In APA style, when citing a source with multiple authors in the text, you follow specific guidelines depending on the number of authors. Here are the rules for in-text citations with multiple authors:
Two Authors: When a source has two authors, include both authors’ last names separated by an ampersand (&) in the parenthetical citation. In the narrative citation, use “and” between the authors’ names.
- Parenthetical citation: (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
- Narrative citation: Smith and Johnson (2020) found that…
Three or More Authors: For sources with three or more authors, the first citation includes all authors’ last names separated by commas and then an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. Subsequent citations and all parenthetical citations include only the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”
- First citation (narrative): Smith, Johnson, and Williams (2020) argued…
- First citation (parenthetical): (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020)
- Subsequent citations (narrative or parenthetical): Smith et al. (2020)
Six or More Authors: If a source has six or more authors, the first citation (whether narrative or parenthetical) includes only the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” and the year.
- Parenthetical citation: (Smith et al., 2020)
- Narrative citation: Smith et al. (2020) demonstrated…
No Authors: When a source lacks an author, use the title in the signal phrase or the first few words of the title in the parenthetical citation, along with the year.
- Parenthetical citation: (“Title of the Article,” 2020)
- Narrative citation: “Title of the Article” (2020) showed…
Group Authors: For sources with group authors (e.g., organizations, government agencies), use the full name in the first citation if it will not cause confusion. If the name is long, it may be shortened in subsequent citations.
- First citation: (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020)
- Subsequent citations: (NIMH, 2020)
Remember, APA style guidelines can evolve, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association or the APA Style website for the most current information on citation styles and formatting.
