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APA 7 Referencing

Find out how to cite and reference using APA 7

This library guide will show you how to correctly use the APA 7th edition referencing style. Topics covered include how and when to reference, understanding and avoiding plagiarism, and reference management. Find examples of the different types of references under "How to Reference in APA7".

 

 

What is referencing?

When writing an essay or report at university level, you are expected to support or back up your arguments by citing published work. These published works can include journal articles, books, textbooks, online sources, videos, newspaper articles and more. Referencing is the system by which you keep track of and give credit to the sources you have mentioned in your essay.

In APA, every reference has two parts. They are:
1. An in-text citation in the body of your essay.
2. A reference in a list at the end of your essay.

         

What is APA?

APA is a referencing style invented by the American Psychological Association. It is a popular style most commonly used in the Social Sciences disciplines, which include psychology, sociology, education, and more. The style was most recently revised in 2019, and is now on its 7th edition. Referencing styles are revised for many reasons including to incorporate new types of references, such as online resources.

When do I need to reference in my essay?

You need to reference in your essay every time you mention someone else's work. You do this by including an in-text citation and corresponding full reference at the end of your essay.

That means that you need to reference when you include a direct quotation, when you paraphrase a passage from a book or article in your sentence, when you mention an idea you read or when you mention a statistic or definition you came across.

You need to include a reference even if the source is not a book or journal article - websites, blogs, YouTube videos, social media posts, news sites and reports also need to be referenced. Click on the "How to Reference in APA7" tab above to see examples of different types of references.

Why do I need to reference?

There are three main reasons to reference:

  • To avoid plagiarism; referencing correctly means you are acknowledging the source of your work and another author’s idea. It ensures that you aren't passing off an idea as your own without due credit.

 

  • So your reader can consult the work you have referenced. If you specify which text you are referencing and by which author, then whoever is reading your essay can go and find it themselves.

 

  • To show the scope of your research.