Citing sources correctly is a cornerstone of academic integrity and clear communication. When you use information from an interview, you need to attribute it properly. The American Psychological Association (APA) style has specific guidelines for this, and understanding them ensures your work is credible. This guide will walk you through how to cite interviews in APA 7th edition.
We'll cover two main types of interviews: personal communications and published interviews.
Citing Personal Communications in APA 7th Edition
Personal communications include interviews you conduct yourself, interviews with professors, or conversations with colleagues where you obtained direct information. APA 7th edition treats these differently from published sources because they are not recoverable by the reader.
Key Characteristics of Personal Communications:
- Not retrievable: Readers cannot access these sources independently.
- In-text citation is crucial: Since there's no reference list entry, the in-text citation must contain all necessary information.
In-Text Citation Format:
When you directly quote or paraphrase information from a personal interview, you cite it within the text.
(Interviewer's Last Name, Personal Communication, Month Day, Year)
Example:
Let's say you interviewed Dr. Anya Sharma about her research on urban gardening.
- Direct Quote: Dr. Sharma noted that "the accessibility of fresh produce is a significant barrier for many city dwellers" (Sharma, Personal Communication, October 26, 2023).
- Paraphrase: According to Dr. Sharma, urban gardening initiatives can improve food access in densely populated areas (Sharma, Personal Communication, October 26, 2023).
Important Notes for Personal Communications:
- Full Date: Always include the full date of the communication (month, day, year).
- No Reference List Entry: You do not include personal communications in your reference list. The in-text citation is the only place this source appears.
- When to Use: This format is for interviews where the information is only accessible to you and the interviewee.
Citing Published Interviews in APA 7th Edition
Published interviews are those that have appeared in a book, journal, newspaper, magazine, or online publication. These are treated like any other published source, meaning they will have an entry in your reference list.
The format for citing a published interview depends on where it appeared.
Interviews in Books
If an interview is published as part of a book (e.g., a collection of interviews or a chapter featuring an interview), you cite it as a chapter in an edited book.
Reference List Format:
Interviewer's Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of interview. In F. F. Editor's Last Name (Ed.), Title of book (pp. page numbers). Publisher.
Example:
Imagine you're citing an interview with a prominent artist, conducted by a journalist and included in an art history book.
- Reference List Entry:
Smith, J. (2022). Conversations with a visionary: An interview with Elara Vance. In R. Chen (Ed.), Modern Art Masters (pp. 112-135). ArtWorld Press.
- In-Text Citation (Direct Quote):
The artist reflected on her early struggles, stating, "I knew my vision was unique, but it took time for the world to catch up" (Smith, 2022, p. 115).
- In-Text Citation (Paraphrase):
Smith (2022) documented Vance's journey, highlighting her persistence in developing her distinctive artistic style.
Interviews in Periodicals (Journals, Magazines, Newspapers)
When an interview is published in a journal, magazine, or newspaper, you cite it similarly to an article.
Reference List Format (Journal):
Interviewer's Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of interview. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), page numbers. DOI or URL
Reference List Format (Magazine/Newspaper):
Interviewer's Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of interview. Title of Magazine/Newspaper, page numbers. URL
Examples:
- Journal Interview:
Reference List Entry: Davis, L. (2021). The future of renewable energy: An interview with Dr. Kenji Tanaka. Journal of Sustainable Technologies, 15(3), 45-62. https://doi.org/xxxxxxxxx In-Text Citation (Direct Quote): Dr. Tanaka emphasized that "advancements in solar panel efficiency are crucial for widespread adoption" (Davis, 2021, p. 50). * In-Text Citation (Paraphrase): Davis (2021) explored Dr. Tanaka's insights on the critical role of solar technology in combating climate change.
- Magazine Interview:
Reference List Entry: Miller, S. (2023, November 10). A chat with the chef: Marco Rossi on fusion cuisine. Gourmet Living, pp. 32-35. https://www.gourmetliving.com/articles/rossi-interview In-Text Citation (Direct Quote): Chef Rossi described his creative process as "a dance between tradition and innovation" (Miller, 2023, p. 33). * In-Text Citation (Paraphrase): Miller (2023) detailed Rossi's approach to blending culinary styles from around the world.
- Newspaper Interview:
Reference List Entry: Garcia, P. (2023, December 1). The challenges of urban planning: An interview with City Planner, Emily Carter. The Daily Chronicle, p. A4. In-Text Citation (Direct Quote): Carter stated that "balancing development with community needs is our daily challenge" (Garcia, 2023, p. A4). * In-Text Citation (Paraphrase): Garcia (2023) reported on City Planner Emily Carter's views regarding the complexities of urban development.
Online Interviews (Not Part of a Periodical)
If an interview is published online but isn't in a journal, magazine, or newspaper (e.g., on a website, blog, or a dedicated interview platform), you cite it as a webpage.
Reference List Format:
Interviewer's Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of interview [Interview]. Name of Website. URL
Example:
Suppose you found an interview with a scientist on a research institute's website.
- Reference List Entry:
Lee, K. (2023, September 15). Exploring the cosmos: An interview with astrophysicist Dr. Evelyn Reed [Interview]. Stellar Research Institute. https://www.stellarresearch.org/interviews/reed-cosmos
- In-Text Citation (Direct Quote):
Dr. Reed explained that "the James Webb Space Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of exoplanets" (Lee, 2023).
- In-Text Citation (Paraphrase):
Lee (2023) highlighted Dr. Reed's insights into how recent astronomical discoveries are reshaping our view of the universe.
Key Points for Published Interviews:
- Attribution: Clearly identify who conducted the interview and who was interviewed.
- Page Numbers: Include page numbers for print sources. For online sources, if no page numbers are available, you may omit them.
- DOI/URL: Provide a DOI if available; otherwise, use a stable URL.
- Reference List: All published interviews must have an entry in your reference list.
When in Doubt, Refer to the Official Manual
APA style guidelines can sometimes feel complex. If you're unsure about a specific type of interview or a particular publication format, always consult the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Edition. For those seeking a polished and perfectly formatted paper, services like EssayGazebo.com can provide expert assistance with citation and overall writing quality.
Mastering these citation rules for interviews will enhance the credibility and clarity of your academic work.