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COMM 495: Communication Studies Capstone Course

A Library Subject Guide

APA Citation Examples

Journal Article from a Library Database:

If there is a DOI: 

Author last name, author first initial. (Year). Article title. Journal title, volume(issue), pages. DOI

Sagarin, B. J., & Lawler-Sagarin, K. A. (2005). Critically evaluating competing theories: An exercise based on the Kitty Genovese murder.Teaching of Psychology, 32(3), 167–169. http://doi.org/10.1207/s15328023top3203_8


If there is no DOI, then use the home page of the journal website:

Author last name, author first initial. (Year). Article title. Journal title, volume(issue), pages. Retrieved from journal home page

Reitzes, D. C., & Mutran, E. J. (2004). The transition to retirement: Stages and factors that influence retirement adjustment. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 59(1), 63-84. Retrieved from http://www.baywood.com/journals/PreviewJournals.asp?Id=0091-4150

Ebook from a Library Database:

If there is a DOI: 

Author last name, author first initial. (Year). Ebook titleDOI

Chaffe-Stengel, P., & Stengel, D. (2012). Working with sample data: Exploration and inference. http://doi.org/10.4128/9781606492147


If there is no DOI, then use the home page of the database:

Author last name, author first initial. (Year). Ebook title. Retrieved from database home page

​Miller, L. (2008). Careers for nature lovers & other outdoor types. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com

Interviews, E-mails, and other Personal Communications:

APA does not require that you cite personal communications (such as interviews you've conducted) in your reference list. Instead, give only an in-text citation using the following model: 

Joe Smith (personal communication, November 18, 2006) informed me that the server had crashed several hours ago.

Webpage:

Author last name, author first initial. (Date). Article title. Retrieved from website address.

McCombs, M. & Shaw, D.L. (2010). Agenda setting theory. Retrieved from http://communicationtheory.org/agenda-setting-theory/

For more examples of APA citations, see the library's APA Citation Examples guide.