Properly citing a journal topic is a fundamental part of academic writing. Whether you’re writing a research paper, thesis, or topic, giving credit to the original source is not only ethical but also a requirement in scholarly work. Parenthetical citation is one of the most widely used methods for in-text referencing, where source information is placed in parentheses within the sentence. This topic focuses specifically on how to use parenthetical citation for a journal, covering various citation styles, giving practical examples, and explaining how to adapt citations to different scenarios. By understanding the correct structure and usage, writers can maintain academic credibility and ensure their sources are accurately represented.
What Is a Parenthetical Citation?
A parenthetical citation refers to placing source information within parentheses directly in the text, typically at the end of a sentence. This form of in-text citation includes key details that correspond to a more detailed entry in a bibliography or references section. For journal topics, a parenthetical citation usually includes the author’s last name and a date or page number, depending on the citation style being used.
Why Parenthetical Citation Is Important
Using parenthetical citations when referencing journal topics:
- Demonstrates academic honesty
- Allows readers to trace the original source
- Supports your claims with evidence
- Helps avoid plagiarism
Failing to use proper in-text citation can weaken the quality of your work and raise questions about its originality.
Parenthetical Citation in APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in the social sciences. Parenthetical citations in APA include the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number if citing a specific passage.
APA In-Text Citation Examples
- Paraphrasing: Social behavior can be influenced by environmental factors (Johnson, 2022).
- Direct quote: Behavioral shifts often occur in stressful environments (Johnson, 2022, p. 34).
- Two authors: (Smith & Lee, 2021)
- Three or more authors: (Nguyen et al., 2020)
If the author is mentioned in the narrative, include only the year and page in parentheses:
Johnson (2022) states that stress impacts behavior significantly (p. 34).
Parenthetical Citation in MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is used primarily in humanities disciplines. In MLA format, the parenthetical citation usually includes the author’s last name and page number, without a comma between them.
MLA In-Text Citation Examples
- Paraphrasing: Environmental conditions have a strong impact on behavior (Johnson 34).
- Direct quote: Stressful situations trigger emotional responses (Johnson 34).
- Two authors: (Smith and Lee 56)
- More than three authors: (Nguyen et al. 78)
If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence:
According to Johnson, environmental conditions influence human behavior (34).
Parenthetical Citation in Chicago Author-Date Style
Chicago style offers two formats, and the Author-Date system is more commonly used in scientific writing. The parenthetical citation includes the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number (if needed).
Chicago In-Text Citation Examples
- Paraphrasing: Stress levels rise under specific environmental pressures (Johnson 2022).
- Direct quote: Environmental stress is a major factor (Johnson 2022, 34).
- Multiple authors: (Smith and Lee 2021)
If the author is already named:
As Johnson (2022, 34) explains, stress is a major environmental factor in behavior change.
Citing Journals with No Author
Sometimes, a journal topic may not list an individual author. In such cases, use the title of the topic in quotation marks or a shortened version of the title in the parenthetical citation.
- APA: (Social Trends, 2021)
- MLA: (Social Trends 45)
- Chicago: (Social Trends 2021, 45)
Citing Multiple topics in One Citation
When citing more than one journal topic in a single parenthesis, separate each with a semicolon.
- APA: (Johnson, 2022; Smith & Lee, 2021)
- MLA: (Johnson 34; Smith and Lee 56)
- Chicago: (Johnson 2022, 34; Smith and Lee 2021, 56)
How to Format the Full Citation in the References or Works Cited Page
APA Reference Entry
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the topic.Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range. https://doi.org/xxxx
- Example: Johnson, M. (2022). Environmental triggers in human behavior.Journal of Psychology Studies, 45(2), 3040. https://doi.org/10.1234/jps.2022.45.2.30
MLA Works Cited Entry
Author Last Name, First Name. Title of topic.Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, year, pp. xxxx.
- Example: Johnson, Mark. Environmental Triggers in Human Behavior.Journal of Psychology Studies, vol. 45, no. 2, 2022, pp. 3040.
Chicago Bibliography Entry (Author-Date)
Author Last Name, First Name. Year. Title of topic.Title of Journalvolume (issue): page range. https://doi.org/xxxx
- Example: Johnson, Mark. 2022. Environmental Triggers in Human Behavior.Journal of Psychology Studies45 (2): 3040. https://doi.org/10.1234/jps.2022.45.2.30.
Special Cases in Journal Citations
Multiple topics by the Same Author
Distinguish between multiple works by the same author by adding the year or a shortened title:
- APA: (Johnson, 2020, 2022)
- MLA: (Johnson, Behavioral Change 22; Cognitive Shifts 45)
topics Without Page Numbers
Some online journals may not have page numbers. In APA and Chicago, you can omit the page number or refer to a paragraph number:
- APA: (Johnson, 2022, para. 3)
- Chicago: (Johnson 2022, para. 3)
Tips for Accurate Parenthetical Citation
- Follow your style guide: Use the exact requirements for MLA, APA, or Chicago style.
- Match citations to references: Ensure every in-text citation corresponds to a full entry in your bibliography.
- Be consistent: Stick to one citation style throughout your paper.
- Use citation tools with caution: Always double-check the formatting if using automatic generators.
Parenthetical citation for a journal topic is a key part of clear and responsible academic writing. Whether you’re following APA, MLA, or Chicago Author-Date style, understanding how to cite journal sources in-text helps maintain transparency and academic integrity. By applying consistent formatting, including author names, publication years, and page numbers where appropriate, you ensure your readers can easily trace the origin of the information. As research continues to rely heavily on scholarly journals, mastering parenthetical citation is an essential skill for all academic writers and students.