Here's why:
* Focus on the publication: The APA style emphasizes the publication itself (article, book, etc.) and the author(s) responsible for it. The degree is considered less relevant to the academic information being cited.
* Potential for confusion: Including degrees can create confusion, especially if there are multiple authors with the same degree.
Exception:
* If the author's degree is crucial to understanding the source or its content, you may include it in the author's name. This is uncommon, but if the source is a thesis or dissertation, the degree might be important to identify the type of work.
Example:
Incorrect:
> Smith, J. D. (2023). *The impact of social media on student engagement* (Ph.D. dissertation). University of California, Berkeley.
Correct:
> Smith, J. D. (2023). *The impact of social media on student engagement*. (Doctoral dissertation). University of California, Berkeley.
Remember, if you are unsure about whether to include the degree, it's always best to err on the side of caution and omit it.