APA citation style requires references located at the end of your paper. The References page points readers to the full list of citations used in your paper. This tutorial will provide a brief explanation and examples of references.
All in-text citations used in the body of the paper must appear in a more detailed format on the References page.
Likewise, every resource in the Reference List must be cited in-text (see the In-Text Citation tab for examples). The only exceptions are classical works, such as the Bible, and personal communications, like an interview.
Keep in mind that no other references should appear in this list, only those that have been cited in the paper. The references start on a separate page after the last page of the body of the paper. Use the page break feature in your word processor to insert a new page.
At the top of the page and centered, type the word References but not in bold. Do not title the page Bibliography or Works Cited since these words are only used in other citation styles.
References are always listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name or the title of an organization, if the organization is the author. If there is no author, alphabetize the source according to its title.
References are double-spaced with the first line of a reference flush with the left margin. Each additional line is indented half (½) an inch to the right. This is called a hanging indent. Use the hanging indent tool in your word processor (found under paragraph formatting).
Citing sources might seem tedious, but it's important in academic writing for several reasons. Attributing and documenting your sources:
Helps you avoid plagiarism.
Allows the reader to find your sources. Think of citations as footprints leading the reader through some of the steps you took to reach your conclusions.
Helps you to develop an argument and provide evidence for your claims.
Adds credibility to your work by demonstrating that you’ve sought out and considered a variety of viewpoints.
Is standard practice for scholars and students engaged in written academic conversations. Citing source material demonstrates that you are responding to an author, agreeing with that author, and contributing to the broader academic conversation on a given topic.
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