APA (7th ed.) Citation Style Guide: Welcome

Welcome to the Douglas College Library guide to APA Citation Style (7th ed.). In these pages, we offer numerous examples of how to cite all types of sources and how to make your in-text citations. We've also included links to other helpful resources and tips on how to keep track of all those articles you've used in your research.

Select the tabs above for examples of the material you wish to cite.

Check out this short video on how to avoid plagiarism, thanks to the BCIT Library.

Many instructors will not allow the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (i.e. ChatGPT, et cetera) in assignments. If you do use tools like this, it is important that you check with your instructors first and then that you include citations in your assignment.. Since most text generated by AI tools cannot be linked to or read by the reader of your assignment, it's best to cite it as a "personal communication" (see the examples in the Personal Communications tab in this guide).

Alternatively, you could include the generated text in an appendix and provide a full citation. To cite a tool like ChatGPT, follow the Softward examples in the Social Media & Software tab in this guide. Be sure to give credit to the company (OpenAI), not the tool itself (ChatGPT). 

The APA Style website currently has no specific guidelines around citing artificial intelligence tools but many of these tool are new and rapidly evolving so guidelines and examples may be available in the future. 

Here are some of the changes in the APA Publication Manual, 7th edition:

• APA now provides specific guidelines and examples specifically for student papers.  These are different than the guidelines for professional papers
•  Running heads are no longer required for student papers.
• There is only one space after a period (not two) in the body of the paper.
• There is now the option to use a wider variety of fonts rather than just Times New Roman 12-point.
• For multiple author citations, surnames and initials are now given for up to 20 authors in the reference list (rather than just 7).
• For in-text citations, works with three or more authors are shortened to the first author's name and et. al.  (right from the first in-text citation).
• Publisher location is no longer included in the citation.
• The DOI or URL is hyperlinked.  "Retrieved from" is omitted.
• Always include the issue number for journal articles.
• APA provides more information and examples for how to properly paraphrase.
• Includes a wider range of examples including websites, social media, and classroom resources.
• The manual includes a sample student paper and guidelines for formatting annotated bibliographies and many sample table and figures.