Abstract:
With the advent of online communication platforms, its forums have become integral to academic discourse. As such, it’s essential to understand how to properly cite posts in scholarly writing. This comprehensive guide looks into the complexities of citing its posts in both the American Psychological Association (APA) and Modern Language Association (MLA) styles. It covers various scenarios, including citing individual posts, threads, from online forums. By following the guidelines outlined in this paper, writers can ensure accuracy and integrity in their academic citations.
Introduction:
In today’s digital age, scholarly communication has expanded beyond traditional avenues to include online forums and platforms. As a result, citing posts has become a critical aspect of academic writing in disciplines ranging from social sciences to humanities. This guide aims to provide clarity on citing posts in APA and MLA styles, offering practical examples and guidelines to assist writers in accurately referencing online discourse.
Citing Discussion Posts in APA Style:
2.1. Individual Post:
- Author(s) Last name, First initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of post [Description of form]. Forum Name. URL
2.2. Thread:
- Author(s) Last name, First initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of thread [Description of form]. Forum Name. URL
2.3. Discussion:
- Author(s) Last name, First initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of it[Description of form]. Forum Name. URL
-
Citing Discussion Posts in MLA Style:
3.1. Individual Post:
- Author(s). “Title of Post.” Online Forum, Date Posted, URL.
3.2. Thread:
- Author(s). “Title of Thread.” Online Forum, Date Started, URL.
3.3. Discussion:
- Author(s). “Title of it.” Online Forum, Date Started, URL.
-
Examples and Scenarios:
4.1. APA Style Examples:
- Individual Post: Smith, J. (2023, April 15). The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity [Online forum post]. Environmental Science . https://www.exampleforum.com/climatechange/post123
- Thread: Johnson, A. (2022, December 3). Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence [Online forum thread]. Technology Ethics Forum. https://www.exampleforum.com/ai/ethicalthread
- Discussion: Anderson, M. & Lee, K. (2024, February 10). Globalization and Cultural Identity [Online forum ]. Sociology Debates. https://www.exampleforum.com/globalization/discussion789
4.2. MLA Style Examples:
- Individual Post: Doe, John. “Understanding Quantum Mechanics.” Physics Online Forum, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.exampleforum.com/quantummechanics.
- Thread: Smith, Jane. “The Role of Women in Shakespearean Drama.” Literature Discussions, 5 Sept. 2022, https://www.exampleforum.com/shakespeare.
- Discussion: Miller, David et al. “Debating Economic Policies.” Economics Forum, 10 Jan. 2024, https://www.exampleforum.com/economics.
-
Conclusion:
Accurate citation of its posts is vital for maintaining academic integrity and giving proper credit to authors contributing to online discourse. By following the guidelines provided in this guide, writers can ensure consistency and precision in citing its posts in both APA and MLA styles. As online forums continue to evolve as platforms for scholarly exchange, mastering the art of citing its posts is essential for engaging in meaningful academic dialogue.
Tips for Citing Discussion Posts:
Check the Authorship:
Use Permalinks:
Include Retrieval Date:
Works Cited Entry
When creating a Works Cited entry for a discussion post, follow this format:
- Author(s) or Username: List the author’s last name followed by a comma and then the first name.
- Title of Post: Enclose the title of the post in quotation marks.
- Title of Forum: Italicize the title of the discussion forum or platform.
- Publisher: If available, include the name of the platform or forum.
- Date: Provide the date of the post.
- URL: Include the URL of the discussion post.
Example:
Smith, John. “[The Future of Renewable Energy].” Energy Enthusiasts Forum, Energy Forum, 10 Aug. 2023, www.energyforum.com/post123.
- References:
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
- Modern Language Association. (2016). MLA Handbook (8th ed.). Modern Language Association.