Understanding APA 7 Guidelines- Does the ‘Retrieved from’ Requirement Apply-

Does APA 7 Require “Retrieved from”?

The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for academic writing and citation to ensure consistency and clarity in scholarly publications. One common question that arises among researchers and writers is whether APA 7 requires the inclusion of the phrase “Retrieved from” in citations. This article aims to clarify this matter and provide guidance on how to format citations according to APA 7.

Understanding the Purpose of “Retrieved from”

The phrase “Retrieved from” is used in citations to indicate the source from which the information was accessed. It is particularly important when the source is online or not readily available in print format. However, the inclusion of “Retrieved from” depends on the specific citation format and the type of source being cited.

APA 7 Citation Format: General Guidelines

APA 7 provides guidelines for citing various types of sources, including books, journal articles, websites, and more. In general, the inclusion of “Retrieved from” is not a strict requirement for all types of sources. Instead, APA 7 focuses on providing a clear and accurate representation of the source.

Citations for Online Sources

When citing online sources, such as journal articles or websites, APA 7 suggests including the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the reference list. In this case, the phrase “Retrieved from” is typically not required. For example:

>Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 42(3), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2020.123456

Citations for Print Sources

When citing print sources, such as books or journal articles, the phrase “Retrieved from” is not necessary. APA 7 emphasizes providing the necessary information to locate the source, such as the author, year of publication, title, and page numbers. For example:

>Johnson, L. (2019). The evolution of social media. In R. Smith (Ed.), Communication in the digital age (pp. 45-67). New York: Springer.

Exceptions and Special Cases

While the inclusion of “Retrieved from” is generally not required, there may be exceptions depending on the specific source and context. For instance, if the source is a webpage that is no longer available or has been replaced by a new URL, using “Retrieved from” may be helpful to clarify the source. In such cases, it is essential to exercise judgment and provide enough information for readers to locate the source.

Conclusion

In conclusion, APA 7 does not require the inclusion of the phrase “Retrieved from” in all citations. The decision to use this phrase depends on the type of source and the specific context. By following APA 7 guidelines and providing clear and accurate information, researchers and writers can ensure their citations are in line with the latest standards.