Mastering the APA 7th Edition: How to Cite a Dissertation

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In this article, we will discuss how to master the APA 7th Edition and specifically focus on how to cite a dissertation. We will cover the important rules and guidelines to follow when citing a dissertation in APA format. This will be helpful for students, researchers, and academicians who need to reference dissertations in their own work. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the correct way to cite dissertations according to the APA 7th Edition.

How do you cite a dissertation in APA 7th Edition?

When citing a dissertation in APA 7th Edition, there are specific rules and guidelines to follow. The basic format for citing a dissertation is as follows: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation (Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis). Name of Institution, Location. URL or database name.

It is important to note that the title of the dissertation should be italicized. If the dissertation is retrieved from a database, the URL or the name of the database should be included. If the dissertation is unpublished, you should include the full name of the university.

What information should be included in the citation?

The citation for a dissertation in APA 7th Edition should include the author’s name, the year the dissertation was completed, the title of the dissertation, and the name of the institution that awarded the degree. If the dissertation is available online, the URL or the name of the database should also be included in the citation.

For example, a citation for a doctoral dissertation retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database would look like this:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation (Doctoral dissertation). Name of Institution, Location. URL or Database Name.

How do you format the citation for an unpublished dissertation?

When citing an unpublished dissertation in APA 7th Edition, you should include the author’s name, the year the dissertation was completed, the title of the dissertation, and the full name of the university that awarded the degree. Since the dissertation is unpublished, you will not need to include a URL or database name.

An example of a citation for an unpublished doctoral dissertation would look like this:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Name of Institution, Location.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when citing a dissertation in APA format?

When citing a dissertation in APA format, it is important to avoid common mistakes such as incorrect formatting, missing information, or inaccurate details. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines provided by the APA 7th Edition for citing dissertations and double-check the citation for accuracy.

Some common mistakes to avoid include not italicizing the title of the dissertation, omitting the year of completion, or failing to include the full name of the institution. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can ensure that your dissertation citations are accurate and in compliance with APA guidelines.

How do you reference a dissertation in the reference list?

When including a dissertation in the reference list in APA format, you should follow the same basic format as the in-text citation. The reference entry should include the author’s name, the year of completion, the title of the dissertation, and the name of the institution. If the dissertation is available online, the URL or database name should also be included.

An example of a reference entry for a dissertation would look like this:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation (Doctoral dissertation). Name of Institution, Location. URL or Database Name.

Conclusion

Mastering the APA 7th Edition and understanding how to cite a dissertation is essential for anyone involved in academic writing and research. By following the specific guidelines and rules provided by the APA 7th Edition, you can ensure that your dissertation citations are accurate and properly formatted. Whether the dissertation is published or unpublished, it is important to include all the necessary details in the citation and reference entry.

FAQs

1. Can I use the same format for citing both doctoral dissertations and master’s theses?

Yes, the format for citing doctoral dissertations and master’s theses is the same in APA 7th Edition. The only difference is that you would indicate whether it is a doctoral dissertation or a master’s thesis in parentheses after the title.

2. Are there any additional details I need to include if the dissertation is available online?

If the dissertation is available online, you should include the URL or the name of the database in the citation and reference entry. This allows readers to easily access the dissertation if they want to review the source.

3. What if the dissertation is written in a language other than English?

If the dissertation is written in a language other than English, you should include a note indicating the language of the dissertation in parentheses after the title. For example, (Dissertation in French).

4. Do I need to include the name of the advisor or committee chair in the citation?

In APA format, it is not necessary to include the name of the advisor or committee chair in the citation for a dissertation. The focus should be on the author’s name, the year of completion, the title of the dissertation, and the institution that awarded the degree.

5. How do I know if a dissertation is considered published or unpublished?

In general, a dissertation is considered published if it is available through a database or repository. If it is only available from the institution that awarded the degree, it would be considered unpublished. Be sure to check the source of the dissertation to determine its publication status.

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