How do I reference multiple authors?
Answer
Two or Three Authors
Where there are multiple authors but fewer than four, all names should be given in both the in-text citation and the reference list:
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It is important to minimise distractions when studying (Bedford and Wilson, 2021, p. 134).
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It is suggested that a quiet workspace can improve focus (Irons, Patel and Stone, 2019, para. 14).
Four or More Authors
If there are four or more authors, only the first author listed (this is not necessarily the first author alphabetically) should be referred to in citations and in the reference list, followed by et al.
Et al. is a Latin abbreviation meaning ‘and others’.
The phrase et al. should always be presented in italics in both citations and the reference list:
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Moore et al. (2023, p. 492) assert that it is important to check the credibility of sources when conducting research.
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Keeping track of one’s sources is a key part of organising
research (Danes et al., 2020, pp. 34-35).