When writing a research paper, it is important to cite all of the sources that you have used in your research. This includes both primary and secondary sources. In order to properly cite your sources, you should use a standard citation style, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The following is a guide to writing references for a research paper using the APA style:
1. Start with the authors last name and initial of the first name, followed by the year of publication in parentheses.
Example: Smith (2020)
2. Next, provide the title of the work in italics and the edition, if applicable.
Example: Smith (2020). The Art of Writing. 3rd ed.
3. After the title, include the publisher, followed by a comma.
Example: Smith (2020). The Art of Writing. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press.
4. Finally, include the location of the publisher.
Example: Smith (2020). The Art of Writing. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
When citing a source that is not in print, such as a website, you should include the URL of the source in the reference.
Example: Smith (2020). The Art of Writing. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford. https://example.com/writing-guide.
When citing multiple sources in one reference list, list them in alphabetical order.
It is important to note that different citation styles may have different requirements for formatting references. Be sure to consult the style guide for the citation style you are using to ensure that your references are correctly formatted.