How to Cite Social Psychology and Personality Science in APA Format

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

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

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Quick Reference: Social Psychology and Personality Science Citations

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

Social Psychology and Personality Science-Specific Notes:
Citing articles from "Social Psychology and Personality Science" (SPPS) follows general APA 7th edition guidelines but with specific nuances that students should note. One key aspect of citing articles from this journal is ensuring that the title of the journal is italicized and capitalized properly. In APA format, after the article title, the journal name, volume number, and issue number should all be italicized, while the issue number is placed in parentheses immediately after the volume number, followed by a comma. For example, "Social Psychology and Personality Science, 12(3), 123-134."

A distinct difference when citing SPPS compared to general APA citation rules involves the listing of authors. In most APA citations, up to 20 authors can be listed before using an ellipsis to represent additional authors. However, SPPS articles often have numerous authors, and students should be diligent in listing all authors for articles with up to 20 authors. If there are more, list the first 19 authors, followed by an ellipsis, and then the final author's name. This can be a common point of confusion, but following the APA guideline strictly helps maintain consistency.

To avoid mistakes, students should double-check the formatting of each part of the citation, especially paying attention to italicization and punctuation, as these are frequent areas of error. Utilizing citation management tools like Zotero or EndNote can help automate this process, though manual verification is always recommended. Lastly, students should stay updated on any changes in the journal's citation practices or the APA guidelines, as these can occasionally be revised.

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

Key Points:
- Use Journal Article format with Social Psychology and Personality Science specifics
- Locate citation info on Social Psychology and Personality Science's website
- Handle Social Psychology and Personality Science's unique formatting requirements

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

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Where to Find Citation Information on Social Psychology and Personality Science

To effectively locate citation information for articles on Social Psychology and Personality Science (SPPS) via the SAGE Journals website, follow these detailed steps. This guidance will help you efficiently gather essential citation details such as the author, publication date, title, and URL.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Navigating to the Article:
    - Begin by visiting the SPPS homepage on SAGE Journals at https://journals.sagepub.com/home/spp.
    - Use the search bar located prominently at the top right of the page to enter keywords, author names, or article titles related to your research. Alternatively, browse by volume and issue through the "Browse" dropdown menu.

  2. Locating the Author(s):
    - Once you select an article, you will be directed to a page with the article's abstract and details.
    - The author byline can be found directly beneath the article title, listed prominently. This is typically formatted as "By [Author Name(s)]."

  3. Identifying the Publication Date:
    - The publication date is presented directly under the author byline. It usually includes the month and year of publication, providing a clear indication of the article's recency.

  4. Finding the Article Title:
    - The article title is the most prominent text on the page, located at the top center, right above the author byline. It is often formatted in bold or larger font size to stand out.

  5. Accessing the URL:
    - The URL for the article is visible in your browser's address bar at the top of the page. This is the direct link to the article's page and is essential for your citation.

  6. Additional Details:
    - On the article page, you will also find an abstract and keywords that may aid in understanding the content and context of the work.
    - If you are accessing the article through institutional access or a personal account, ensure you are logged in to view full-text options and citation export tools available on the right-hand side of the page.

  7. Using Citation Tools:
    - SPPS provides handy citation tools. Look for the “Cite” button, typically found on the right-hand side of the article page. Clicking this will offer formatted citations in various styles, including APA, which you can use as a reference.

By following these steps, you can efficiently gather all the necessary citation information for articles on the Social Psychology and Personality Science website, ensuring accuracy and completeness in your academic work.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Social Psychology and Personality Science Citation

Creating a Citation for Social Psychology and Personality Science

When you have written a paper that references an article from the journal "Social Psychology and Personality Science," it is important to create a proper citation. This ensures that you give credit to the original authors and allows your readers to locate the source material. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create an accurate citation in APA format.

What You Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify the Authors
    - Action: Look for the authors' names at the beginning of the article. The names are usually listed with the last name first followed by the initials of their first and middle names.
    - Verification: Confirm that you have both authors' names if there are two. If there is only one author, you will only need their name.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    - Tip: If there are more than two authors, list the first author followed by "et al." in your citation.

  2. Find the Publication Year
    - Action: Check the publication information, typically located near the author names or at the top of the article. This will be the year the article was published.
    - Verification: Ensure that you have noted the correct year and that it matches the publication date listed.
    - Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes
    - Tip: If you are unsure, double-check the journal's website for the specific issue.

  3. Write the Title of the Article
    - Action: Locate the title of the article, which is usually found at the top of the first page or in the citation information.
    - Verification: Make sure to write the title in sentence case, meaning only the first word and any proper nouns should be capitalized.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    - Tip: Keep the title concise and check for any punctuation.

  4. Find the Journal Title and Volume Number
    - Action: Identify the name of the journal, which will be "Social Psychology and Personality Science." You also need to find the volume number, which is usually printed on the cover page or the header of the article.
    - Verification: Confirm that you have both the correct journal name and volume number.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    - Tip: The journal title should be italicized in your citation.

  5. Locate the Issue Number and Page Range
    - Action: Check for the issue number, which is often listed directly after the volume number in parentheses. Next, find the range of pages that the article covers.
    - Verification: Ensure you have both the issue number (if applicable) and the page range correctly noted.
    - Time Estimate: 2-4 minutes
    - Tip: If the issue number is not available, it can be omitted from the citation.

  6. Find the DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
    - Action: Look for the DOI, which is usually provided at the end of the article or in the citation information. The DOI is a unique identifier that helps locate the article online.
    - Verification: Make sure the DOI is accurate and formatted correctly. It should start with "https://doi.org/" followed by the unique identifier.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    - Tip: If the DOI is not available, you can check the journal's website to see if it is listed there.

  7. Format the Citation in APA Style
    - Action: Using the information you have gathered, format the citation according to the template provided:
    Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx
    - Verification: Double-check that all elements are in the correct order and that punctuation is correct. Ensure that the journal title and volume are italicized.
    - Time Estimate: 5-7 minutes
    - Tip: Use a citation management tool or software to help streamline the formatting process if you are working on multiple citations.

  8. Review Your Citation
    - Action: Read through your completed citation one last time to catch any potential errors.
    - Verification: Compare your citation against the original article to ensure accuracy and completeness.
    - Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes
    - Tip: Ask a peer or use online resources to confirm that your citation meets APA standards.

By following these steps, you will create a proper citation for an article from "Social Psychology and Personality Science." This not only enhances the credibility of your work but also aids your readers in locating the original source.

Real Examples from Social Psychology and Personality Science

This section provides authentic citation examples from Social Psychology and Personality Science using recent publications from 2023-2024.

I'm unable to access or browse external websites, including the SAGE Journals site for Social Psychology and Personality Science, to provide real-time or up-to-date content. However, I can guide you on how to construct APA 7th edition citations based on hypothetical examples that may reflect the type of content typically found in this journal. You would need to verify the details and replace placeholders with actual data from the articles you locate. Below are examples of different citation scenarios:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description

This is a typical research article authored by a single researcher focusing on the influence of social media on self-esteem in adolescents.

Reference List Citation

Smith, J. A. (2023). The impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem. Social Psychology and Personality Science, 14(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550623112345

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical)

(Smith, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative)

Smith (2023) explores the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem.

Noteworthy Aspects

This example illustrates a standard citation format for an article authored by a single individual, emphasizing the importance of social media in contemporary psychological studies.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description

This article was authored by a governmental health organization examining the mental health effects of pandemic lockdowns.

Reference List Citation

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental health effects of pandemic lockdowns: A comprehensive review. Social Psychology and Personality Science, 14(3), 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550623123456

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical)

(National Institute of Mental Health, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2023), pandemic lockdowns have significant mental health effects.

Noteworthy Aspects

This example shows how to cite an article with a corporate author, which is common in reports from organizations or governmental bodies.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description

A collaborative study by three researchers examining the role of empathy in conflict resolution.

Reference List Citation

Johnson, L. H., Wang, T., & Rodriguez, M. (2024). The role of empathy in conflict resolution: New insights and applications. Social Psychology and Personality Science, 15(1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550624123457

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical)

(Johnson, Wang, & Rodriguez, 2024)

In-Text Citation (Narrative)

Johnson, Wang, and Rodriguez (2024) discuss the pivotal role of empathy in conflict resolution.

Noteworthy Aspects

This citation showcases multiple authors, highlighting the collaborative nature of research.

Example 4: Special Formatting Cases

Scenario Description

A short communication piece discussing recent developments in personality assessment techniques.

Reference List Citation

Lee, R. Y., & Kim, S. (2023). Innovations in personality assessment: A brief overview. Social Psychology and Personality Science, 14(4), 320-322. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550623134567

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical)

(Lee & Kim, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative)

Lee and Kim (2023) provide a brief overview of innovations in personality assessment.

Noteworthy Aspects

This example highlights a short communication piece, which might be formatted slightly differently due to its brief nature.

For actual articles, please ensure you gather the correct authors, titles, and other specific publication details from the journal itself.

Common Issues When Citing Social Psychology and Personality Science

Problem 1: Identifying Authors

Issue Description:
Students often struggle with correctly identifying the authors of articles published in journals like Social Psychology and Personality Science. This confusion typically arises when multiple authors are involved, or when authors have similar names.

Why It Happens:
Social Psychology and Personality Science, like many academic journals, lists multiple authors, often with complex affiliations, which can overwhelm students. Sometimes, articles have authors with similar initials or last names, making it difficult to differentiate them.

Solution:
1. Carefully Read the Author List: Access the article's main page on the journal's website where authors are clearly listed, usually below the article title.
2. Check the Author Contribution Section: This section often provides clarity on each author's role, helping identify primary contributors.
3. Use the PDF Version: The PDF of the article typically has a concise author list on the title page, which is easy to copy.

Example:
- Before: "(Smith, 2023)"
- After: "(Smith, J., & Doe, A., 2023)"

Problem 2: Date Formats

Issue Description:
Incorrect date formatting is a frequent mistake, especially when students are unsure whether to use the full date or just the year.

Why It Happens:
Social Psychology and Personality Science usually requires the use of the publication year for the citation, but students might mistakenly cite the full date due to confusion with online publication dates or updates.

Solution:
1. Locate the Publication Date: Check the journal's webpage for the article; the publication year is often listed prominently.
2. Use APA 7th Edition Guidelines: Only the publication year is required in the citation.

Example:
- Before: "(Social Psychology and Personality Science, January 13, 2023)"
- After: "(Social Psychology and Personality Science, 2023)"

Problem 3: Handling URLs

Issue Description:
Students might incorrectly handle URLs, especially when links are long or contain session-specific information.

Why It Happens:
Social Psychology and Personality Science provides direct URLs to articles, which can be lengthy or contain session-specific data, potentially leading to broken links.

Solution:
1. Use DOIs Instead of URLs: If available, a DOI is the preferred method of citation, as it provides a permanent link to the content.
2. Check for Persistent Links: If using a URL, ensure it is a stable link rather than one generated from a session.

Example:
- Before: "Retrieved from http://sessionbasedlink/12345"
- After: "https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550621990459"

Problem 4: Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students often forget or are unaware of access requirements, leading to incomplete or incorrect citations when the source is behind a paywall.

Why It Happens:
Social Psychology and Personality Science may require institutional access or a subscription, which can confuse students about what to include in their citations.

Solution:
1. Access via University Library: Use institutional logins to access the journal through a university library portal.
2. Note Access Information: If an article is behind a paywall, do not include access information in the citation; it is not required by APA.

Example:
- Before: "Retrieved from [Journal Name] (subscription required)"
- After: No access statement needed, simply cite the DOI or stable URL.

By following these guidelines, students can accurately and effectively cite articles from Social Psychology and Personality Science, adhering to APA 7th edition standards and avoiding common pitfalls.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Psychology and Personality Science

Q: How can I locate citation information for articles from Social Psychology and Personality Science on their website?

A: Visit the Social Psychology and Personality Science website and search for the article you need. Once you find it, click on the article title to access the full details page, which typically includes citation information like authors, publication date, volume, issue, and pages.

Q: How should I handle author names from Social Psychology and Personality Science when they include non-standard formats like multiple suffixes or institutional affiliations?

A: In APA format, list author names as they appear in the article, using the last name followed by initials. If there are suffixes like "Jr." or institutional affiliations, include them after the initials. For example: Smith, J. R., Jr., & Brown, L. (2023).

Q: What is the correct way to cite publication dates from Social Psychology and Personality Science, especially if only a year is provided?

A: In APA format, use the year provided as the publication date. If the article specifies a month and year, include both in the format (Year, Month). If only the year is listed, use just the year: (2023).

Q: Are there specific URL or access requirements when citing online articles from Social Psychology and Personality Science?

A: When citing an article from Social Psychology and Personality Science, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the citation if available. If the DOI is not provided, use the URL of the journal's homepage. Ensure links are active and accessible.

Q: How does citing articles from Social Psychology and Personality Science differ from other journal sources in APA format?

A: Citing articles from Social Psychology and Personality Science primarily follows standard APA guidelines but pay attention to unique elements like multiple authors or specific DOI formats. Always verify details on the journal's website to ensure accuracy in your citation.

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