The value of journals in academic writing extends beyond their function as a channel of communication and a repository of records. The majority of research materials are published as journal articles, and a researcher’s performance and productivity are typically assessed based on both the quantity and quality of publications. This article discusses how to cite a journal article in the 6th edition of the APA style and the different types you can use as research sources.
Definition: APA 6th edition journal article citation
The APA 6th edition journal article citation style uses the author-date style. A page number must be included in the APA 6th edition journal article citation when directly quoting from a text, as shown in the instances throughout this article.
Journals are typically reliable since a peer review is a part of their publication process, which helps to ensure their accuracy and contribution to their disciplines. Mastering the APA 6th edition journal article citation technique is essential in ensuring your paper is properly referenced.
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APA 6th edition journal article citation: Basic format
Parenthetical APA 6th edition journal article citation in the text and complete references in the reference list are the two types of APA 6th edition journal article citation. There are distinct APA 6th edition journal article citation requirements that apply to each journal publication.
Include the digital object identifier (DOI) if it is available in the journal article. If there is no DOI and you read the article online, include the homepage web address of the journal where the article was published in your reference.
Format: | Last name, initials. (Year of publication). Title of journal article. Journal name, Volume(Issue or number), Page number(s). DOI/URL |
Reference List Entry: | Lowrie, T. (2009). National numeracy tests: A graphic tells a thousand words. Australian Journal of Education, 53(2), 141-158. https://doi.org/10.7560/IT6578 |
APA 6th Edition Journal Article Citation – In-Text Citation: | (Lowrie, 2009) |
Online journal articles
A DOI is a series of numbers, characters, and symbols used in APA formatting to uniquely identify an article or document and provide an online connection to it.
Your reader will find a document from your APA 6th edition journal article citation more quickly with the aid of a DOI. If an article has a DOI, always mention it in the APA journal citation. Simply omit the DOI when using a database or print version of an article that doesn’t have a DOI.
APA 6th edition journal article citation: Unpublished articles
When something is published, it is made publicly available. The phrase is typically used to refer to text and graphics, though particular usage may differ by country. Publications and journals may be released in print, online, or a combination of both. Here’s how to cite and reference different types of journals.
Unpublished article
There are times when the most valuable research paper is available to you in an unpublished form rather than in a peer-reviewed published journal. Use other peer-reviewed publications where you can, but if there aren’t any, you can use something else. You could always use a pre-press copy from the author if there aren’t any published research reports.
Before submitting your final paper or thesis, confirm that the piece has been published. If it has, look at the version that has been published and make any changes suggested by the editors during the peer-review process.
Format: | Last name, initials. (Year). Title of the manuscript. Unpublished manuscript [or "manuscript submitted for publication," or "Manuscript in preparation"]. |
Reference List Entry: | Sloane, A. (2018). The dissolving self: Dementia and identity in philosophical theology. Unpublished manuscript. |
APA 6th Edition Journal Article Citation – In-Text Citation: | (Sloane, 2018) |
Article submitted for publication
A manuscript is initially written and submitted to a journal for publication. Once the editor is satisfied with the amended manuscript and formally accepts it for publication, it typically undergoes one or more rounds of peer review, resulting to significant revisions of the original text.
Format: | Last name, initials. (Year). Title of manuscript [Manuscript submitted for publication]. University Department, University Name. |
Reference List Entry: | Castle, R. (2012). Shadowing a police officer: How to be unobtrusive while solving cases in spectacular fashion. Manuscript submitted for publication, Department of Medicine, University of Seattle. |
APA 6th Edition Journal Article Citation – In-Text Citation: | (Castle, 2012) |
Article in press
The status of the journal switches to “in press” as soon as it is approved for publication, at which point you can cite it by name.
Format: | Last name, initials. (In press). Title of manuscript [Manuscript in press]. Journal name. |
Reference List Entry: | Castle, R. (in press). Shadowing a police officer: How to be unobtrusive while solving cases in spectacular fashion. Professional Writers’ Journal. |
APA 6th Edition Journal Article Citation – In-Text Citation: | (Castle, 2012) |
APA 6th edition journal article citation: Journal special issues
A special issue is a compilation of papers within the scope of a journal that focus on a particular area of topical research. These issues offer a forum for inwaistcoatigation into developing fields, spotlight significant subdisciplines, or outline novel interdisciplinary applications.
Format: | Last ame, initials. (Ed. or eds.). (Year). Title of the issue [Special issue]. The journal name, volume(Issue). |
Reference List Entry: | Haney, C., & Wiener, R. L. (Eds.). (2004). Capital punishment in the United States [Special issue]. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 10(2) 4. |
APA 6th Edition Journal Article Citation – In-Text Citation: | (Haney & Wiener, 2004) |
FAQs
The APA reference entry should include the DOI at the very end. When following the rules of the APA 6th edition journal article citation, “doi:” comes before the DOI.
When using APA format, observe the author-date style in your in-text citation.
The experimental report, sometimes known as a research report, and the litreature review are the two most typical sorts of publications prepared in scientific disciplines using APA 6th edition journal article citation.