How to Cite World Development in APA Format

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

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

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Quick Reference: World Development Citations

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

World Development-Specific Notes:
Citing articles from "World Development" follows the general APA 7th edition guidelines for journals but with particular attention to details that can trip up students. As with any academic journal, you must include the author(s), publication year, article title, journal name, volume number, issue number, and page range. What makes citing "World Development" unique is the attention to detail required in capturing the exact volume and issue numbers, as this journal is highly regarded and frequently referenced, necessitating precise citations to ensure proper credit and retrievability.

Unlike some sources where listing all authors might become cumbersome, "World Development" articles can have a significant number of contributors. APA 7th edition allows you to list up to 20 authors before using an ellipsis, followed by the final author’s name. This guideline differs from previous versions where only the first seven authors were listed. Students often confuse the sequence and punctuation when dealing with multiple authors, especially in distinguishing between the use of commas and ampersands.

To avoid common mistakes, carefully double-check the spelling of each author’s name and the order in which they're listed. Ensure that journal names are italicized and that the volume number is also in italics but not the issue number or page range. A best practice is to always cross-reference the citation with the journal’s official website or database entry to confirm accuracy, especially since details like DOI numbers are critical in academic citations. By adhering to these specific guidelines, students can ensure their citations are both accurate and professional.

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

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

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

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Where to Find Citation Information on World Development

World Development is a peer-reviewed academic journal focusing on development studies and is hosted on platforms like Elsevier and ScienceDirect. When searching for citation information specifically for articles from World Development, it is crucial to know where to locate each piece of information needed for a proper citation. Below is a detailed guide to help you find the necessary citation details effectively.

Author(s)

To locate the author(s) of an article from World Development, navigate to the article's main page on platforms like ScienceDirect. Typically, the author’s name is displayed prominently near the title of the article. Look for the author byline, which is usually located at the top of the article, either directly below the title or in close proximity. The names are often clickable links, which may lead to additional information about the author(s).

Publication Date

The publication date for articles in World Development can usually be found directly beneath the title, alongside the author’s information. It is often presented in a format that includes the month and year of publication. If not immediately visible, scroll down to the abstract or article information section, where the date is commonly listed as part of the journal issue details.

Article Title

The title of the article is prominently displayed at the top of the article page. Ensure you capture the full title as it appears, including any subtitles or specific punctuation, as this is essential for accurate citation. The title is typically in a larger or bold font, making it easily identifiable.

URL/Access Information

To capture the URL for citation purposes, simply look at the address bar of your browser when you have the article open on ScienceDirect or the specific World Development page. The URL is crucial for online citations and should be copied in full from the browser's address bar. If you are accessing the article through an institutional database, ensure the URL reflects the direct link to the article.

Additional Tips

  1. Abstract and References Section: Check the abstract and reference sections at the beginning and end of the article for any additional citation details that might be required for your specific use case.

  2. DOI: Articles in World Development typically have a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), which is a stable link to the article. This can often be found near the title or in the article's citation information section.

  3. Platform Navigation: Use site navigation tools like the search bar or filters (by year, volume, or issue) to find articles more efficiently on hosting platforms.

By following these steps, students can efficiently gather all necessary citation information for articles from World Development, ensuring their academic work adheres to proper citation standards.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your World Development Citation

What You Need

To create a citation for an article from the journal World Development, you will need the following items:

  1. Access to the article you want to cite.
  2. Basic information about the article, including authors, publication year, title, journal name, volume, issue, and page numbers.
  3. A computer or device with internet access.
  4. A citation management tool or a word processor to format your citation properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Identify the Article You Want to Cite

Action: Start by locating the article you want to cite from World Development. You can use academic databases, library resources, or search engines.

Verification: Check that you have the correct article by confirming the authors and title. It should match your source.

Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use specific keywords in your search related to your topic to quickly narrow down the articles.

Step 2: Gather Information About the Article

Action: Collect the necessary information for the citation. You need the following details:

Verification: Double-check that all information is accurate and complete.

Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use a notepad or digital document to jot down the details as you find them.

Step 3: Format the Author Names

Action: Format the author names according to APA style. The correct format is:

Verification: Ensure the names are in the correct order and format.

Estimated Time: 5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they appear in the article.

Step 4: Insert the Year of Publication

Action: Place the publication year inside parentheses right after the authors' names, followed by a period.

Example: (2023).

Verification: Make sure the year corresponds to the publication date of the article.

Estimated Time: 2-3 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Keep all your citation elements in one place to streamline the process.

Step 5: Write the Title of the Article

Action: Write the title of the article in sentence case, meaning only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. Follow the title with a period.

Verification: Ensure the title matches the original article exactly.

Estimated Time: 5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use copy and paste to avoid typos when transferring the title.

Step 6: Format the Journal Name, Volume, and Issue

Action: Write the journal name in italics, followed by the volume number in italics too. If there is an issue number, place it in parentheses (not italicized) right after the volume number, followed by a comma. Finally, add the page range, followed by a period.

Example: World Development, 45(3), 123-134.

Verification: Confirm that the journal name, volume, issue, and pages are in the correct format.

Estimated Time: 5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Look for a consistent format from a reliable APA citation guide if needed.

Step 7: Add the DOI

Action: If the article has a DOI, include it at the end of the citation, formatted as a hyperlink. Start with "https://doi.org/" followed by the DOI number.

Verification: Check that the DOI is correct and leads to the article.

Estimated Time: 2-3 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: If the DOI is not available, you can skip this step, but make sure to note that the article may be difficult to locate.

Step 8: Compile Your Citation

Action: Combine all the elements you have formatted into a single citation following this structure:

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

Verification: Review the entire citation for accuracy, ensuring all punctuation and formatting adhere to APA guidelines.

Estimated Time: 5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use a citation generator tool if you are unsure about formatting. Just make sure to double-check the generated citation.

By following these steps, you will be able to create

Real Examples from World Development

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

I'm unable to browse the internet in real-time or access specific external content such as recent articles from the "World Development" journal. However, I can guide you on how to create accurate APA citations for articles from this journal. Below are hypothetical examples based on typical scenarios you might encounter:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description: This is a peer-reviewed article authored by a single researcher focusing on sustainable economic growth in developing countries.

Complete Reference List Citation:
Johnson, M. T. (2023). Sustainable economic growth in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities. World Development, 165(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.105012

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Johnson, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
Johnson (2023) discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable economic growth in developing countries.

Notes:
This example is noteworthy because it highlights the standard format for a single-author article, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in economic growth.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description: A report published by the World Bank on global development trends.

Complete Reference List Citation:
World Bank. (2023). Global development trends and forecasts for 2024. World Development, 168(2), 101-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.105016

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(World Bank, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
According to the World Bank (2023), global development trends show significant changes in economic policies.

Notes:
This instance is unique because it uses a corporate author, which is common for reports and policy documents by organizations like the World Bank.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description: A collaborative research paper by three economists examining the impact of digital technologies on poverty reduction.

Complete Reference List Citation:
Smith, J. A., Nguyen, L. T., & Patel, R. K. (2023). The impact of digital technologies on poverty reduction in Asia. World Development, 170(3), 221-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.105018

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Smith, Nguyen, & Patel, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
Smith, Nguyen, and Patel (2023) explore how digital technologies contribute to reducing poverty levels in Asia.

Notes:
This example illustrates citing a paper with multiple authors, showcasing how technology intersects with socioeconomic issues.

Example 4: Special Formatting Case

Scenario Description: An article featuring a unique case study of renewable energy projects in Africa.

Complete Reference List Citation:
Almeida, R., & Chen, Y. (2024). Renewable energy projects in Africa: A case study approach. World Development, 172(4), 305-320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.105020

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Almeida & Chen, 2024)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
Almeida and Chen (2024) provide a detailed case study of renewable energy projects across Africa.

Notes:
This citation is notable for its focus on case studies, requiring attention to both the article's unique content and its contribution to regional development studies.

For actual articles, you would need to verify the details such as author names, titles, and DOI links from the journal's database or website.

Common Issues When Citing World Development

Common Citation Problems in Citing "World Development"

Citing articles from "World Development" can present unique challenges due to its specific publication format and the interface used to access its content. Here, we address common issues students face, providing practical solutions to ensure accurate APA 7th edition citations.

1. Identifying Authors

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to identify the correct authors of articles from "World Development," especially when dealing with collaborative research papers that include numerous contributors.

Why It Happens:
"World Development" frequently features articles authored by multiple researchers, sometimes listing contributors by their roles or affiliations rather than clearly delineating each author's name.

Solution:
- Step 1: Access the article directly through a library database or the journal's official website.
- Step 2: Look for a section explicitly labeled "Authors" or check the article's header or footer for author names.
- Step 3: Ensure you list all authors in the order they appear, using the format: Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (e.g., Smith, J. A.).

Example:
- Before: Smith, J., et al.
- After: Smith, J. A., Brown, L. M., & Taylor, R. S.

2. Date Formats

Issue Description:
Incorrectly formatting the publication date is a common error, often due to confusion between the online publication date and the print issue date.

Why It Happens:
Articles in "World Development" may be available online before being assigned to a print issue, leading to multiple dates being associated with a single article.

Solution:
- Step 1: Use the date the article was published online if the print issue is not yet available. Otherwise, use the issue date.
- Step 2: Format the date as (Year, Month Day) if available, or simply (Year) if only the year is provided.

Example:
- Before: (2023-07-15)
- After: (2023, July 15)

3. Handling URLs

Issue Description:
Students often incorrectly format URLs or omit them entirely when citing online articles.

Why It Happens:
"World Development" articles may be accessed through various platforms, leading to confusion about which URL to use or how to format it.

Solution:
- Step 1: Use the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available, as it provides a permanent link to the article.
- Step 2: If a DOI is not available, use the URL where the article was retrieved, ensuring it is a direct link to the content.
- Step 3: Always format the URL or DOI as a hyperlink.

Example:
- Before: Retrieved from www.journalwebsite.com
- After: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.105123

4. Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students may not have access or may be unsure how to cite articles behind paywalls.

Why It Happens:
"World Development" is a subscription-based journal, and some articles may only be accessible through institutional access or purchase.

Solution:
- Step 1: Access the article through your institution's library portal or a database that provides access.
- Step 2: If you accessed the article through a library database, note that access date is not required in APA 7th edition.
- Step 3: Ensure the citation reflects the source's version you accessed, using the DOI or a stable URL.

Example:
- Before: Retrieved from library database
- After: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.105123

By following these guidelines, students can effectively navigate the complexities of citing "World Development," ensuring their references are both accurate and compliant with APA 7th edition standards.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About World Development

Q: How do I find the necessary citation information for a World Development article on their website?

A: To find citation information on the World Development website, locate the article you are interested in and look for the "Cite" or "Citation Information" section, usually found near the article title or abstract. This section will typically provide the authors' names, publication date, article title, journal name, volume, issue number, and page range.

Q: How should I cite a World Development article if it lists multiple authors in APA format?

A: In APA format, list the authors in the same order as they appear in the article. If there are up to 20 authors, list each one separated by commas, with an ampersand (&) before the last author's name. For more than 20 authors, list the first 19, insert an ellipsis, and then add the final author's name.

Q: How do I cite a World Development article if it has a non-standard publication date format?

A: World Development articles typically follow a standard date format, but if you encounter a unique format, use the year of publication, as this is most crucial for APA citations. If the month and day are available and relevant, include them after the year in parentheses (e.g., 2023, March 15).

Q: What are the URL and access date requirements when citing a World Development article in APA format?

A: For World Development articles accessed online, include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available. If a DOI is not available, use the URL of the journal's homepage. Access dates are not required in APA 7th edition unless the content is likely to change, which is uncommon for journal articles.

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

A: Citing a World Development article in APA format is generally the same as citing any other journal article. The main difference is ensuring you have the correct journal-specific details, such as the accurate journal title, volume, issue number, and DOI, which can affect the citation's completeness and accuracy.

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