How to Cite Websites for a Research Paper in APA Format

When writing a research paper at almost any level of education, it is important to correctly cite sources of information. Correct citation helps your teacher or professor easily check up on the information you have presented, and also makes your writing look professional and well-constructed. The American Psychological Association (APA) format is most often used by social science researchers and students. APA has guidelines governing the correct citation of websites both in a reference list as well as within the text.

Instructions

  1. Citing a Website in a Reference List

    • 1

      Write the name of the author of the website or particular page of the website. The author's name should be listed with the last name first, followed with a comma, followed with the author's first initial, and then followed by a period.

    • 2

      List the date of publication in parentheses. Follow the parentheses with a period. If no date of publication can be determined, the date should appear as follows: (n.d.)

    • 3

      Write the title of the web document or website. The title should appear in italics, and only the first letter of the title should be capitalized. The title should be followed by a period.

    • 4

      List the URL of the web page in the following manner: Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/citation/apa/websites

    Citing a Website Within the Text

    • 5

      Type the in-text citation after a quote or paraphrased summary. Begin it with an open parenthetical mark.

    • 6

      List the name of the author or organization responsible for the website, followed by a comma.

    • 7

      List the date of publication, followed by a comma. If the date is unknown, list "n.d."

    • 8

      List the page number, if applicable. If the page number is not known, list the paragraph number. For example, if listing a page number, list it in this format: p. 301. If listing a paragraph number, list it in this format: para. 4

    • 9

      Close the in-text citation with a parenthetical mark, followed by a period.

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