Understand the elements of a typical in-text citation before creating an indirect citation. Following the Purdue Online Writing OWL guidelines, note the citation format that could follow a paraphrase of a 2009 article by Timothy Spengler: (Spengler, 2009). If you use the name Spengler in an introductory phrase and quote his exact words on p. 390, you can generate this citation:
According to Spengler (2009), ". . . " (p. 390).
Assume that Timothy Spengler refers to another source, Susan Ross. Before you use his "second-hand" information, first search for the Ross article. If unavailable, create an indirect citation, states the Manual of the APA.
Add the words "as cited in" to refer to the secondary source, according to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association. The Purdue OWL says that APA format can take several forms.
Create a signal phrase (introductory words) to introduce a quotation from Ross. Follow the quotation with an indirect citation to Spengler:
According to Ross, " . . ." (as cited in Spengler, 2009, p. 390).
Note the commas and period placement in this citation, notes the Purdue OWL.
To paraphrase Ross's ideas, refer to Ross prior to the summary. At the end of the paraphrase, provide the indirect citation to Spengler:
Ross argued that . . . . (as cited in Spengler, 2009), . . .
according to the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association."
Cite the full bibliographic information on the References page for the secondary source, Spengler. Do not include Ross, the primary source, states the APA Manual.