How to Check Volume and Issue Numbers in APA Citations

Complete guide to checking volume and issue numbers in APA citations. Learn italics rules, formatting, and common journal citation errors.

Why Volume Issue Matters in APA Citations

Impact on Readability

Proper Volume Issue formatting ensures your reference list is professional and easy to read. When Volume Issue is formatted correctly, readers can quickly identify the key components of each citation and locate the sources themselves.

Impact on Credibility

Volume Issue errors can undermine your academic credibility. Instructors and journal editors often view formatting mistakes as a lack of attention to detail, which may affect how they evaluate the quality of your research.

Common Consequences

• Grade deductions: Typical penalties range from 1-5 points per error
• Journal rejections: Many journals reject papers with formatting issues without review
• Reader confusion: Incorrect Volume Issue can make sources difficult to identify

What Correct Volume Issue Formatting Looks Like

Rules for Volume and Issue in APA Citations

When citing a journal article in APA 7th edition, it is essential to correctly format the volume and issue numbers. The volume number should be italicized, while the issue number should be placed in parentheses directly after the volume number and not italicized. For example, the correct format is: Journal Title, 12(3), 45-67. Remember, there is no space between the volume number and the parentheses for the issue number.

Common Guidelines

1. Italics and Parentheses: Always italicize the volume number and enclose the issue number in parentheses without italics.

2. No Spaces: Do not include a space between the volume number and the opening parenthesis of the issue number.

Practical Examples

• Correct: Smith, J. (2020). Study on citation rules. Journal of Academic Writing, 15(2), 123-145.
• Incorrect: Smith, J. (2020). Study on citation rules. Journal of Academic Writing, 15 (2), 123-145.

Importance of Correct Formatting

Following these rules ensures clarity and consistency in academic writing. Proper citation not only gives credit to original authors but also allows readers to locate the referenced material easily. Failing to adhere to formatting guidelines can lead to confusion and diminish the credibility of your work.

Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting to italicize the volume number.
• Adding a space before the opening parenthesis of the issue number.

Practical Tips

• Double-check your citations against a reliable APA style guide.
• Use citation management software to help format references correctly.

By following these guidelines, students can enhance their academic writing and ensure their citations meet APA standards.

Official APA Guidance:

APA Guidance for Volume and Issue in Citations

In APA 7th edition, the volume and issue numbers are crucial components when citing journal articles. These elements help to pinpoint the exact source of information. The basic format for including volume and issue numbers in a reference list entry for a journal article is as follows:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number(issue number), page range. https://doi.org/xxxxx

Volume Number

The volume number is always italicized. It appears directly after the journal title and is followed by the issue number in parentheses. For instance, in the citation Journal of Psychology, 15(3), the number 15 is the volume.

Issue Number

The issue number is placed in parentheses immediately following the volume number, and it is not italicized. This format helps clarify which specific issue of a journal the article belongs to, as multiple issues may be published within a single volume.

Example Citations

1. Smith, J. A. (2020). The impact of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 15(3), 200-215. https://doi.org/10.1234/jpsych.2020.0153

In this example, 15 is the volume number, and (3) is the issue number. The page range indicates the specific pages where the article can be found.

2. Doe, R. B. (2021). Advances in cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive Therapy Review, 22(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.5678/ctr.2021.221

Here, 22 is the volume number, and (1) is the issue number.

Special Considerations

If a journal does not have an issue number, you should only include the volume number. For example:

• Johnson, L. (2019). New insights into behavioral economics. Economic Studies, 10, 100-115. https://doi.org/10.1111/es.2019.0010

In this case, there is no issue number included, as the journal's style does not designate one.

Importance of Volume and Issue Number

Correctly including volume and issue numbers in citations is essential for academic integrity. Accurate citations allow readers to locate the original sources quickly. They also demonstrate thorough research practices and respect for original authorship.

Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Always italicize the volume number but never the issue number.
• Make sure to include both numbers if they are available; if not, omit the issue number.
• Double-check the journal’s guidelines, as some may have unique requirements regarding the formatting of volume and issue numbers.

By following these guidelines, you ensure clarity and precision in your academic writing, which enhances the credibility of your work.

Visual Examples

Correct Format:
✅ ## Example of Volume and Issue in APA Citation

Correct APA Citation Example:

Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of social media on student engagement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 456-467. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000456

Breakdown of the Example

In the example provided, the volume and issue number are formatted correctly according to APA 7th edition rules. Here is how the components are structured:

1. Author(s): The last name is followed by initials. In this case, "Smith, J. A."
2. Publication Year: The year is placed in parentheses, followed by a period. For example, "(2020)."
3. Title of the Article: The title is in sentence case and italicized. For instance, "The effects of social media on student engagement."
4. Title of the Journal: The journal title is italicized and in title case. For example, "Journal of Educational Psychology."
5. Volume Number: The volume number is italicized. Here it is "112."
6. Issue Number: The issue number is placed in parentheses immediately after the volume number, not italicized. It is followed by a comma. For example, "(3),"
7. Page Range: The page range follows the issue number and is not italicized. For instance, "456-467."
8. DOI or URL: Finally, a DOI is included at the end of the citation. In this case, "https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000456."

Importance of Correct Formatting

Correctly formatting the volume and issue numbers in APA citations is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures that readers can easily locate the original source. Second, it maintains a professional appearance in academic writing, which is crucial for credibility. Finally, following the specific formatting guidelines helps to avoid errors that could lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the source material.

Practical Tips for Volume and Issue Formatting

• Always italicize the volume number.
• Place the issue number in parentheses and do not italicize it.
• Ensure there is no space between the volume number and the parentheses for the issue number.
• Include a comma after the issue number before the page range.
• Double-check the DOI or URL to ensure it is accurate and current.

Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting to italicize the volume number.
• Using periods instead of commas when separating components.
• Incorrectly placing the issue number outside the parentheses.
• Omitting the DOI or URL, which is essential for online sources.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create accurate and professional APA citations that effectively communicate your sources to your audience.

Incorrect Format:
❌ ## Incorrect Volume_Issue Example in APA Citation

Here is an example of an incorrectly formatted volume and issue in an APA citation:

Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on urban environments. Environmental Studies Journal, 5(2), 123-134.

Common Mistake

In the above citation, the volume number is presented correctly as "5," but the issue number is incorrectly formatted. The issue number should be placed in parentheses immediately after the volume number, with no space between them. The correct format should look like this:

Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on urban environments. Environmental Studies Journal, 5(2), 123-134.

Points to Note

1. Volume and Issue Format: Always ensure that the volume number is followed by the issue number in parentheses, without any space in between.
2. Italics: The journal title should be in italics, while the volume number should also be italicized but the issue number should not be.
3. Punctuation: Pay attention to the punctuation used, as this can change the clarity of your citation.

By understanding and applying these rules, you can avoid common pitfalls in APA citations regarding volume and issue formatting.

Key Rules to Remember

Key Rules for Volume and Issue in APA Citations

When constructing APA citations, especially for journal articles, it is essential to accurately represent the volume and issue numbers. Here are the most important rules to remember, focusing on aspects that are often violated or are critical for maintaining academic integrity.

1. Correct Formatting of Volume and Issue Numbers

• Volume Number: Always italicize the volume number. This helps in distinguishing it from other parts of the citation.
• Issue Number: The issue number should be in parentheses and not italicized.

Example:
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on communication. Journal of Communication Studies, 15(3), 215-230.

2. Include Both Volume and Issue Numbers When Available

• Always include both the volume and issue numbers when they are available. Omitting either can make it difficult for readers to find the source.
• If there is no issue number, you can just include the volume number.

Example:
Johnson, L. (2019). Exploring the effects of climate change. Environmental Science Journal, 22, 45-60.

3. Use a Consistent Style

• Ensure that the volume and issue numbers are presented consistently throughout your reference list. This includes maintaining the same font style and size.
• Pay attention to punctuation, as it plays a crucial role in the clarity of the citation.

Example:
Davis, A. (2021). Innovations in technology. Technology Review, 10(2), 100-115.

4. Check for Accuracy

• Verify the accuracy of the volume and issue numbers against the original source. Misrepresenting these numbers can lead to a loss of credibility and hinder readers' ability to locate the source.
• Use reliable databases or the journal's official website to confirm these details.

Example:
Taylor, R. (2022). Advances in neuroscience research. Neuroscience Today, 30(4), 150-165.

Conclusion

Following these rules for volume and issue in APA citations is vital for ensuring academic integrity and aiding readers in locating sources. Always take the time to format correctly, include all necessary details, maintain consistency, and verify information. By doing so, you enhance the quality and reliability of your academic work.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Volume Issue

Follow this systematic process to validate Volume Issue in your citations:

Preparation (1-2 minutes)

Step 1: Gather your citations
- [ ] Open your reference list
- [ ] Have APA manual or guide available
- [ ] Note which source types you have

Step 2: Understand what to check
- [ ] Review Volume Issue rules
- [ ] Note differences by source type
- [ ] Identify your high-risk citations

Checking Process (3-5 minutes per citation)

What You Need

Before you start checking the volume issue in APA citations, make sure you have the following:

1. Access to the APA Publication Manual (7th edition)
2. The source material you are citing
3. A text editor or citation management software (like Microsoft Word or Zotero)
4. A notepad or digital document for taking notes
5. An internet connection for additional resources, if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Checking Volume Issues in APA Citations

Step 1: Gather Your Citations

Action: Collect all the citations you need to check for volume issues. This could include articles, books, or journals.

Verification: Ensure you have the complete list of references that you will review. A good practice is to create a separate document where you can copy and paste the references.

Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Efficiency: If you are using citation management software, export the references directly from the software to save time.

Step 2: Review the APA Formatting Guidelines

Action: Familiarize yourself with the APA citation formatting rules, focusing on how volume numbers should be presented.

Verification: Check the APA Publication Manual, specifically sections that cover citation formats for different types of sources, such as journal articles.

Time Estimate: 15-20 minutes.

Tips for Efficiency: Take notes on key formatting rules, such as italicization of volume numbers and placement of issue numbers.

Step 3: Check the Formatting of Volume Numbers

Action: Go through each citation and verify that the volume number is italicized. For example, in a journal article citation, the format should look like this: Volume number(Issue number), page range.

Verification: Ensure that the volume number appears in italics, while the issue number is in parentheses and not italicized.

Time Estimate: 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of citations.

Tips for Efficiency: Use a search function (Ctrl + F) to quickly locate volume numbers in your document.

Step 4: Verify Consistency Across Citations

Action: Look for consistency in how volume numbers are presented across all your citations. This includes checking for similar formatting in all entries.

Verification: Ensure that every volume number is treated the same way. For instance, if you italicized one volume number, all should be italicized in the same manner.

Time Estimate: 20-30 minutes.

Tips for Efficiency: Create a checklist to mark off each citation as you verify it for consistency.

Step 5: Cross-Check with Source Material

Action: Verify the volume number against the original source material. This is especially important if the citation was created using software.

Verification: Double-check the volume number and issue number by looking at the original journal or publication.

Time Estimate: 30-60 minutes, depending on the availability of sources.

Tips for Efficiency: If you have online access to the journal, use the publisher's website to quickly locate the correct volume and issue numbers.

Step 6: Apply APA Rules to Any Discrepancies

Action: If you find any discrepancies in volume numbers or formatting, correct them according to APA guidelines.

Verification: After making corrections, re-check to ensure that all citations now align with APA formatting rules.

Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes.

Tips for Efficiency: Use your notes from Step 2 to ensure that you apply all necessary formatting rules.

Step 7: Final Proofread

Action: Conduct a final proofread of your references to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies.

Verification: Read through the entire list of citations to confirm that everything is formatted correctly and consistently.

Time Estimate: 15-20 minutes.

Tips for Efficiency: Read the citations aloud to help catch errors you might miss when reading silently.

Step 8: Save and Backup Your Work

Action: After completing your checks, save your document and create a backup to prevent data loss.

Verification: Ensure that the file is saved correctly and backed up in a secure location.

Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Efficiency: Use cloud storage solutions for easy access and backup.

By following these detailed steps, you will be able to effectively check for volume issues in APA citations. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accuracy and consistency, making your citations more reliable and professional.

Verification (1-2 minutes)

Step 3: Cross-check all citations
- [ ] Compare similar citations for consistency
- [ ] Verify against official APA examples
- [ ] Use automated checker for verification

Step 4: Document changes
- [ ] Track which citations were corrected
- [ ] Note patterns in your errors
- [ ] Save corrected version

Time-Saving Tips

💡 Batch similar source types: Check all journal articles together, then all books, etc.

💡 Use Find & Replace: Use Find & Replace for...

💡 Create a checklist: Print the validation checklist and check off as you go

Common Volume Issue Errors

These are the most frequent Volume Issue errors found in APA citations:

Error Frequency Chart

Severity Key:
- High: Affects citation accuracy or findability
- Medium: Formatting issue that doesn't affect meaning
- Low: Style preference

How Volume Issue Varies by Source Type

Different source types have different Volume Issue requirements:

Journal Articles

Volume Issue format: In APA style, journal articles include the volume number and issue number. The volume number is italicized, while the issue number appears in parentheses immediately after the volume number, not italicized. For example, if a journal article is published in volume 34, issue 2, the citation will appear as follows: 34(2).

• What to Check: Ensure that you have the correct volume and issue numbers. Verify that the volume number is italicized and that the issue number is correctly placed in parentheses. Also, confirm the page range of the article.
  What to check: Ensure that you have the correct volume and issue numbers. Verify that the volume number is italicized and that the issue number is correctly placed in parentheses. Also, confirm the page range of the article.
  Example: Smith, J. A. (2022). Understanding the impact of structured content generation. Journal of Content Studies, 34(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1234/jcs.2022.0123

Books

Volume Issue format: For books, there is typically no volume or issue number unless the book is part of a multi-volume set. In that case, include the volume number in parentheses after the title, italicized. For example, if citing volume 2 of a multi-volume work, it will look like this: (Vol. 2).
What to check: Verify whether the book is a single volume or part of a series. If it is part of a multi-volume set, check the correct volume number and ensure that it is formatted correctly.
Example: Johnson, L. M. (2020). The art of structured writing (Vol. 2). Academic Press.

Book Chapters

Volume Issue format: When citing a chapter from an edited book, include the chapter author's name, publication year, chapter title, editors' names, book title in italics, page range of the chapter, and the publisher. The volume number is not typically required unless it is a multi-volume work. If it is, it should follow the book title.
What to check: Ensure that you have the correct authors, editors, publication year, chapter title, book title, and page range. Verify whether the book is part of a series that requires a volume number.
Example: Roberts, T. K. (2021). Content strategies for digital platforms. In H. P. Davis & R. E. Clark (Eds.), Innovations in digital content (pp. 75-92). Publishing House.

Webpages

Volume Issue format: For webpages, volume and issue numbers are generally not applicable. Instead, focus on the author, publication date, title of the webpage, website name, and URL. If the webpage is part of an online journal that has a volume and issue, include that information similar to a journal citation.
What to check: Verify the author's name, the publication date, the title of the webpage, the website name, and the URL. Ensure that all elements are correctly formatted.
Example: National Institute of Health. (2023). Understanding structured content generation. NIH Webpage. https://www.nih.gov/structured-content

Reports

Volume Issue format: Reports often do not have volume or issue numbers. However, if the report is part of a series, indicate the report number in parentheses after the title. The title should be italicized.
What to check: Confirm the authoring organization, publication year, title of the report, and report number if applicable. Ensure that the title is italicized and the report number is formatted correctly.
Example: World Health Organization. (2022). Global report on digital health (Report No. 2022-001). https://www.who.int/global-report-digital-health

Volume Issue Validation Checklist

Use this checklist to systematically validate Volume Issue:

Pre-Check Setup

• [ ] Reference list open and visible
• [ ] APA guide available
• [ ] Highlighter or tracking system ready

Check Each Citation For:

Post-Check Verification

• [ ] All citations checked
• [ ] Corrections made
• [ ] Consistency across similar citations
• [ ] Cross-checked problematic citations

Final Check

• [ ] Run automated validation
• [ ] Review any flagged items
• [ ] Document completion date

Citations Checked: ___ / ___
Errors Found: ___
Errors Fixed: ___

Tools & Tips for Checking Volume Issue

Word Processing Features

Microsoft Word:
- Find feature: To locate volume_issue errors in Microsoft Word, press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to open the Find feature. In the search box, enter 'vol' to find instances where 'volume' is mentioned. Review the highlighted results to check for errors related to volume and issue numbers.
- Find & Replace: To use Find & Replace in Microsoft Word, press Ctrl+H (Cmd+Shift+H on Mac). In the Find box, enter 'vol' and in the Replace box, enter 'Volume'. Click 'Replace All' to correct all instances in your document, ensuring they follow APA formatting.
- Styles panel: To format citations using the Styles panel in Microsoft Word, select the text you want to format. Go to the Home tab, click on the Styles panel, and choose the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA). This ensures consistent formatting across all citations.

Google Docs:
- Find feature: In Google Docs, use Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to open the Find feature. Type 'vol' to locate any mention of volume in your citations. Review the highlighted sections for potential volume_issue errors.
- Add-ons: To use Add-ons in Google Docs for citation checking, click on Extensions in the menu, then select Add-ons > Get add-ons. Search for citation tools, such as EasyBib or RefWorks, which can help check and format your citations correctly.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac): Find
• Ctrl+H (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+H (Mac): Find & Replace

Search Strategies

To find potential errors:
To find volume_issue errors, search for patterns like 'vol. ', 'vol', and 'issue'. Check for common mistakes such as missing issue numbers and incorrect formatting. Systematically review each citation by going through your references or bibliography section.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• ⚠️ Not checking for consistent formatting: Ensure that all instances of volume and issue numbers are formatted the same way throughout the document.
• ⚠️ Overlooking digital object identifiers (DOIs): Make sure to include DOIs when required, as this is an important part of APA citations.
• ⚠️ Ignoring the citation style guidelines: Always refer to the latest APA manual to ensure all elements of your citations are accurate and compliant.

Before & After Examples

These examples show common Volume Issue errors and their corrections:

Example 1: A graduate student was preparing a literature review and mistakenly formatted the citation for a journal article by omitting the issue number.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Research, 12, 45-67.

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Research, 12(3), 45-67.

What changed:
- Added issue number '(3)' after the volume number '12'
- Ensured proper placement of parentheses around the issue number

Rule applied: APA 7th Edition, Section 9.31 on periodical references

Example 2: A student is preparing a reference list for their research paper and mistakenly formats the volume and issue numbers of a journal article incorrectly.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of social media on communication. Journal of Communication, 10(3), 45-60.

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of social media on communication. Journal of Communication, 10(3), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/joc.2020.1234567

What changed:
- Added the DOI at the end of the citation
- Ensured correct placement of volume and issue numbers
- Verified that the journal title is italicized correctly

Rule applied: APA 7th edition guidelines for citing journal articles, including the inclusion of DOI for electronic articles

Example 3: A student was preparing a literature review and cited a journal article but mistakenly omitted the issue number, which is necessary for proper citation.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2021). The effects of climate change on urban ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15, 45-67.

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2021). The effects of climate change on urban ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(2), 45-67.

What changed:
- Added the issue number (2) in parentheses after the volume number (15)
- Ensured correct formatting with parentheses around the issue number
- Maintained the page range without changes

Rule applied: APA Publication Manual, 7th Edition, Section 10.2 for journal article citations

Example 4: A student is writing a research paper and cites a journal article. They mistakenly format the volume and issue numbers incorrectly.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2022). The effects of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 15(3), 234-250.

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2022). The effects of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 15(3), 234-250.

What changed:

Rule applied: APA 7th edition guidelines for journal articles state that the volume number should be italicized and the issue number should be in parentheses immediately following the volume number, without italics.

Example 5: A graduate student is compiling a literature review and incorrectly formats the citation for a journal article, particularly the volume and issue numbers.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of climate change on urban development. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(3, 45-67).

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of climate change on urban development. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(3), 45-67.

What changed:
- Added a comma before the page range
- Ensured correct placement of the issue number within parentheses

Rule applied: APA 7th edition guidelines for journal article citations

Example Summary

Related Validation Guides

Check Other Elements:

Complete Checking Guides:

• Complete Citation Checking Guide → /guides/
• Reference List Validation → /how-to-check-reference-list-apa/

Related Errors:

Source-Specific Guides:

Last Updated: October 28, 2025
Reading Time: 9 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the volume number represent in APA citations?

In APA citations, the volume number indicates the specific collection of issues published within a certain timeframe, usually a year. For journals, each volume typically corresponds to a year of publication, and each volume can contain multiple issues. For example, if you cite an article from Volume 25, it means it is part of the collection that was released throughout that particular year. Always check the journal's guidelines to confirm how they structure their volumes and issues, as this can vary. For more details on this topic, you can visit the official APA Style website.

How do I find the volume number for an article?

To find the volume number for a specific article, you can start by checking the journal's official website or the database where you accessed the article. Most academic databases display the volume and issue numbers in the citation information. Additionally, the article's PDF or print version often includes this information on the first page or in the header or footer. If you're using a citation management tool, it may also provide this information automatically. If you are uncertain, you can cross-reference with other articles from the same journal for consistency. For further guidance, consult the APA Style website.

What should I do if an article does not have a volume number?

If an article does not have a volume number, it is important to check if it is from a publication that does not use volumes, such as some online-only journals or newsletters. In such cases, you can omit the volume number from your citation. Instead, focus on including the issue number, publication date, and page range if available. Make sure to follow APA guidelines closely and ensure that all other citation elements are accurate. You can refer to the APA Style manual for detailed instructions on citing such sources.

Can I include the volume number in my reference list if it's not specified in the article?

No, you should not include a volume number in your reference list if it is not specified in the article. Including incorrect information can mislead your readers and undermine your credibility as a researcher. If the article does not provide a volume number, you should simply follow APA guidelines and cite the article as is, without adding any information that isn't provided. Always prioritize accuracy in your citations, as this is critical for academic integrity. For more information on proper citation practices, you can check the APA Style website.

What if I need to cite a source with multiple volumes?

When citing a source with multiple volumes, you should specify the volume number you are referencing in your citation. Format it as follows: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the work. Publisher. Volume number. If you are citing a specific chapter or section from a multi-volume work, include the specific volume in your citation. For example, if you are citing Volume 2 of a multi-volume book, your citation will look like this: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of chapter. In Editor E. E. (Ed.), Title of work (Vol. 2, pp. xx-xx). Publisher. For detailed citation guidelines for multi-volume works, please visit the APA Style website.

Are volume and issue numbers always required in APA citations?

Volume and issue numbers are generally required in APA citations for journal articles. However, if the journal does not use volume and issue numbers or if the article is from a non-periodical source such as a book or a report, these elements are not necessary. For example, when citing a book, you would not include volume or issue numbers. It is crucial to follow the specific citation format for the type of source you are using. For additional information and examples, you can refer to the APA Style guidelines, which provide clarity on when to include these elements.