Using journal articles in your APA research paper strengthens your research. There are many ways to find journal articles, including through databases and web searches. An APA journal citation follows the basic periodical format. Remember to include the URL or DOI if you use electronic sources.
Journal Articles Print Citation Format
The APA format for citing a journal article follows a basic author-date format. Remember to use an ampersand (&), not the word “and,” when citing an article with multiple authors.
One Author Citation Format
Author, A.A. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal, xx, pp-pp.
Example
Luzinski, C. (2011). Introducing the official leadership journal of the Magnet®
recognition program. Journal of Nursing Administration, 41(10), 389-
390.
Example
Powell, L. C. (1959). Librarians and their books. Saturday Review, 42, 17.
Example
Adams, K. (2000). Loveless frump as hip and sexy party girl: A reevaluation of the old-maid
stereotype. Library Quarterly, 70(3), 287-301.
Multiple Author Citation Format
Author, A.A, Author, B.B.,& Author, C.C. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal, xx, pp-pp.
Example
Korbin, J. & Young, J. (2003). The cognitive equivalence of reading comprehension test items via computerized and paper-and-pencil administration. Applied Measurement in Education, 16(2), 115 – 140.
Example
Mangen, A., Walgermo, B. R., & Brønnick, K. (2012). Reading linear texts on paper versus computer screen: Effects on reading comprehension. International Journal of Education Research, 58, 61-68.
Example
Holst, R., Funk, C. J., Adams, H. S., Bandy, M., Boss, C. M., Hill, B., Joseph, C. B., & Lett, R. K. (2009). Vital pathways for hospital librarians: Present and future roles. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 97(4), 285- 292.
Online Journal Citation Format
The APA format for citing a journal is slightly different if the source is online. You must include either the DOI or the URL.
One Author (DOI)
Author, A.A. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal, xx, pp-pp. doi: xx.xxxxxxxx (if assigned)
Example
Hyde, J.S. (2005). The gender similarities hypothesis. American Psychologist, 60, 581-592. doi: 10.1037/0003-066/x.60.6.581
Multiple Authors (DOI)
Author, A.A, Author, B.B.,& Author, C.C. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal, xx, pp-pp. doi: xx.xxxxxxxx (if assigned)
Example
Kretzschmar, F., Pleimling, D., Hosemann, J., Füssel, S., Bornkessel-Schlesewsky, & Schlesewsky, M. (2013). Subjective impressions do not mirror online reading effort: Concurrent EEG-eyetracking evidence from the reading of books and digital media. PLoS ONE 8(2). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0056178
Single Author Citation (URL)
Author, A.A. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal, xx, pp-pp. Retrieved from https://.www.xxxxxxxxxx
Example
Newmyer, J. (1976). The image problem of the librarian: Femininity and social control. The Journal of Library History, 11(1), 44-67. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25540671
Example
Milliot, Jim (2014, April). Print, digital book sales settle down. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industrynews/publisher-news/article/62031-print-digital-settle-down.html
Multiple Author Citation (URL)
Author, A.A, Author, B.B.,& Author, C.C. (year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, xx, pp-pp. Retrieved from https://.www.xxxxxxxxxx
Example
Peresie, M. & Alexander, L. B. (2005). Librarian stereotypes in young adult literature. Young Adult Library Services, 4(1), 24. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/YALSA/YALSA.htm
Example
Margolin, S. J., Driscoll, C., Toland, M. J., & Kegler, J. L. (2013). E-readers, computer screens, or paper: Does reading comprehension change across media platforms? Wiley Online Library. doi:10.1002/acp.2930
Format Tips and Guidelines
As you begin to write an APA citation for a journal article, keep these key rules in mind:
- Do not place a period after the URL or DOI.
- Double space all entries in your reference list.
- For the names of authors, use the full last name, but only the initials for the first and middle names.
- Include “Retrieved from” before the website URL.
- Use a DOI, if available.
- Use hanging indents for long entries.