Guidance on Citing Papers with Multiple Authors

When incorporating a source with multiple authors in your academic or research writing, it's important to follow the citation style guidelines specified by your instructor, academic institution, or publication. The most commonly used citation styles include APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and Chicago/Turabian. Understanding how to properly cite such works can be crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of your work.

AAPA Style

In APA style, the reference list should list up to 20 authors. For an article with more than 20 authors, it is advisable to list the first 19 authors followed by an ellipsis (...), and then the last author's name. This approach ensures readability while acknowledging all contributors.

Example:

Smith, A. B., Johnson, C. D., Williams, E. F., Brown, G. H., ..., Taylor, Z. R. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL

MLA Style

In MLA style, the works cited entry should include all authors' names, even if there are many. For instances where there are more than three authors, you may choose to list only the first author's name followed by "et al."

Example:

Smith, John, et al. "Title of the article." Journal Name, vol. X, no. X, Year, pp. XX-XX.

Chicago/Turabian Style

In Chicago/Turabian style, up to ten authors can be listed in a footnote or endnote citation. For subsequent citations, use "et al."

Example:

John Smith, Jane Doe, and others. "Title of the article." Journal Name, XX, no. XX, Year: XX.

Customizing Citations for Different Styles

While the general rules above provide a solid foundation, it's essential to consult the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the style guide. Always verify the correct formatting and punctuation to ensure accuracy and adhere to academic standards.

APA 7th Edition

In-Text Citations

For up to five authors, use all author names in the first citation. For subsequent citations, use the first author's name followed by "et al." For six or more authors, use the first author's name followed by et al.

Example:

In-text: Johnson, Smith, Brown, Jones, 2023 or Johnson et al. 2023

Reference List

List all author names in full, with last names first, separated by commas and an ampersand () before the last name.

Example:

Reference: Johnson, A., Smith, B., Brown, C., Jones, D. (2023). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range.

MLA 8th Edition

In-Text Citations

For up to three authors, list all authors' names in full, with last names first, each time you cite the source. For four or more authors, use the first author's name followed by "et al."

Example:

In-text: Johnson, Smith, Brown, and [last name], 2023 or Johnson et al. 2023

Works Cited List

The format for listing authors in the works cited list is the same as in-text for up to three authors. For four authors, use the first author's name followed by a comma, an ellipsis (...), and then the last author's name.

Example:

Works Cited: Johnson, Anna, Barbara Smith, Charles Brown, and others.

Conclusion

Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your style guide for the most accurate citations. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your work is properly cited and adheres to academic standards. Good luck with your academic endeavors!