Citation Guide

This guide provides an overview of the major citation styles supported by RefOwl. While our extension automatically formats citations for you, understanding the basics of each style can help you properly organize your research and ensure accuracy.

Quick Navigation

  1. APA (7th Edition)
  2. MLA (9th Edition)
  3. Chicago (17th Edition)
  4. Best Practices

APA (7th Edition)

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in the social and behavioral sciences. The 7th edition was published in October 2019.

Key Features of APA Style

Common APA Citation Formats

Journal Article

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), page range. https://doi.org/xxxx

Example:

Tran, L. K., & Wilson, J. P. (2022). Advances in citation management technology. Journal of Academic Research, 35(2), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1000/xyz123

Book

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.

Example:

Johnson, M. R. (2021). The complete guide to academic writing. University Press.

Website

Author, A. A. or Organization. (Year, Month Day). Title of page. Site Name. URL

Example:

National Science Foundation. (2023, January 15). Guidelines for research ethics. https://www.nsf.gov/ethics

MLA (9th Edition)

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, especially in language and literature studies. The 9th edition was published in 2021.

Key Features of MLA Style

Common MLA Citation Formats

Journal Article

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Volume, Issue, Year, Pages.

Example:

Tran, Laura K., and James P. Wilson. "Advances in Citation Management Technology." Journal of Academic Research, vol. 35, no. 2, 2022, pp. 45-67.

Book

Author(s). Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Example:

Johnson, Maria R. The Complete Guide to Academic Writing. University Press, 2021.

Website

Author or Organization. "Title of Page." Title of Website, Publisher, Date, URL.

Example:

National Science Foundation. "Guidelines for Research Ethics." National Science Foundation, 15 Jan. 2023, www.nsf.gov/ethics.

Chicago (17th Edition)

The Chicago Manual of Style offers two citation systems: notes-bibliography (NB) and author-date. The notes-bibliography system is commonly used in the humanities, while the author-date system is used in the sciences and social sciences.

Key Features of Chicago Style

Common Chicago Citation Formats (Notes-Bibliography)

Journal Article (Footnote)

1. Author First Name Last Name, "Title of Article," Title of Journal Volume, no. Issue (Year): Page range.

Example:

1. Laura K. Tran and James P. Wilson, "Advances in Citation Management Technology," Journal of Academic Research 35, no. 2 (2022): 45-67.

Book (Footnote)

1. Author First Name Last Name, Title of Book (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year), Page number.

Example:

1. Maria R. Johnson, The Complete Guide to Academic Writing (New York: University Press, 2021), 25.

Website (Footnote)

1. "Title of Web Page," Publishing Organization or Name of Website, Publication or modified date, URL.

Example:

1. "Guidelines for Research Ethics," National Science Foundation, January 15, 2023, https://www.nsf.gov/ethics.

Best Practices for Academic Citations

Regardless of which citation style you use, following these best practices will help ensure accuracy and consistency:

Remember that RefOwl can help automate the citation process, but understanding the principles behind each citation style will make you a more effective researcher and writer.

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