Research Paper


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Comparing MLA and APA Internal Citation Format

MLA and APA “internal,” also called “parenthetical,” citation styles are very similar. Because the APA style focuses on recency of information, the date of the research is included in the citation. The MLA format does not include the date, nor does it include a “p.” or “pp.” indicating “page” or “pages.” MLA also does not use a comma to separate the author's name from the page number. Punctuation at the end of the sentence goes OUTSIDE of the citation reference in both MLA and APA internal citation format.

Examples:

1. When the author's name IS NOT USED in the text, the citation should look like

  • MLA —— (Baumrind 34).
  • APA —— (Baumrind, 1968, p. 34).

  • MLA —— if author is unknown, use either the complete title or a short form of the title as given in alphabetical listing on Works Cited page:
    • (NY Public 21). for book;
    • (“Decade” 26). for periodical

  • APA —— if author is unknown, use the first word or two of the title
    • (Oxford, 243). for book
    • (“Right,” 1976, p. 101). for periodical

2. When the author's name IS USED in the text, do not repeat it in the internal citation.

  • MLA: Baumrind (34) insisted that the subjects in Milgrim's study should have been fully informed of the possible effects on them.

  • APA: Baumrind (1968, p. 34) insisted that the subjects in Milgrim's study should have been fully informed of the possible effects on them.

Internal Citation of Electronic Media

When citing electronic sources internally, use the same format as for printed materials for both MLA and APA style: Last name of author or editor, if known; date for only APA; and page, with or without comma, depending on style being used. Follow the instructor's specific requirements, if given.


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Formatting in MLA


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Formatting in APA


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