MLA vs APA: Which Citation Format Should You Use?
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As people move through their academic careers, they tend to work with one citation format. The debate of MLA vs. APA is a long-standing one, but what are these citation formats?
Citation is the acknowledgment of another person’s work as an influence in your own work. When we quote or paraphrase the work of another writer, it is important to cite our source so that our readers know where we got our information.
In blogging, you might include a link to another site. On social media, you might tag the person who took the photo you posted. In essay writing, however, there are specific formats that have to be followed.
Keep reading if you are ready to learn more about the two most common citation formats!
Why Do We Use Citation Formats?
Most citation formats are connected to a professional organization. If you are studying in a specific field, then knowing the specific format used in the field can help you succeed professionally.
Journalists, foreign language experts, historians, and scientists all use different citation formats in their journals, publications, conference presentations, and more. Their citation format helps to connect them to other experts in their field.
But more simply, we use citation formats to show respect to the people who write and create and conduct research. No one can do research without the work of other writers and experts, so citation is an acknowledgment of the collective nature of academic work.
Citing work, no matter what format you are using, is incredibly important in academic life (and it is necessary for you to get good grades)!
A Guide to MLA
If you are planning to major in anything concerning language, literature, or cultural studies, then the Modern Language Association’s citation format is your go-to. This format is also a kind of default for fields that don’t fit directly into the other citation formats.
In order to cite sources in MLA format, use the following order:
- Author.
- Title of the source.
- Title of the container,
- Other contributors/Authors,
- Version/Edition,
- Number,
- Publisher,
- Publication date,
- Location.
If you are citing a book, the title should be in italics. However, if you are citing a website page or a magazine/journal, then the title should be in quotation marks.
The other contributors that are listed can be editors, illustrators, etc.
There are a lot of rules for MLA depending on the type of source, so be sure to stay up to date on the current edition by checking with your professor or with online resources like PurdueOWL.
One of the trickiest parts of MLA is that they update the rules pretty regularly. This means that what worked for you two years ago might no longer be correct! In order to avoid confusion, you can also hire an essay writing service to ensure that you are up-to-date with the correct citations.
A Guide to APA
If you are planning to study psychology, education, or a field connected to the social sciences, then the American Psychological Association’s citation format is for you.
In order to cite sources in APA format, use the following order:
- Authors’ names
- Year of publication
- Title
- Name of the journal
- Volume number
- Pages listed
The emphasis of APA is different from MLA. Because of the connection to the social sciences, the date of the publication of the source is listed near the beginning. This is because using current sources is seen as more important in the sciences than in the arts.
Additionally, dates have to be included in in-text citations for APA.
If you need more specific information about APA, Indiana University of Pennsylvania has a great guide. As a rule, checking the websites of reputable universities or companies can be a great source of information.
Why Do I Need to Know This?
The internet is a big place and the truth is there are citation resources everywhere. Citation producers can help you to cite your sources in any format imaginable.
However, knowing the basics of MLA and APA formats (or hiring an essay writing service that does), can help you catch mistakes made by some online citation producers or online assignments websites.
Also, you never know when you will have to cite a source during an in-class essay. This information could also be used to help a classmate during a study session, or answer a question on an English exam.
Making the Decision: MLA vs. APA
In the long run, MLA is used more at the high school level. The format you use in your English classes up until graduation will almost certainly be MLA.
However, depending on your program of study, you may use MLA or APA more in college. Only your program of study can answer the question of MLA vs. APA for you.
Knowing the basics of both formats can be very helpful towards your academic success. This is especially important if you are switching majors and shifting to a different type of citation.
Let’s Get To Writing!
There are over 200 different kinds of citation styles in the world, which can be overwhelming. Be sure that you are using up to date information whenever you learn about a new citation format.
Remember to always cite your sources, no matter what!
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