How to Cite American Political Science Review in APA Format

Complete guide to citing American Political Science Review in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

American Political Science Review presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling American Political Science Review's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

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Quick Reference: American Political Science Review Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx

American Political Science Review-Specific Notes:
Citing the American Political Science Review (APSR) can be distinct from general citation practices, especially when compared to the APA 7th edition guidelines. One unique aspect of citing APSR is its formatting style that leans towards the Chicago Manual of Style. This means that while APA typically uses an author-date citation style within the text, APSR citations might appear in footnotes or endnotes, a practice that can confuse students accustomed to APA’s parenthetical references. When listing multiple authors, APSR might also use an “et al.” format differently than APA, which specifies its use for works with three or more authors in in-text citations but lists up to 20 authors in the reference list.

Students often face challenges in understanding where APSR deviates from APA, particularly in how sources are presented in bibliographies. In APSR, the first author's name is inverted (last name, first name), but subsequent authors are usually first name followed by last name, unlike APA's consistent author-initials-last format. Additionally, the use of italics and quotation marks in titles can differ, with APSR sometimes requiring italics for journal titles and regular font for article titles, the reverse of APA's style.

To avoid common pitfalls, students should carefully consult the specific style guide for APSR when preparing their citations. Maintaining meticulous attention to detail regarding author arrangements, punctuation, and font style will ensure compliance with APSR's standards. It's also beneficial to check for any journal-specific guidelines provided by APSR, as these can contain critical updates or exceptions to the general rules. Engaging with citation management tools or style manuals that include APSR formatting can also aid in reducing errors.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Journal Article format with American Political Science Review specifics
- Locate citation info on American Political Science Review's website
- Handle American Political Science Review's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-30 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on American Political Science Review

Navigating the American Political Science Review (APSR) website to gather citation information is a straightforward process, thanks to its organized layout. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate key citation details such as the author, publication date, title, and URL.

1. Accessing the Website:
Begin by visiting the APSR journal page at American Political Science Review. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for a smooth browsing experience.

2. Locating the Article:
Use the search bar at the top right of the page to enter keywords, author names, or article titles. Alternatively, you can browse through the available issues by clicking on "All issues" from the journal’s main page to find the specific volume and issue number.

3. Author(s) Information:
Once you have accessed the article, the author(s) names are prominently displayed at the top of the article page, just below the article title. This makes it easy to identify who wrote the piece.

4. Publication Date:
The publication date is typically found directly below the author byline. It is usually presented in a format such as "Published online: [Month Day, Year]." This information is crucial for your citation and is clearly visible under the authors' names.

5. Article Title:
The article title appears at the very top of the article page, in a larger and often bold font, making it easy to spot. Ensure you copy the title exactly as it appears, including any punctuation or capitalization.

6. URL/Access Information:
The URL for the article is located in your browser’s address bar. This is the permanent link to the article, which you will need to include in your citation. Make sure to copy this URL directly from the address bar to ensure accuracy.

7. Additional Details:
For more citation details, scroll down to the bottom of the article page where you might find citation tools offered by the journal. These tools can help generate citations in various formats, including APA, which can be a valuable resource.

Summary:
The APSR website’s design facilitates easy retrieval of citation information. By following these steps, you can efficiently gather all necessary details for your academic work. Remember, accuracy in citation is crucial, so double-check each element before finalizing your reference list.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your American Political Science Review Citation

What You Need

Before you begin creating a citation for the American Political Science Review, gather the following information:

  1. Author(s) Name(s): You will need the first initial and last name of each author.
  2. Year of Publication: Find the year the article was published.
  3. Title of the Article: Make sure to note the full title of the article.
  4. Title of the Journal: You will need the full title of the American Political Science Review.
  5. Volume and Issue Number: Identify the volume and issue number where the article appears.
  6. Page Numbers: Take note of the range of pages for the article.
  7. DOI Link: Obtain the digital object identifier (DOI) for the article.

Now, let’s go through the steps to create your citation.

Step 1: Identify the Authors

Action: Locate the authors' names from the article.

Verification: Ensure you have the correct format, which is last name followed by initials for each author.

Time Estimate: 5 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: If there are multiple authors, make sure to write them down in the same order they appear in the article.

Step 2: Find the Year of Publication

Action: Look for the year the article was published, usually found at the top of the article or in the citation information.

Verification: Double-check that the year matches the publication details.

Time Estimate: 3 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: Sometimes the year is near the title or in the header. Look for it in the first few lines.

Step 3: Write Down the Article Title

Action: Record the title of the article as it appears.

Verification: Make sure to use proper capitalization, where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.

Time Estimate: 2 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: Copy the title directly from the article to avoid typos.

Step 4: Gather Journal Title, Volume, and Issue Number

Action: Find the title of the journal, the volume number, and the issue number.

Verification: Confirm that the journal title is complete and check that the volume and issue numbers are also correct.

Time Estimate: 5 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: This information is often found together on the title page or header of the article.

Step 5: Note the Page Numbers

Action: Identify the range of pages the article covers.

Verification: Ensure you have both the starting and ending page numbers noted.

Time Estimate: 2 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: Page numbers are usually listed at the top or bottom of the first page of the article.

Step 6: Find the DOI

Action: Search for the digital object identifier (DOI) of the article, which is often located on the first page or in the header or footer.

Verification: Make sure that the DOI is complete and accurate.

Time Estimate: 3 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: If the DOI is not visible, you can often find it online by searching for the article title along with "DOI."

Step 7: Put It All Together

Action: Use the gathered information to construct your citation following the template:

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx

Verification: Check that each piece of information is in the correct format and order. Ensure proper punctuation is used.

Time Estimate: 5 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: Write each part of the citation step by step, rather than trying to compose it all at once.

Final Check

Action: Review your entire citation for any mistakes in formatting, spelling, or punctuation.

Verification: Compare your citation with the template to ensure accuracy.

Time Estimate: 3 minutes

Tips for Efficiency: Read your citation aloud. Often, hearing the citation can help catch errors that you might overlook visually.

By following these steps, you will successfully create a citation in the correct format for the American Political Science Review. Remember to keep your notes organized and refer back to the template as needed. Happy citing!

Real Examples from American Political Science Review

This section provides authentic citation examples from American Political Science Review using recent publications from 2023-2024.

As of my last update, I do not have real-time access to external databases or websites, including the American Political Science Review, to provide exact citations for articles published in 2023-2024. However, I can guide you on how to construct APA citations based on hypothetical examples, using the typical elements you might find in such articles. Here are four diverse examples modeled on realistic scenarios:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario: This is a typical research article authored by a single scholar on the impact of social media on political engagement.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    - Smith, J. A. (2023). The influence of social media on political engagement: A new perspective. American Political Science Review, 117(2), 234-250. https://doi.org/10.1017/S000305542300001X

  2. In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
    - (Smith, 2023)

  3. In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
    - Smith (2023) explores the influence of social media on political engagement.

  4. Notes:
    - This example is noteworthy for its focus on a contemporary and highly relevant topic in political science, reflecting current trends in digital communication and politics.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario: A report published by a governmental organization analyzing voter turnout trends.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    - National Electoral Commission. (2023). Voter turnout trends in the digital age. American Political Science Review, 117(3), 300-315. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055423000021

  2. In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
    - (National Electoral Commission, 2023)

  3. In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
    - According to the National Electoral Commission (2023), voter turnout has been influenced by digital media.

  4. Notes:
    - This example highlights the use of a corporate author, which is common for reports or studies conducted by organizations or government bodies.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario: A collaborative study by three authors examining the effects of policy changes on healthcare access.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    - Johnson, M. R., Lee, T. Y., & Patel, N. K. (2023). Policy reform and healthcare access: An analysis of recent changes. American Political Science Review, 117(4), 400-420. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055423000033

  2. In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
    - (Johnson, Lee, & Patel, 2023)

  3. In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
    - Johnson, Lee, and Patel (2023) discuss the implications of recent policy reforms on healthcare access.

  4. Notes:
    - This example illustrates how to cite a work with multiple authors, emphasizing the collaboration often seen in academic research.

Example 4: Special Formatting Case

Scenario: A special issue article focusing on the theoretical frameworks in political science.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    - Martin, L. J., & Wong, R. L. (2024). Revisiting theoretical frameworks in political science: An interdisciplinary approach. American Political Science Review, 118(Suppl 1), S1-S19. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055424000045

  2. In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
    - (Martin & Wong, 2024)

  3. In-Text Citation (Narrative Format):
    - Martin and Wong (2024) provide an interdisciplinary approach to theoretical frameworks in political science.

  4. Notes:
    - This example uses a special issue designation (Suppl 1), showcasing how to format articles from special issues or supplements in academic journals.

These examples are hypothetical but crafted to demonstrate variety and authenticity in APA 7th edition formatting for different types of authorship and publication scenarios in the American Political Science Review.

Common Issues When Citing American Political Science Review

Problem 1: Identifying Authors

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to correctly identify and format the list of authors when citing articles from the American Political Science Review (APSR). This can result in misattribution or incorrect citation format.

Why It Happens:
APSR articles are frequently authored by multiple contributors. The journal's interface may list authors in a manner that is not immediately clear, such as using initials or abbreviations, leading to confusion.

Solution:
1. Access the Article: Locate the article on the APSR website or through your institutional access.
2. Identify Authors: Look for the "Authors" section near the top of the article page, where full names should be provided.
3. Format Correctly: In APA format, list authors by their last name followed by initials. For example, "Smith, J. D., & Doe, A. B."
4. Multiple Authors: Use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name when listing multiple authors.

Before/After Example:

Problem 2: Date Formats

Issue Description:
Students often misinterpret the publication date format, which can lead to incorrect citation details.

Why It Happens:
The APSR may display the publication date in various formats, such as "Month Day, Year" or "Year-Month-Day," depending on the platform used to access the journal.

Solution:
1. Locate Date: Find the official publication date on the article page.
2. APA Format: Use the "Year" format for in-text citations and the "Year, Month Day" format for references, if applicable.
3. Check Consistency: Ensure consistency across all citations to avoid discrepancies.

Example:

Problem 3: Handling URLs

Issue Description:
Students may include incorrect or incomplete URLs when citing online articles from APSR.

Why It Happens:
URLs can be lengthy or complex, and students may not realize that the full URL should be included if the article is retrieved online.

Solution:
1. Copy the URL: Use the URL provided on the article's landing page or in the browser's address bar.
2. Include DOI if Available: Prefer a DOI over a URL as it's more stable. Format it as "https://doi.org/xxxx"
3. APA Format: Place the URL or DOI at the end of the citation. If using a URL, ensure it links directly to the article.

Example:

Problem 4: Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students sometimes cite articles without realizing they accessed them through institutional subscriptions, leading to issues for readers who may not have the same access.

Why It Happens:
APSR articles are often behind paywalls or require institutional access, which may not be immediately obvious to students who are logged in through university networks.

Solution:
1. Check Access: Verify if the article is openly accessible or requires a subscription.
2. Indicate Access: If necessary, note that the article was retrieved through an academic database or library resource.
3. Provide Alternatives: If possible, find an open-access version or summarize key points if sharing with peers.

Example:

By addressing these common citation issues, students can enhance their academic writing and ensure their work meets the standards of the APA 7th edition while accurately reflecting the details of the American Political Science Review.

Note: For general Journal Article citation errors, see How to Cite Journal Article.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Political Science Review

Q: How can I find the citation information for an article from the American Political Science Review on their website?

A: To locate citation information, navigate to the article's page on the American Political Science Review website. The citation details, including authors, title, volume, issue, and publication date, are typically listed at the top or in the article's abstract section. Additionally, many articles provide a citation tool or export option for direct APA formatting.

Q: How should I format the author names when citing an article from the American Political Science Review in APA style, especially if there are multiple authors?

A: In APA 7th edition, list up to 20 authors for a single work. For the American Political Science Review, write each author's last name followed by their initials. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name in the list. If there are more than 20 authors, list the first 19 followed by an ellipsis (...) and then the final author's name.

Q: How do I correctly format the publication date for articles from the American Political Science Review in APA citations?

A: The publication date in APA citations should be formatted as the year in parentheses. For example, if the article was published in 2023, your citation should include (2023). If the month or day is specified and relevant, include it after the year: (2023, March).

Q: What are the requirements for including a URL or DOI when citing an article from the American Political Science Review?

A: In APA 7th edition, always include a DOI if available. If the DOI is not available, provide the URL of the article. Ensure the URL is direct and accessible to readers. APA prefers the use of a DOI in the format: https://doi.org/xxxx, which helps ensure persistent access.

Q: How does citing an article from the American Political Science Review differ from citing other journal articles in APA style?

A: Citing an article from the American Political Science Review follows the same general APA guidelines as other journal articles, but it is crucial to pay attention to the specific details such as DOI, issue numbers, and author format due to the journal's unique publication practices. Always verify these details directly from the journal to ensure accuracy.

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