Page numbers are required for:
* Direct quotes: Always include the page number(s) in parentheses after the quote, even if it's a single sentence.
* Paraphrases and specific information: If you are referring to a specific idea, argument, or piece of data from a source, you should include the page number even if you are not quoting directly. This helps the reader locate the relevant information in the original source.
Page numbers are not required for:
* General information: If you are citing a source for general information or to provide background context, you don't need to include page numbers.
* Entire books or articles: If you are citing an entire book or article, you do not need to include page numbers.
* Electronic sources without page numbers: For sources like websites, blogs, or online documents that do not have traditional page numbers, you can use paragraph numbers, section headings, or other identifying information if available. If none of these are available, you can leave the page number out.
Example:
* Direct quote: "The study found that 'the majority of participants reported feeling happier after engaging in physical activity' (Smith, 2023, p. 15)."
* Paraphrase: Smith (2023) argues that regular exercise can lead to increased feelings of happiness. (p. 16)
* General information: According to Smith (2023), there is a strong correlation between physical activity and mental well-being.
Note: The specific rules for APA citation format can vary slightly depending on the type of source you are citing and the specific edition of the APA manual you are using. It's always best to consult the current APA manual for the most up-to-date guidelines.