the exact location of the source online. This typically includes a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), or, if neither is available, a retrieval date. The reason for this is to allow readers to easily locate and verify your sources.
How to Cite Different Types of Electronic Sources in APA
Let's explore common types of electronic sources and how to cite them according to APA guidelines informed by the principles found on the Purdue OWL.
1. Journal Articles (Electronic Database):
This is the most common type of electronic source for academic research. The key is to include the database name and DOI (if available). If a DOI isn't available, you should include the URL.
Example:
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy
Example with no DOI:
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume(issue), pages. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from Database Name.
2. Websites:
Citing a website requires careful attention to detail, especially when the author is not clearly identified.
Example (with author):
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of page. Site Name. URL
Example (without author):
Title of page. (Year, Month Day). Site Name. URL
3. Online Videos:
Videos hosted on platforms like YouTube require specific information, including the uploader's name and the platform.
Example:
Uploader Name. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. Platform Name. URL
4. Online Books or E-books:
Similar to print books, but with the addition of a URL or DOI.
Example (with DOI):
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher Name. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy
Example (with URL and no DOI):
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher Name. URL
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
Here are some common questions about citing electronic sources in APA style, drawing inspiration from frequent user queries and Purdue OWL resources.
What if there's no author listed on a website?
If the author is unavailable, begin the citation with the title of the page or website.
How do I cite a blog post?
Treat a blog post as a website entry, including the author (if available), the date of publication, the title of the post, the blog's name, and the URL.
What is a DOI, and why is it important?
A DOI is a unique persistent identifier assigned to digital objects. It ensures that the source can be consistently located, even if the URL changes. Always prioritize using the DOI over the URL if available.
What if I can't find a DOI or URL?
If neither a DOI nor URL is available, you'll need to include a retrieval date to indicate when you accessed the information. This helps account for potential changes to the online content.
How important is accuracy in APA citations?
Accuracy is paramount. Incorrect citations can lead to accusations of plagiarism and damage your credibility. Always double-check your citations meticulously.
Conclusion: Master APA Electronic Citations with Confidence
Citing electronic sources in APA style may seem daunting initially, but with practice and a clear understanding of the principles outlined (and extensively elaborated on by the Purdue OWL), you can achieve accuracy and consistency. Remember to prioritize the use of DOIs, pay close attention to detail, and always consult the official APA style guide for the most up-to-date information. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and confidently cite electronic sources in your academic work.
