Here are the steps to follow when citing a source inside a source in APA:
In summary, always prioritize citing the original source, and only use the secondary source when necessary. By following these steps, you can confidently and accurately cite a source inside a source in APA.
1. When citing a source within a source in APA style, the in-text citation should include both the original source and the source it was cited in.
2. Use “as cited in” or “quoted in” in your citation to indicate that the information was found in another source.
3. Always provide the author, year of publication, and page or paragraph number(s) for both the original source and the secondary source.
4. If possible, try to locate and use the original source instead of relying on the secondary source to avoid potential errors or misunderstandings.
5. Be sure to include the full citation for both the original source and the secondary source in your reference list at the end of your paper.
Understanding APA In-text Citations
APA (American Psychological Association) is a citation style used in academic writing to acknowledge the sources and ideas of other researchers. The APA citation style requires writers to cite both in-text and in the reference list. In-text citation refers to the brief citation that appears in the body of the text, while the reference list provides a detailed citation of the sources used. In-text citations are essential because they provide the reader with all necessary information to locate the corresponding reference in the reference list.
The Importance of Citing Sources
Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing as it acknowledges and gives credit to the original authors of ideas, research, and concepts incorporated into your work. It also enables readers to locate and evaluate your sources. Failure to cite sources appropriately is considered plagiarism and could lead to serious academic penalties.
How to Cite a Secondary Source in APA Format
Sometimes, you may find a source that cites another author’s work that you wish to use in your research. In this situation, the best practice is to use the original source whenever possible. However, citing a secondary source can also be useful in some cases, where the original source is not accessible or is in a language you do not understand. To cite a secondary source in APA format, you need to include both the original author and publication details as well as the author and publication details of the secondary source.
Rules for In-text Citations with Secondary Sources
When citing a secondary source, you must follow specific rules to ensure that your in-text citation is accurate and consistent. Here are the key rules to follow:
– In the in-text citation, include the original author’s name and publication year, as well as the secondary source author’s name and publication year.
– Use the abbreviation “as cited in” to indicate that the source you are citing is a secondary source.
– Include the page number or paragraph number of the secondary source, as this is the source you have actually used.
Examples of In-text Citations for Secondary Sources
Here are some examples of in-text citations for secondary sources in APA format:
Example 1: (Smith, 2015, as cited in Jonson, 2019, p. 25).
Example 2: According to Johnson (2019), Smith (2015, as cited in Jonson, 2019) found that “insert quote here” (p. 25).
Common Mistakes to Avoid in APA In-text Citations
To avoid common mistakes in APA in-text citations, you should pay attention to the following key points:
– Always check the spelling of authors’ names and publication year.
– Make sure to use the correct format for citing secondary sources.
– Provide page numbers or paragraph numbers for the specific information you are citing.
– Double-check your format and punctuation to ensure accuracy and consistency.
In conclusion, proper citation of sources is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original work. When citing a secondary source in APA format, carefully follow the rules to create accurate and consistent in-text citations and ensure that your work is credible and reliable.
