6.4 Citing in APA
Natalie Boldt and Loren Gaudet
Before we jump into the specifics about citing in APA, let’s step back and remind ourselves why we cite in the first place: we are documenting conversations that researchers (including you!) enter into, and in turn respectfully acknowledging the work, ideas, contributions, and knowledges from sources other than ourselves. That’s a large part of what we mean when we talk about research.
In the Four Feathers Writing Guide, Dr. Elder Shirley Alphonse (THE-LA-ME-YÉ), Elder Nadine Charles (TEȺȽIE), and the Manager for Blended Learning Success, Theresa Bell describe research and gathering knowledge, and remind us that there are many sources and sites of expertise.
The hunt for knowledge, which involves researchers using the most appropriate tool to gather specific types of information, is an essential part of getting ready to write about a topic. Seeking knowledge allows you to consult experts on your topic and learn more about the relationships between their teachings. In Indigenous societies, learning information means going to an expert to learn (Charles, 2018). For example, Elders teach about history, hunters teach about hunting, and fishermen teach about fishing (Charles, 2018). Other sources of Indigenous knowledge include:
- learning from observation of cyclical patterns in ecosystems and other natural law;
- learning from animals;
- spiritual knowledge acquired through ceremonies;
- learning through teachings in Indigenous stories and philosophies;
- trial and error;
- Indigenous empirical-like knowledge;
- Oral Traditions;
- learning from Elders’ interpretations and intuition;
- ancient ancestral knowledge;
- learning through Indigenous theories and methodologies;
- learning through unique aspects of the contemporary Indigenous condition. (Younging, 2018, p. 115)
Students have a similar opportunity to draw upon the wisdom of experts by consulting works created by scholars; students can also gather knowledge by doing primary research themselves.[1] [2]
While this passage is especially relevant to those who belong to Coast Salish communities, the above also reminds us that knowledges take many forms, and that students (that means you!) gather wisdom when they take on the role of researchers. But remember, it’s crucial to make clear where the knowledge and wisdom that you are gathering is coming from. That’s where citation comes in.
One of the ways that social science writing is different from other disciplines is in its citation style. APA, or the style for the American Psychological Association, is a primary style used for social science writing in university (although individual instructors and courses may require other citation styles. As always, consult your instructor for specifics). We have discussed citational practice in Chapter 4.6 and have linked to a resource that summarizes APA citation style. In this section we’ll take a closer look at some of the generic norms of using APA citations