That's correct! In both MLA and APA styles, in-text citations help attribute ideas, quotes, or information to their original sources within the text. Each style has specific guidelines for formatting these citations, as well as the overall structure of the source list or reference section at the end of the document.
Key Differences:
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In-text Citations:
- MLA: Typically includes the author's last name and the page number in parentheses (e.g., (Smith 23)).
- APA: Usually includes the author's last name and the year of publication (e.g., (Smith, 2020)).
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Works Cited vs. References:
- MLA Works Cited: Entries are listed alphabetically by the author's last name, with the basic format being: Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- APA References: Also listed alphabetically, but the format is slightly different: Author's Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of the Book. Publisher.
Example Entries:
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MLA Works Cited:
- Smith, John. Understanding Psychology. Random House, 2020.
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APA References:
- Smith, J. (2020). Understanding psychology. Random House.
Both citation styles are widely used in academic writing, and it’s important to follow the specific guidelines for each to ensure proper credit is given to original sources. Always refer to the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook or the APA Publication Manual for detailed rules and examples.
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