How to Cite JAMA in APA Format

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

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

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Quick Reference: JAMA Citations

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

JAMA-Specific Notes:
Citing articles from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) requires attention to specific formatting guidelines that differ from standard APA citation rules. One unique aspect of JAMA citations is the order and presentation of author names. In JAMA, you list the first six authors followed by “et al.” if there are more than six, whereas APA 7th edition typically allows listing up to 20 authors before using “et al.” This distinction is crucial for maintaining consistency with JAMA's style.

Another notable difference is the format of the article title and journal name. In JAMA, the article title is in sentence case, meaning only the first word and any proper nouns are capitalized. The journal name, however, is in title case and italicized. This contrasts with APA’s guideline where journal names are also italicized, but the articles' titles follow the sentence case without italics. It's important for students to remember these nuances to prevent errors in their bibliography.

Students often confuse the placement and formatting of volume, issue numbers, and page ranges. JAMA requires them to be in plain text without additional formatting, unlike APA citations where issue numbers are often in parentheses. To avoid mistakes, students should carefully follow JAMA's citation examples and practice drafting citations using this specific style. Consistently consulting JAMA’s citation guidelines and cross-referencing with sample citations can help ensure accuracy and adherence to this distinctive format.

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

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

Last Updated: 2025-11-01 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on JAMA

Navigating the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) website to find citation information is straightforward once you understand the layout and where key details are located. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate the necessary information for properly citing articles from JAMA.

Author Information

To find the author information on a JAMA article, start by accessing the article's main page. Once there, look near the top of the article, just below the title. The author byline is typically listed prominently, often accompanied by the authors' institutional affiliations. If multiple authors are listed, they will usually appear in a sequence that reflects their contribution to the research, with the lead author listed first.

Publication Date

The publication date on JAMA articles is crucial for citation. Directly under the article's title, you will find the publication date. This is usually formatted as Month Day, Year (e.g., October 20, 2023). In some cases, you may also find the date when the article was accepted or first published online, which can be relevant for your citation depending on the specific guidelines you are following.

Article Title

The title of the article is displayed prominently at the top of the article page. It is typically in a larger, bold font to distinguish it from other text on the page. When citing, ensure you copy the title exactly as it appears, preserving capitalization and any special formatting.

URL/Access Information

The URL of the article is located in the address bar of your web browser. Make sure to copy the full URL directly from the browser to ensure accuracy. JAMA URLs often contain the DOI (Digital Object Identifier), which is a unique identifier for the article and is crucial for precise referencing. If the DOI is provided separately on the page, you can also include it in your citation. The DOI is typically found towards the bottom of the abstract or in the citation information section.

Additional Citation Tools

JAMA often provides tools to help with citation. Look for a “Cite” button or link on the article page, which may offer preformatted citations in various styles including APA, MLA, and Chicago. These tools can save time and ensure accuracy, but always double-check the formatting to ensure it meets your specific requirements, such as APA 7th edition guidelines.

By following these steps and understanding where to locate each piece of information, you can efficiently gather all necessary details for accurately citing articles from JAMA. Always cross-reference with your citation style guide to ensure compliance with specific formatting rules.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your JAMA Citation

What You Need

Before you start creating your JAMA citation, make sure you have the following:

  1. Access to the Article: You will need the full text of the article you want to cite.
  2. Basic Information: Gather the authors' names, publication year, article title, journal name, volume number, issue number, page range, and DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
  3. A Notepad or Document: To write and organize your citation.
  4. A Citation Guide: A reference for APA citation rules, available online or in writing manuals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Identify the Authors

Action: Locate the authors' names at the beginning of the article.

Verification: Ensure you have all authors listed, following the format of "Last Name, First Initial."

Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: If there are many authors, note the first six and include "et al." for any additional authors if applicable, following APA guidelines.

Step 2: Find the Publication Year

Action: Check the article's publication details to find the year of publication.

Verification: Confirm that you have the correct year, as this is crucial for accurate citation.

Time Estimate: 1 minute.

Tip for Efficiency: The publication year is usually found on the title page or in the header of the article. Keep it noted alongside the authors.

Step 3: Write the Article Title

Action: Identify the title of the article.

Verification: Make sure to write the title in sentence case, meaning only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.

Time Estimate: 2 minutes.

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

Step 4: Locate the Journal Title, Volume, and Issue

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

Verification: The journal title should be italicized, the volume number should be italicized as well, and the issue number should be in parentheses (not italicized).

Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Most articles will have this information prominently displayed, often near the title or in the header.

Step 5: Determine the Page Range

Action: Look for the page numbers of the article.

Verification: Ensure you note the starting and ending page numbers, separated by a hyphen.

Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: If the article is in PDF format, the page numbers will be visible on the side.

Step 6: Find the DOI

Action: Check for the Digital Object Identifier (DOI), which is usually found at the top or bottom of the article.

Verification: Ensure you copy the full DOI, which typically starts with "10."

Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: If the DOI is not listed in the article, you can often find it by searching for the article title in a database or on the journal's website.

Step 7: Assemble Your Citation

Action: Start putting together your citation using the gathered information.

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

Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use a citation management tool or a citation generator for assistance.

Step 8: Double-Check Your Citation

Action: Review your completed citation for accuracy.

Verification: Confirm that all elements are in the correct order and format, including punctuation.

Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Compare your citation with examples from reliable sources to ensure it meets APA standards.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will be able to create a proper JAMA citation for your references. Remember, accuracy is key, as proper citations not only give credit to the original authors but also enhance the credibility of your own work. Take your time to ensure each part is correct, and soon you will feel more confident in your citation skills.

Real Examples from JAMA

This section provides authentic citation examples from JAMA using recent publications from 2023-2024.

I'm unable to search the internet or access real-time content, so I can't provide you with actual articles or content from JAMA from 2023-2024. However, I can create hypothetical examples based on the typical structure and style of JAMA articles, following the APA 7th edition guidelines. Let’s proceed with these hypothetical examples:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description: This is a research article authored by a single researcher, focusing on the effects of a new medication on heart disease.

Reference List Citation:
Smith, J. A. (2023). The impact of medication X on heart disease progression. JAMA, 330(4), 450-458. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.1234

In-text Citation (Parenthetical):
(Smith, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative):
Smith (2023) discussed the impact of medication X on heart disease progression.

Notes: This example highlights a typical single-author research article. It uses the standard format for citing journal articles in APA 7th edition, including the DOI for direct access.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description: An article authored by a well-known health organization discussing new guidelines for diabetes management.

Reference List Citation:
American Diabetes Association. (2023). New guidelines for diabetes management. JAMA, 330(5), 500-507. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.5678

In-text Citation (Parenthetical):
(American Diabetes Association, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative):
According to the American Diabetes Association (2023), new guidelines have been established for diabetes management.

Notes: Corporate authors are used when an organization is credited as the author. This is common for guideline or policy publications.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description: A study conducted by a team of researchers on the effectiveness of a new surgical technique.

Reference List Citation:
Johnson, R. L., Kim, T. H., & Patel, S. M. (2023). Evaluating the effectiveness of the ABC surgical technique. JAMA, 330(6), 600-609. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.6789

In-text Citation (Parenthetical):
(Johnson, Kim, & Patel, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative):
Johnson, Kim, and Patel (2023) evaluated the effectiveness of the ABC surgical technique.

Notes: Multiple authors are listed in the order they appear in the article. This example demonstrates how to cite a study with three authors.

Example 4: Special Formatting for a Case Report

Scenario Description: A case report detailing an unusual presentation of a common illness.

Reference List Citation:
Khan, L. R., & Wong, P. H. (2023). A rare manifestation of influenza: A case report. JAMA Case Reports, 330(7), 700-704. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacasereports.2023.1234

In-text Citation (Parenthetical):
(Khan & Wong, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative):
Khan and Wong (2023) reported a rare manifestation of influenza in their case report.

Notes: This example uses special formatting for a case report, which might be published in a specialized section or journal like JAMA Case Reports. The hypothetical section title is italicized separately in the citation.

These examples are designed to illustrate different aspects of APA 7th edition citation for journal articles, focusing on realistic scenarios that students might encounter when citing JAMA articles.

Common Issues When Citing JAMA

Certainly! Citing sources accurately is crucial for academic integrity, and JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) presents some unique challenges due to its specific format and interface. Let’s address common citation problems students may face when citing JAMA articles and provide practical solutions.

Problem 1: Identifying Authors

Issue Description

Students often struggle with identifying the correct authors for JAMA articles. Articles might list multiple contributors, including authors, collaborators, or editorial members, which can be confusing.

Why It Happens

JAMA articles frequently have numerous contributors, and the interface may not clearly distinguish between primary authors and other contributors. This can lead to either omitting authors or incorrectly listing them.

Solution

  1. Locate the Author Section: On the article page, identify the section specifically labeled as "Authors" or "Author Information."
  2. List All Primary Authors: Include all primary authors in the order they appear.
  3. Use the Correct Format: List authors by their last name followed by initials (e.g., Smith J.).
  4. Omit Non-Primary Contributors: Do not include contributors not clearly listed as primary authors.

Example

Before: Smith, John; Doe, Jane et al.
After: Smith J, Doe J.

Problem 2: Date Formats

Issue Description

Students may incorrectly format the publication date, which is crucial for APA citation.

Why It Happens

JAMA uses various date components, such as year, month, and sometimes day, in its publication information. Students may omit or misplace these elements.

Solution

  1. Identify the Full Date: Look for the complete publication date in the article header or footer.
  2. Format According to APA: In APA, use the format (Year, Month Day). If only the year is available, that's acceptable.
  3. Ensure Consistency: Always check for the most precise date available.

Example

Before: JAMA. (2023).
After: JAMA. (2023, March 15).

Problem 3: Handling URLs

Issue Description

Including correct URLs for JAMA articles can be problematic, especially when accessing articles through library databases or subscription services.

Why It Happens

JAMA articles often have DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) or links that require subscription access, complicating URL use.

Solution

  1. Use the DOI if Available: Prefer DOIs over URLs as they are stable and reliable.
  2. Format the DOI Correctly: Use the format "https://doi.org/xxxx" for the DOI.
  3. Access Open URLs: If no DOI is available, ensure the URL leads directly to the article, not a login page.

Example

Before: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/1234567
After: https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jama.2023.123456

Problem 4: Access Requirements

Issue Description

Students may mistakenly cite content that is not accessible due to subscription barriers, leading to incomplete citations.

Why It Happens

JAMA often restricts full articles to subscribers, and students may not realize that certain content is paywalled.

Solution

  1. Verify Access: Ensure that the full text of the article is accessible. Use institutional access if available.
  2. Use Proper Citation: Even if the article is restricted, cite using the abstract or DOI.
  3. Check Institutional Resources: Access through library databases that provide full texts.

Example

Before: Citing a full article from a restricted link.
After: Citing the abstract with DOI if full access is unavailable.

By understanding these common issues and their solutions, students can more effectively cite JAMA articles in their academic work, ensuring accuracy and compliance with APA 7th edition guidelines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About JAMA

Q: How can I find citation information on JAMA's website for an article I want to reference in APA format?

A: On JAMA's website, navigate to the article's landing page and look for the "Cite" button or section. This feature often provides the necessary citation details, including authors, publication date, article title, journal name, volume, issue, and DOI.

Q: How should I format the author names for a JAMA article in APA style, considering JAMA often uses initials?

A: In APA format, list the author's last name followed by their initials. For example, if JAMA lists an author as "John A. Doe," in your reference list, you should write it as "Doe, J. A."

Q: How do I handle JAMA's publication date formats when citing in APA style?

A: For JAMA articles, ensure you include the year of publication in your citation. JAMA typically provides the publication date at the top of the article page. In your reference, format it as (Year, Month Day) if the specific date is available.

Q: What are the URL and access requirements for citing an online JAMA article in APA?

A: Include the DOI if available, as it is preferred in APA style. If a DOI is not available, provide the direct URL to the article. Ensure that the URL links directly to the content and is accessible to the reader.

Q: How does citing a JAMA article differ from citing other journal articles in APA format?

A: Citing a JAMA article in APA format follows the same basic structure as other journals: Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL. However, pay special attention to JAMA's detailed author attributions, and use the DOI over the URL whenever possible.

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