Mastering the Art of In-Text Citations for Personal Communications in APA Style 7th Edition
In-text citations are a vital part of any research paper, dissertation, or thesis. They provide the sources from which we derived data, research, and evidence for our research work. Citing personal communications in APA style 7th edition can be tricky if one is not aware of the rules and guidelines. In this article, we will discuss and explore the best practices for mastering the art of in-text citations for personal communications in APA style 7th edition.
What are Personal Communications?
Personal communications are conversations, interviews, emails, or any other type of informal communication that you’ve had with someone that’s pertinent to your research. This can be a great way to get first-hand information about a topic that cannot be found in the literature. APA guidelines treat personal communications like secondary sources except that they are not included in the reference list because they are not recoverable.
Citing Personal Communications in the Text
When citing a personal communication in the text, you must provide the author’s last name and date of the communication. For example, you could write: (Last Name, personal communication, Month date, year). Alternatively, you can also write: (personal communication, Month date, year).
If the personal communication is confidential or sensitive material, it is recommended to ask permission if the person would like to be cited and to keep their identity anonymous.
If you’re using information from an interview or conversation that was not recorded or written down, you can still use it as a personal communication but give as much detail as possible such as the date and location.
Using Personal Communications as Examples
Personal communications can be used as examples to support a point in your research work. If you decide to use a personal communication as an example, it is essential to ensure that you do not misrepresent the communication and that the person’s identity and privacy are respected.
For Example:
Janet Smith, the head of the IT department, stated in a phone conversation on May 12th, 2021, that the new software system had increased productivity by 30%.
Janet Smith was effectively cited and her identity, as well as the date, was included to provide context and credibility to the information presented.
Conclusion
Citing personal communications in APA style 7th edition may seem confusing at first, but with the right knowledge, it can be simple and hassle-free. Always remember to ask permission if necessary, respect the privacy of individuals, and provide as much detail as possible to give context to the citation. Using personal communications as examples can be beneficial in adding first-hand information to research work. By mastering the art of in-text citations for personal communications in APA style 7th edition, you will be well on your way to creating top-notch research papers, dissertations, and theses.
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