The publication style of the American Psychological Association dictates that personal communications, like any other reference, be cited in the text of a paper using the author-date citation system. However, the reference list omits personal communications, as they are not recoverable data. The 6th edition of the "APA Publication Manual" defines personal communications to include email and discussion board messages, letters, memos, interviews, telephone calls and similar communications.
Instructions
-
-
1
Retrieve the necessary citation information for each communication -- the initials and last name of the person you communicated with and the exact date of the communication. If you do not remember the exact date, use the month and year.
-
2
Write a citation where the communicator is mentioned in the text in this format: "According to A. B. Cee (personal communication, January 1, 2000), this statistic..."
-
-
3
Format a parenthetical citation in this manner: "(A. B. Cee, personal communication, January 1, 2000)".