How to Cite a Journal Article in APA Format (7th Edition)

Complete guide to citing journal articles in APA 7. Includes format rules, examples for different article types, and common error fixes.

Quick Reference

Use this basic format for Journal Article citations:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Source Name.

Basic Format Explanation

Introduction to APA Journal Article Citation Format

The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is widely used for academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. Understanding how to format journal article citations in APA 7th edition is crucial for ensuring your work is credible and properly attributed. This guide provides an overview of the rules, along with practical examples, to help you master APA citation for journal articles.

Author Formatting

In APA 7th edition, the author’s name is an essential part of the citation. Here’s how to format it correctly:

Single Author

For a single author, you will list the last name followed by a comma and the initials of the first and middle names. The initials should be separated by periods but not by spaces.

Example:
- Correct: Smith, J. A.
- Incorrect: Smith, J A.

Multiple Authors

When citing works with multiple authors, the format changes slightly. For up to 20 authors, list the names of all authors separated by commas, with an ampersand (&) before the last author.

Example:
- Correct: Wang, L. Y., & Johnson, M. R.
- Incorrect: Wang, L. Y. Johnson, M. R.

Why This Matters

Inverting the author’s name (last name first) and using initials helps maintain consistency in reference lists, making them easier to read and organize alphabetically. This is especially important for readers who may want to locate the original source.

Publication Year

In APA 7, the publication year is placed in parentheses immediately after the author's name. This is a crucial part of the citation as it indicates when the work was published, allowing readers to assess the timeliness of the information.

Example:
- Correct: Smith, J. A. (2020).
- Incorrect: Smith, J. A. (Year 2020).

Works in Press

For works that have been accepted for publication but are not yet published, use the phrase "(in press)" instead of a year. This indicates that the work is forthcoming and has been formally accepted.

Example:
- Correct: Johnson, M. R. (in press).
- Incorrect: Johnson, M. R. (2023, in press).

Importance of Publication Year

The publication year helps readers determine how current the research is. In rapidly evolving fields, such as psychology and education, recent studies may be more relevant than older ones.

Title Formatting

Article Titles

In APA 7, article titles must be in sentence case. This means that only the first word of the title, the first word after a colon, and any proper nouns should be capitalized.

Example:
- Correct: The effects of exercise on mental health: A review of the literature.
- Incorrect: The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health: A Review of the Literature.

Journal Titles

For journal titles, use title case. This means that all major words, including nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, are capitalized. Minor words, such as articles and conjunctions, are left in lowercase unless they are the first or last word.

Example:
- Correct: Journal of Applied Psychology
- Incorrect: journal of applied psychology

Why Title Formatting Matters

Properly formatting titles is essential for clarity and professionalism in your writing. It ensures that your readers can easily distinguish between the article and journal titles, enhancing the readability of your citations.

Journal and Volume Information

When citing a journal article, include the title of the journal, followed by the volume number, issue number (if applicable), and page range. This information helps readers locate the article easily.

Volume and Issue

The volume number is italicized, while the issue number is placed in parentheses, not italicized. Both are followed by a comma, after which the page range is listed.

Example:
- Correct: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 132(4), 456-468.
- Incorrect: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 132, (4)456-468.

Importance of Journal Information

Including this information is critical for readers who may want to find the original article. It provides a complete reference that can be used to locate the source easily.

DOI and URLs

In APA 7, it’s essential to include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL if available. This provides a direct link to the article, making it easier for readers to access the material.

Example with DOI:
- Chen, L., & Williams, K. (2023). The impact of social media on adolescent mental health: A longitudinal study. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 132(4), 456-468. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000789

Why Include a DOI or URL?

Providing a DOI or a URL is crucial in today’s digital age, as it allows readers to access the source material directly. It enhances the reliability and credibility of your citations.

Common Pitfalls and Practical Tips

  1. Inconsistent Formatting: Always double-check your formatting for author names, titles, and publication years. Consistency is key in APA style.

  2. Neglecting DOIs/URLs: Always include a DOI or URL if available. Omitting this can make it difficult for readers to find your source.

  3. Misusing Sentence Case: Remember that article titles are in sentence case while journal names are in title case. This is a common mistake that can detract from your citations.

  4. Skipping Page Numbers: Don’t forget to include page ranges for journal articles. This information is critical for locating specific content within the journal.

  5. Checking Your Year: Ensure you’re using the publication year, not the copyright year. This can often be a point of confusion.

Conclusion

Correctly formatting journal article citations in APA 7th edition is essential for maintaining the credibility and professionalism of your academic work. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, clear, and easy to read. Remember to pay attention to author formatting, publication years, title casing, journal information, and including DOIs or URLs. With practice, you'll become proficient in APA style, enhancing the quality of your academic writing.

Reference List Examples

The impact of social media on adolescent mental health: A longitudinal study

Reference List Format:

Chen, L., & Williams, K. (2023). The impact of social media on adolescent mental health: A longitudinal study. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 132(4), 456-468. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000789

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Chen & Williams, 2023)
- Narrative: Chen and Williams (2023)

Remote learning effectiveness during COVID-19: A meta-analysis

Reference List Format:

Johnson, M. R., Davis, S. L., & Thompson, A. K. (2022). Remote learning effectiveness during COVID-19: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 92(3), 412-445. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543221075623

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Johnson et al., 2022)
- Narrative: Johnson, Davis, and Thompson (2022)

Nurse burnout and patient safety: The mediating role of working conditions

Reference List Format:

Garcia, E. M. (2021). Nurse burnout and patient safety: The mediating role of working conditions. Journal of Nursing Administration, 51(7), 389-395. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001015

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Garcia, 2021)
- Narrative: Garcia (2021)

Remote work productivity: A multi-site analysis of Fortune 500 companies

Reference List Format:

Anderson, R. L., Brown, T. S., Clark, J. R., Davis, M. K., Evans, S. L., Foster, N. P., & Miller, L. Q. (2023). Remote work productivity: A multi-site analysis of Fortune 500 companies. Journal of Business Research, 158(2), 113456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113456

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Anderson et al., 2023)
- Narrative: Anderson et al. (2023)

Trauma-informed care in child welfare services: Outcomes from a five-year study

Reference List Format:

Martinez, S. H., & O'Brien, K. L. (2022). Trauma-informed care in child welfare services: Outcomes from a five-year study. Child Welfare, 101(1), 23-41. https://doi.org/10.1177/0009392022112345

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Martinez & O'Brien, 2022)
- Narrative: Martinez and O'Brien (2022)

Cognitive decline in aging: The role of physical exercise

Reference List Format:

Thompson, C. R., Lee, J. H., Wang, Y., Anderson, M. D., & Singh, P. K. (2020). Cognitive decline in aging: The role of physical exercise. Neuropsychology, 34(7), 892-904. https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000654

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Thompson et al., 2020)
- Narrative: Thompson et al. (2020)

Implicit bias in hiring decisions: A meta-analytic review

Reference List Format:

Wilson, E. J., Park, S. M., & Rodriguez, L. A. (2021). Implicit bias in hiring decisions: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 106(8), 1123-1145. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000987

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Wilson et al., 2021)
- Narrative: Wilson, Park, and Rodriguez (2021)

Growth mindset interventions in elementary mathematics

Reference List Format:

Taylor, A. M. (2023). Growth mindset interventions in elementary mathematics. Journal of Educational Psychology, 115(3), 567-582. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000723

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Taylor, 2023)
- Narrative: Taylor (2023)

Cultural competence in teacher preparation programs

Reference List Format:

Patel, R. K., Nguyen, T. L., Williams, J. H., Brown, C. M., & Davis, S. R. (2022). Cultural competence in teacher preparation programs. Teaching and Teacher Education, 117, 103712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103712

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Patel et al., 2022)
- Narrative: Patel et al. (2022)

Evidence-based practice implementation in intensive care units

Reference List Format:

Kim, S. H., O'Connor, M. P., & Wilson, R. T. (2020). Evidence-based practice implementation in intensive care units. Critical Care Nurse, 40(6), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2020897

In-Text Citations:
- Parenthetical: (Kim et al., 2020)
- Narrative: Kim, O'Connor, and Wilson (2020)

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Create a Journal Article Citation in APA 7th Edition

Creating a citation for a journal article in APA 7th edition can seem daunting, but by following a step-by-step process, you can master it with ease. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you understand the details required for a proper citation.

What You Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify the Author(s)
    - Action: Locate the author’s name from the article. It is usually found at the top of the article.
    - Verification: Ensure you can see the author’s full name (first and last) clearly stated. If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they appear.
    - Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: If there are multiple authors, take note of only the first author's full name for now; you will format the rest later.

  2. Format the Author’s Name
    - Action: Invert the author's name by placing the last name first, followed by a comma and the initials of the first and middle names (if applicable).
    - Verification: Check that you have correctly added periods between initials and have no spaces. For example: Smith, J.A.
    - Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Write down all authors in the proper format as you find them, especially if there are many.

  3. Locate the Publication Year
    - Action: Find the publication year of the article, which is typically located near the author’s name.
    - Verification: Confirm that you are using the actual publication year and not a copyright year (if applicable).
    - Time Estimate: 1 minute.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Jot down the year next to the author's name as you find it.

  4. Format the Publication Year
    - Action: Enclose the year in parentheses and follow it with a period. For example: (2023).
    - Verification: Make sure the parentheses are correctly placed around the year.
    - Time Estimate: 1 minute.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Use the same line to note this next to the author’s name.

  5. Write the Article Title
    - Action: Write down the title of the article as it appears in the source. Remember to use sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and proper nouns.
    - Verification: Ensure that you have not capitalized every word and that you follow the sentence case rule.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Quickly scan the article for the title and write it down in one go to avoid missing any key details.

  6. Identify the Journal Title
    - Action: Find the title of the journal, which is often displayed prominently at the top of the article.
    - Verification: Ensure the journal title is distinct from the article title and is correctly stated.
    - Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Check the table of contents or the header of the article for quick access to the journal title.

  7. Format the Journal Title
    - Action: Write the journal title in title case (capitalize major words). For example: Journal of Educational Psychology.
    - Verification: Double-check that all major words are capitalized and that minor words are lowercase unless they are at the beginning or end of the title.
    - Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Use a consistent format for titles; you might copy a format you like from other references.

  8. Complete the Citation with Additional Details
    - Action: Add the volume number (italicized), issue number (in parentheses, not italicized), page range, and DOI (if available). Format it as follows: Volume(Issue), Pages. DOI.
    - Verification: Check that all elements are present and formatted correctly. For example: 12(4), 123-134. https://doi.org/abc123.
    - Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: If you have a DOI, it’s often included on the article page; copy it directly to avoid typos.

Common Errors for Journal Article Citations

Article Title Title Case Error

The Error:

The Impact Of Social Media On Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study

The Fix:

The impact of social media on adolescent mental health: A longitudinal study

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Capitalize only the first word of the title in sentence case format', 'Capitalize the first word after a colon in the subtitle', 'Capitalize all proper nouns and proper adjectives throughout the title', 'Leave all other words lowercase including articles and prepositions']

Journal Title Sentence Case Error

The Error:

Journal of clinical psychology

The Fix:

Journal of Clinical Psychology

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Capitalize all major words in the journal title including verbs and adjectives', 'Capitalize the first and last words of the journal title', 'Keep articles, short prepositions, and conjunctions lowercase unless first/last', 'Italicize the entire journal title including subtitle and volume number']

Book Title Sentence Case Error

The Error:

The psychology of learning and motivation

The Fix:

The Psychology of Learning and Motivation

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Capitalize all major words in the book title including verbs and adjectives', 'Capitalize first and last words of the book title without exception', 'Keep minor words lowercase unless they are first or last in title', 'Apply same rule to subtitle words following the colon']

Proper Noun Capitalization Error

The Error:

Research conducted at harvard university showed promising results

The Fix:

Research conducted at Harvard University showed promising results

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Identify all proper nouns in the title including names of people', 'Ensure names of places, organizations, and institutions are capitalized', 'Capitalize specific geographic names and locations mentioned', 'Maintain capitalization of brand names and historical events referenced']

Subtitle Capitalization Error

The Error:

Social development in early childhood: theoretical perspectives

The Fix:

Social development in early childhood: Theoretical perspectives

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Locate all colons in the title that separate main title from subtitle', 'Capitalize the first word immediately following each colon without exception', 'Apply sentence case or title case rules to remaining subtitle words appropriately', 'Ensure subtitle capitalization matches the type of title case being used']

Acronym Capitalization Error

The Error:

The role of cdc guidelines in pandemic response

The Fix:

The role of CDC guidelines in pandemic response

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Identify well-known acronyms like CDC, NASA, APA, FBI that are widely recognized', 'Keep these acronyms in all capitals regardless of sentence case rules', 'For lesser-known acronyms, follow standard usage or title case rules', 'Check if acronym is commonly written in all caps in professional contexts']

Website Title Case Error

The Error:

Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech

The Fix:

Pew research center: Internet, science & tech

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Use sentence case for most website titles in APA 7 citations', 'Capitalize first word and proper nouns only in website titles', 'Exception: use title case for standalone web works like online books', 'Check if the web content is a container or standalone work']

Report Title Case Error

The Error:

The State of Mental Health in America: A 2023 Report

The Fix:

The state of mental health in America: A 2023 report

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Use sentence case for report titles following APA 7 guidelines', 'Capitalize first word, words after colons, and proper nouns only', 'Treat reports like articles rather than books for capitalization', 'Check if report is part of larger series or standalone work']

Conference Paper Title Case Error

The Error:

Artificial Intelligence in Psychological Assessment: Current Applications

The Fix:

Artificial intelligence in psychological assessment: Current applications

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Use sentence case for conference paper titles in reference lists', 'Capitalize first word, words after colons, and proper nouns only', 'Treat conference papers as articles within conference proceedings', 'Apply same capitalization rules as journal articles to conference papers']

Blog Post Title Case Error

The Error:

Mindfulness Practices for Stress Reduction: A Beginner's Guide

The Fix:

Mindfulness practices for stress reduction: A beginner's guide

Why This Happens:

How to Avoid It: ['Use sentence case for blog post titles in APA 7 citations', 'Capitalize first word, words after colons, and proper nouns only', 'Treat blog posts as articles within websites for capitalization', 'Apply same rules as journal articles to blog post titles']

Validation Checklist

Before submitting your Journal Article citation, verify:

Special Cases

Understanding Special Cases and Edge Cases in APA Citations for Journal Articles

Citing journal articles in APA format can seem straightforward, but several special cases and edge cases can arise that require careful attention. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of these scenarios according to the APA 7th edition guidelines. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent, which is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and credibility.

Single Author Citations

In APA format, the general rule for citing a single author is to list the last name followed by a comma and the author's initials. For example:

Correct Format:
Smith, J.D. (2020). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, 12(3), 45-67. https://doi.org/xxxx

Special Case: Two Initials

When an author has a first and middle name, both initials must be included. For example:

Example:
Doe, J.A. (2021). Exploring the nuances of citation styles. Journal of Writing Research, 15(2), 25-30. https://doi.org/xxxx

Pitfall: Omitting the middle initial can lead to confusion with other authors who may have similar last names and first initials. Always ensure to include both initials to maintain clarity.

Multiple Authors

When a journal article has multiple authors, the citation format changes slightly. For works with up to 20 authors, all authors' names should be listed. For example:

Correct Format:
Brown, L., Green, M., & White, R. (2019). Collaborative writing strategies in higher education. International Journal of Education, 10(4), 123-134. https://doi.org/xxxx

Special Case: More Than 20 Authors

If an article has more than 20 authors, list the first 19 authors, followed by an ellipsis (...), and then the final author's name.

Example:
Johnson, A., Smith, B., Cooper, C., Lee, D., Patel, E., Thomas, F., ... Williams, G. (2022). Innovations in educational technology. Journal of Technology in Education, 8(1), 78-90. https://doi.org/xxxx

Tip: Always ensure the ellipsis is used correctly; it should only replace the authors' names, not the spacing.

Publication Year

In APA 7th edition, the publication year is crucial and is placed immediately following the author's name in parentheses.

Correct Format:
Garcia, R. (2018). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 30(2), 150-162. https://doi.org/xxxx

Special Case: In Press

For articles that have been accepted for publication but not yet published, use "(in press)" instead of a year. This indicates to the reader that the work is forthcoming.

Example:
Martinez, S. (in press). The role of critical thinking in modern education. Journal of Learning Theory.

Pitfall: It's important to note that "(in press)" should only be used for works that have been formally accepted for publication, not just submitted. Failing to adhere to this can mislead readers about the publication status.

Article Titles and Journal Titles

Article Titles

APA 7 requires article titles to be in sentence case. This means that only the first word of the title, the first word of the subtitle, and any proper nouns are capitalized.

Correct Format:
Smith, T. (2021). Understanding the effects of climate change on marine life. Marine Biology Journal, 45(3), 200-215. https://doi.org/xxxx

Journal Titles

In contrast, journal titles must be formatted in title case, meaning that all major words are capitalized.

Correct Format:
Smith, T. (2021). Understanding the effects of climate change on marine life. Marine Biology Journal, 45(3), 200-215. https://doi.org/xxxx

Common Pitfall: It is easy to confuse the title case and sentence case rules. Always double-check that the article title follows sentence case while the journal title adheres to title case.

Special Cases for Online Sources

With the rise of online publications, certain special cases arise. For instance, if an online journal article does not have a DOI but is retrieved from a website, include the URL.

Example:
Khan, L. (2020). The influence of online learning on student engagement. Journal of Online Learning, 12(1), 45-60. Retrieved from http://www.journalofonlinelearning.com/article

Special Case: No Author

If a journal article has no identifiable author, begin the citation with the title of the article.

Example:
Understanding the impacts of technology on learning. (2021). Journal of Educational Research, 15(2), 30-35. https://doi.org/xxxx

Conclusion: Why These Rules Matter

Following the APA citation rules is not just about adhering to academic standards; it's about ensuring clarity and consistency in your writing. Proper citations allow readers to locate your sources easily, lend credibility to your work, and help you avoid plagiarism.

Practical Tips

  1. Use Citation Management Tools: Consider using tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to help manage your references and format them correctly.
  2. Double-Check Your Work: Always proofread your citations against the APA manual or reliable online resources to ensure accuracy.
  3. Stay Updated: Citation rules can evolve, so it’s important to stay informed about changes in guidelines.

By paying close attention to these special cases and edge cases in APA citations, you can enhance the quality of your academic writing and contribute to a clear and professional presentation of your research.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a journal article in APA format with multiple authors?

When citing a journal article in APA format that has multiple authors, the format depends on the number of authors. For works with one to twenty authors, list all authors' last names followed by their initials. For example: Smith, J. A., & Jones, B. C. (2020). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, 12(3), 45-67. If the article has more than twenty authors, list the first 19 authors, followed by an ellipsis (...) and then the last author's name without an ampersand. It's essential to ensure that the order of authors is the same as in the original publication. For detailed guidance, refer to the APA Publication Manual (7th edition) or the APA Style website's citation guide.

What if a journal article has no DOI? How should I cite it?

If a journal article does not have a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), you should include the URL of the journal's homepage if you accessed it online, or you may simply omit the DOI or URL if the article is from a print source. The citation should still include all other relevant information, such as the authors, publication year, article title, journal title, volume number, and page numbers. For example: Smith, J. A. (2020). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, 12(3), 45-67. If you're citing a print source, you can conclude the citation after the page numbers. For more on this topic, see the APA Style website's FAQs on DOI and URL usage.

How do I format the title of a journal article in my citation?

In APA format, the title of a journal article should be in sentence case, meaning you only capitalize the first word of the title, the first word of any subtitle, and any proper nouns. For example: Title of the article: Understanding the effects of climate change on marine life. The title should not be italicized or placed in quotation marks. However, the title of the journal is italicized and in title case, where all major words are capitalized. For instance: Title of the Journal. This distinction helps readers quickly identify the article and its source. For additional details, the APA Style website offers a comprehensive guide to formatting titles.

What should I do if I can't find the publication year of a journal article?

If you cannot find the publication year of a journal article, you can indicate that the year is not available by using 'n.d.' for 'no date' in your citation. For example, if you know the author and title but not the year, your citation would look like this: Smith, J. A. (n.d.). Title of the article. Title of the Journal. However, it is important to make every effort to find the publication date, as it is a crucial part of the citation. You might check library databases, Google Scholar, or the journal's website for more information. For further assistance, consult the APA Style website's resources on citing sources without dates.

How do I cite a journal article with a subtitle in APA format?

When citing a journal article with a subtitle in APA format, you should separate the title and subtitle with a colon. The title is written in sentence case, meaning only the first word of the title, the first word of the subtitle, and any proper nouns are capitalized. For instance, if the title is 'Exploring the depths: A study of ocean currents', your citation would appear as follows: Smith, J. A. (2020). Exploring the depths: A study of ocean currents. Title of the Journal, 12(3), 45-67. Remember that the journal title should be in title case and italicized. For further details on formatting, refer to the APA Style manual or their online citation guide.

Can I use a citation management tool to help with APA formatting?

Yes, citation management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote can help you format your APA citations accurately. These tools allow you to input your references, and they can automatically generate citations in the APA format. However, while these tools can save time, it’s crucial to double-check the generated citations for accuracy, especially with complex sources like journal articles with multiple authors or specific formatting requirements. Always refer to the latest APA guidelines to ensure compliance. For more information on using citation tools effectively, the APA Style website provides helpful resources and tips.

Last Updated: 2025-10-13
Reading Time: 10 minutes

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