MLA (Modern Language Association)
MLA focuses on brevity and places the citation in a parenthetical immediately after the information being cited. A "Works Cited" page at the end of your essay lists the full source details.
* In-text citation: (Author's Last Name Year, page number if available). If no author is listed, use the website name or a shortened version.
* Example: Recent studies show a significant increase in online shopping (Smith 2023, 12). OR Online shopping has seen a significant rise in recent years ("eCommerce Growth" 2023).
* Works Cited entry:
* With Author:
Smith, John. *Title of Web Page*. *Title of Website*, Publisher (if applicable), Date of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
*Example:* Smith, John. "The Impact of E-commerce." *Forbes*, Forbes Media, 15 March 2023, www.forbes.com/impact-of-ecommerce. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.
* Without Author:
"Title of Web Page." *Title of Website*, Publisher (if applicable), Date of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
*Example:* "E-commerce Growth Statistics." *Statista*, Statista Research Department, 10 July 2023, www.statista.com/ecommerce-growth. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.
APA (American Psychological Association)
APA uses author-date style in-text citations and a "References" list at the end.
* In-text citation: (Author's Last Name, Year, paragraph number if page numbers aren't available). If no author, use the website name.
* Example: A recent study found a correlation between social media and anxiety (Miller, 2022, para. 3). OR A recent report indicates a rise in online scams ("Internet Security," 2023).
* References entry:
* With Author:
Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of web page*. *Title of Website*. Retrieved from URL
*Example:* Miller, J. (2022). *The effects of social media on mental health*. *Psychology Today*. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/effects-of-social-media
* Without Author:
*Title of web page* (Year). *Title of Website*. Retrieved from URL
*Example:* Internet Security. (2023). *Cybersecurity News*. Retrieved from www.cybersecuritynews.com
Chicago (Notes and Bibliography)
Chicago style uses footnotes or endnotes for citations and a bibliography at the end.
* Footnote/Endnote: Numbered sequentially throughout the essay. The first citation includes full information; subsequent citations can be shortened.
* Example:
¹John Smith, "The Impact of E-commerce," *Forbes*, accessed October 20, 2023, www.forbes.com/impact-of-ecommerce.
²Smith, "The Impact of E-commerce."
* Bibliography entry:
* With Author:
Smith, John. "The Impact of E-commerce." *Forbes*. Accessed October 20, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/impact-of-ecommerce
* Without Author:
"E-commerce Growth Statistics." *Statista*. Accessed October 20, 2023. https://www.statista.com/ecommerce-growth
Important Considerations for All Styles:
* Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy.
* URLs: Use stable URLs if possible. Avoid shortened links.
* Access Dates: Include the date you accessed the website, as web content can change.
* Consistency: Maintain consistency throughout your essay.
* Style Guides: Consult the official style guide for the most up-to-date information and specific rules. These examples are simplified for clarity. Style guides often have more detailed instructions.
Remember to always consult your instructor's or institution's specific guidelines for citation. Using a citation management tool like Zotero or Mendeley can greatly simplify the process.