Three or More Authors

7th Edition6th Edition
3 peopleStarting with the first author mentioned in the text, the correct format is (Author et al., year). This includes even the first citation. All authors, up to 20, should be listed in the corresponding reference.

Examples:

Calvert et al. (1987) argued that the concept of social class is rapidly becoming obsolete.

The concept of social class is rapidly becoming obsolete (Calvert et al., 1987).

3 people

Three to Five Authors

With three to five authors, the first reference to an article includes all authors. Subsequent citations in the same document may refer to the article by the principal author only plus “et al.” (Latin abbreviation for “and others”; there is no period after “et.”) However, all authors must be present in the references section.

Examples:

A well-known study argued that social class is rapidly becoming obsolete (Calvert, Liu, & Smith, 1987).

Calvert, Liu, and Smith (1987) argued that social class is rapidly becoming obsolete.

Calvert et al. (1987) argued that social class is rapidly becoming obsolete.

A recent study argued that the concept of social class is rapidly becoming obsolete (Calvert et al., 1987).

Six Authors or More

6 peopleStarting with the first author mentioned in the text, the correct format is (Author et al., Year). In the reference section, all six authors’ names should be included.

Example:

Calvert et al. (1987) argued that the concept of social class is rapidly becoming obsolete.

Grumble... Applaud... Please give us your feedback!