As a student or researcher, citing sources is an important aspect of academic writing. It is essential to give credit to the authors whose works you have used in your research. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite a dissertation in APA format. We will cover the basic guidelines, the different citation styles, and the common mistakes to avoid.
1. Guidelines for Citing a Dissertation in APA Format
The American Psychological Association (APA) has specific guidelines for citing dissertations. Here are the basic guidelines:
1. Author’s Name: The name of the author should be written in the last name, first initial format.
2. Year of Publication: The year of publication should be in parentheses after the author’s name.
3. Title of Dissertation: The title of the dissertation should be in italics.
4. Degree: The type of degree should be mentioned in square brackets after the title of the dissertation.
5. Institution: The name of the institution where the dissertation was submitted should be mentioned.
6. Publication Number: If the dissertation has a publication number, it should be mentioned in parentheses after the institution name.
Example of Citing a Dissertation in APA Format:Smith, J. (2018). The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health [Doctoral dissertation, University of California]. (Publication No.12345).
2 Different Citation Styles
There are different citation styles that can be used to cite a dissertation, such as MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. However, APA is the most commonly used citation style in social sciences. Here are the differences between APA and other citation styles:
1. MLA: In MLA, the author’s name is written in the first name, last name format. The title of the dissertation is in quotation marks, not in italics. The degree is mentioned after the institution name, not after the title.
Example: Smith, John. “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health.” PhD thesis, University of California,2018.
2. Chicago: In Chicago, the author’s name is written in the first name, last name format. The title of the dissertation is in italics. The degree and institution are mentioned in parentheses after the title.
Example: Smith, John. The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health. PhD diss., University of California,2018.
3. Harvard: In Harvard, the author’s name is written in the last name, first initial format. The title of the dissertation is in italics. The degree and institution are mentioned in parentheses after the title, separated by a comma.
Example: Smith, J. (2018). The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health. PhD thesis, University of California.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When citing a dissertation in APA format, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. Here are some of them:1. Incorrect Author’s Name: Make sure to write the author’s name in the last name, first initial format, not in the first name, last name format.
2. Incorrect Title: The title of the dissertation should be in italics, not in quotation marks.
3. Incorrect Degree: The degree should be mentioned in square brackets after the title of the dissertation, not after the institution name.
4. Missing Publication Number: If the dissertation has a publication number, make sure to mention it in parentheses after the institution name.
4. FAQ
1. Q: What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?
A: A thesis is a research project that is done at the undergraduate or master’s level, while a dissertation is a research project that is done at the doctoral level.
2. Q: Can I cite a dissertation that is unpublished?
A: Yes, you can cite an unpublished dissertation. Just mention the institution where the dissertation was submitted, and do not include the publication number.
3. Q: How do I cite a dissertation that is available online?
A: If the dissertation is available online, you can include the URL or DOI in the reference list.
4. Q: What if the author’s name is not mentioned in the dissertation?
A: In this case, you can use the name of the institution as the author’s name.
5. Q: How do I cite a dissertation that is written in a language other than English?
A: If the dissertation is written in a language other than English, you should provide a translation of the title in brackets after the original title.
5. Conclusion
Citing a dissertation in APA format is an important aspect of academic writing. It is essential to follow the guidelines and avoid common mistakes. By following this comprehensive guide, you can easily cite a dissertation in APA format. Remember to double-check your citations and make sure they are accurate and complete. Happy citing!
