Getting Started
What is APA?
APA style consists of rules about how to document the sources used in your project or mentioned in your writing.
APA is most commonly used to cite sources used in writing in psychology and most sciences (natural and social sciences.) Below are several examples of references-page citations and in-text citations. If still unclear, please contact your campus librarian or use the Ask A Librarian tab to ask a question by chat.
Why do we need to learn citations?
A key concept in academic work, especially the sciences, is extensive documentation. Not only does it show integrity (avoiding plagiarism) but it is important in healthcare practices that other people be able to review your work, review the resources that you used to make the decisions you made, and check where you got the information. This is not just a question of honesty, its about passing on accurate information, and in the health sciences, accuracy is safety.
How to Cite in APA
(Frequently used examples)
1) Articles from journals found in the databases:
Article without DOI:
Article with DOI:
Examples:
References*:
Jackson-Collins, C., Boyd, L. D., & Jenkins, S. J. (2022). Clinical dental hygienists’ experience returning to work after closure of dental offices due to COVID-19: A qualitative study. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 96(6), 6–14.
Hakeberg M, & Cunha L. (2008). Dental anxiety and pain related to dental hygienist treatment. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 66(6), 374–379. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016350802415175
In-Text Parenthetical Citation (in your paper):
3 or more authors:
(Jackson-Collins et al., 2022)
1 or 2 authors:
(Hakeberg & Cunha, 2008)
2) Books
With an author:
With an editor:
Examples:
References:*
Beemsterboer, P. (2010). Ethics and law in dental hygiene (2nd ed.). Saunders/Elsevier.
Thomson, E. M. (Ed.). (2013). Case studies in dental hygiene (3rd ed.). Pearson.
In-text:
(Beemsterboer, 2010)
(Thomson, 2013)
3) Chapter in an Edited Book (different editor and chapter's author)
Example:
References:*
Frencken, J. E. (2016). Dental caries and caries epidemiology. In E. Eden (Ed.), Evidence-based caries prevention (pp. 1-11). Springer.
In-text:
(Frencken, 2016)
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*NOTE: In this page we are not showing the proper formatting, but in a Word document page, your paper and References page have to follow a specific format, and the citations should be listed with "hanging indentations". Check this page regarding formatting of the paper.
How to cite in APA style
Find more rules and examples in this SCF Librarians APA Guide
https://libguides.scf.edu/APA_citing
Use the TABS on the top of the guide for how to cite specific documents
The following are additional guides (not SCF Libraries) available on the web:
- APA StyleOn this site, you will find tutorials, FAQs, and other resources to help you improve your writing, master APA Style, and learn the conventions of scholarly publishing.
- Purdue OWLA comprehensive, widely used resource, covering references page, in-text citations, examples of paper formatting, tutorials and many more resources.
APA Manual
The official APA Manual is a book that can be checked out from the SCF Libraries:
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the official source for APA Style. With millions of copies sold worldwide in multiple languages, it is the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields. Known for its authoritative, easy-to-use reference and citation system, the Publication Manual also offers guidance on choosing the headings, tables, figures, language, and tone that will result in powerful, concise, and elegant scholarly communication. It guides users through the scholarly writing process-from the ethics of authorship to reporting research through publication. The seventh edition is an indispensable resource for students and professionals to achieve excellence in writing and make an impact with their work. The seventh edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect best practices in scholarly writing and publishing. All formats are in full color, with a new tabbed spiral version Improved ease of navigation, with many additional numbered sections to help users quickly locate answers to their questions Resources for students on writing and formatting annotated bibliographies, response papers, and other paper types as well as guidelines on citing course materials Dedicated chapter for new users of APA Style covering paper elements and format, including sample papers for both professional authors and student writers New chapter on journal article reporting standards that includes updates to reporting standards for quantitative research and the first-ever qualitative and mixed methods reporting standards in APA Style New chapter on bias-free language guidelines for writing about people with respect and inclusivity in areas including age, disability, gender, participation in research, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality More than 100 new reference examples covering periodicals, books, audiovisual media, social media, webpages and websites, and legal resources More than 40 new sample tables and figures Expanded guidance on ethical writing and publishing practices, including how to ensure the appropriate level of citation, avoid plagiarism and self-plagiarism, and navigate the publication process Guidelines that support accessibility for all users, including simplified reference, in-text citation, and heading formats as well as additional font options
Call Number: BF76.7 .P83 2020ISBN: 9781433832161Publication Date: 2019-10-01
The official guide to APA 7th Edition. Easy to use and very comprehensive, covering everything from when to indent or bold headings to citing an image without a listed creator or title.
Literature Review and Writing Resources
- Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: a Practical Guide byISBN: 1283338033Publication Date: 2010-01-01This bestselling book is a step-by-step guide to doing a literature review in health and social care. It is vital reading for all those undertaking their undergraduate or postgraduate dissertation or any research module which involves a literature review.
They Say / I Say by Call Number: PE1431 .G73 2018ISBN: 9780393631678Publication Date: 2018-06-11This book identifies the key rhetorical moves in academic writing. It shows students how to frame their arguments as a response to what others have said and provides templates to help them start making the moves. The fourth edition features many NEW examples from academic writing, a NEW chapter on Entering Online Discussions, and a thoroughly updated chapter on Writing in the Social Sciences. Finally, two NEW readings provide current examples of the rhetorical moves in action.
