1. An in-text citation, which is an abbreviated form of the source citation included in the essay portion of the project
2. A full citation, which is included at the end of the project on a Works Cited page, References list, or whatever type of research format is required for the assignment.
One of your roles as a researcher and writer is assuring this cross-referencing technique is in place and has been used correctly so your readers have a very clear picture of where your research was derived, who provided the research, and how readers can follow your research trail to explore the source material themselves.
Here is an example of cross-referencing in APA 7th edition style:
According to Jones (2022), "Student researchers prefer APA to MLA at a rate of 4 to 1" (p.24).
This in-text citation tells readers that Jones made this statement in source material published in 2022. But the in-text citation also guides readers to the APA References list at the end of the essay for more information regarding the source material:
Jones, S. (2023). Student research method preferences. Journal of Research Studies, 12(3), 19-24. https://doi.org/12.3210000
Because this source was fully cross-referenced, readers know that the quote from Jones came from this article on page 24 of the publication. And the article can be located using the information provided in the References list citation.
APA style papers require certain formatting of MS Word documents. It is highly recommended that formatting be set up BEFORE beginning to write the paper.
APA style includes a cover or title page, and some assignments might also require an abstract to be included after the cover page, but student papers do not always use this element.
The remainder of the essay consists of body pages, and a References list at the end of the essay.
Sample Body Page - note how the bold title of the essay is centered and repeated on this first body page:
Sample References Page - note how the bold title of the essay is centered and repeated on this first body page:
