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APA Citation Style, 7th ed (UNH Manchester Library): Reference Basics

The Four Parts

A reference, or references list entry, is made up of four major parts. By thinking about each part, you can make citing sources easier. Here are the parts and the order in which they appear in a reference. 

  • Author: Who is responsible for this work?

  • Date: When was this work published?
  • Title: What is this work called?
  • Source: Where can I retrieve this work?

For more information about each element, consult this page.

Keep in mind, too, that each reference should correspond to one or more in-text citations. Each in-text citation should correspond to one entry on the references list. Click the next tabs to see examples of correct citations for different types of sources. 


The Four Parts In Use

Color coded image showing examples of the four parts of the references list citation in use