APA vs MLA vs Harvard: Which Citation Style Should You Use?

Citation styles can be confusing, especially when different professors require different formats. This guide will help you understand the main citation styles and when to use them.

Why Citation Styles Matter

Proper citations:
- Give credit to original authors
- Help readers find your sources
- Demonstrate academic integrity
- Add credibility to your work

APA (American Psychological Association)

Commonly used in: Psychology, Education, Social Sciences

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In-Text Citation Format
(Author, Year)
Example: (Smith, 2024)

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Reference List Format
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher.

Example:
Smith, J. D. (2024). Psychology of learning. Academic Press.

MLA (Modern Language Association)

Commonly used in: Literature, Humanities, Languages

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In-Text Citation Format
(Author Page Number)
Example: (Smith 45)

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Works Cited Format
Author. "Title." Container, Publisher, Year.

Example:
Smith, Jane. "Modern Poetry Analysis." Literary Review, vol. 15, no. 2, 2024, pp. 45-60.

Harvard

Commonly used in: Business, Social Sciences (UK/Australian universities)

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In-Text Citation Format
(Author, Year)
Example: (Smith, 2024)

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Reference List Format
Author, Initial. (Year) Title. Place: Publisher.

Example:
Smith, J. (2024) Business Strategy. London: Academic Publishing.

Chicago

Commonly used in: History, Art, Business

Chicago has two systems:
1. Notes and Bibliography (humanities)
2. Author-Date (sciences)

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Notes and Bibliography Example
1. Jane Smith, History of Art (New York: Art Press, 2024), 45.

Quick Comparison Table

| Feature | APA | MLA | Harvard | Chicago |
|---------|-----|-----|---------|---------|
| In-text | (Author, Year) | (Author Page) | (Author, Year) | Footnotes or (Author Year) |
| Page title | References | Works Cited | Reference List | Bibliography |
| Common in | Sciences | Humanities | Business (UK) | History |

Tips for Getting Citations Right

1. Check your assignment guidelines - Your instructor's requirements override general rules
2. Use citation tools - Zotero, Mendeley, and EasyBib can help
3. Be consistent - Use one style throughout your paper
4. Double-check format - Small details matter

When in Doubt

If you're unsure which style to use:
1. Ask your instructor
2. Check your department's guidelines
3. Look at the style most common in your field

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