Navigating Citation Formatting: How to Properly Cite an APA Paper in MLA

While it's essential to maintain the integrity of the original research paper's citation format, there are scenarios where you need to adapt the citation style to meet specific requirements. This article will guide you through the process of how to properly cite an APA style research paper in MLA format.

Understanding the Basics of APA and MLA Styles

Before we dive into the specific steps of converting an APA citation to MLA, it's important to understand the core principles of both citation styles. APA (American Psychological Association) is commonly used in social sciences, while MLA (Modern Language Association) is preferred in humanities and liberal arts. Both styles have their unique features, but the goal remains the same: to provide readers with accurate and consistent references to the sources used in research.

The Procedure for Converting APA to MLA

To cite an APA research paper in MLA format, you need to adhere to the MLA citation guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

1. Works Cited Entry

The Works Cited entry should follow the MLA format. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Authors: Provide the last name first, followed by the first name. If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they appear in the original APA citation. Title of the Paper: Put the title of the paper in quotation marks. Use title case capitalization where the first letter of each significant word is capitalized. Conference or Source Title: If the paper was presented at a conference or published in a specific journal, include the title in italics. Publisher: Include if provided, typically for journal articles. For proceedings or conference papers, this might not be applicable. Date of Publication: Write the date in Day Month Year format. URL or DOI: Provide a working link if available. If not, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if applicable.

Example:

Smith, Jane. The Role of Social Media in Mental Health. Journal of Psychology and Behavior, vol. 14, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-67, doi:10.1234/exampledoi.

2. In-Text Citation in MLA

For in-text citations in MLA, you need to include the author's last name and the page number (if applicable) in parentheses. If the author is not mentioned in the text, you should still include the last name and page number in parentheses.

Example:

According to Smith, social media can significantly impact mental health (45).

Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

When converting APA to MLA citations, there are a few best practices and common pitfalls to keep in mind:

Best Practices:

Accuracy: Always double-check the citation details against the original APA citation. Clarity: Ensure that your citations are clear and follow the appropriate format. Consistency: Maintain consistency in the citation style throughout your document.

Common Pitfalls:

Misinterpretation of APA to MLA: Be cautious of the differences in formatting and punctuation between APA and MLA. Omission of Required Elements: Ensure that you don’t miss any required elements, such as the title case, italics, and page numbers. Misplaced Information: Place the information in the correct order and format as per MLA guidelines.

Conclusion

Citing research papers in MLA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing, and it's vital to follow the correct procedures, even when the original research paper is written in APA style. By understanding and following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, consistent, and meet the standards of both APA and MLA styles.