Mastering the nuances of academic citation is essential for scholarly integrity, and knowing how to reference an interview in APA style presents a unique set of considerations. Unlike published works, personal interviews are considered private communications, which fundamentally changes how they appear in your reference list and in-text. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of the correct methodology, ensuring your sources are credited accurately and professionally.
Understanding the Two Core Components of APA Citation
When learning how to reference an interview APA style, it is vital to understand that every source requires two distinct parts: an in-text citation and a corresponding reference list entry. The in-text citation appears immediately after the quoted or paraphrased information within your writing, directing the reader to the full details. The reference list, found at the end of your document, provides the complete publication information so that others can locate the source. For personal interviews, this structure follows a specific and logical pattern that prioritizes the interviewee and the date of your conversation.
In-Text Citation for Personal Interviews
The in-text citation for a personal interview is one of the simplest in the APA format. Because the interview is a personal communication, it does not appear in your reference list, and its citation is minimal. You should include the interviewee’s last name, followed by the phrase "personal communication," and the exact date of the interview. This citation should be placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence where the information is used, just before the final punctuation.
For example, if you were citing a point made by Jane Smith during a meeting on March 3, 2023, your in-text citation would look like this: (J. Smith, personal communication, March 3, 2023). If you mention the interviewee's name in your sentence, you only need to include the date and "personal communication" in the parentheses.
Constructing the Reference List Entry
While in-text citations are straightforward, the reference list entry often causes confusion. According to the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, you should not include personal communications in the reference list because they cannot be retrieved by other readers. However, there is a specific exception to this rule when the interview was conducted by a professional journalist and published in a reputable medium. In such cases, you provide a standard reference list entry so that readers can locate the source themselves.
If you are citing a published interview, the format shifts from a personal communication to a standard media citation. You will list the interviewee as the author, followed by the publication date, the title of the interview in quotation marks, the publication name in italics, and the URL if the source is online. This structure ensures that your citation provides maximum retrievability and adheres to the standards of academic documentation.
Published Print or Broadcast Interview Example
When citing a print or broadcast interview found in a newspaper, magazine, or journal, the format requires specific details to ensure accuracy. You should begin with the interviewee's last name and initials, followed by the publication year in parentheses. Next, place the title of the interview in quotation marks, followed by the title of the periodical in italics. Finally, include the volume number (if applicable) and the page range where the interview appears.
For instance: Doe, J. (2023, January 15). The future of artificial intelligence. The New York Times, pp. 1A, 4A. This example demonstrates how to integrate a specific location for the interview within a larger publication, allowing your reader to find the exact source material with ease.
How to Reference an Online Interview or Video Conversation
In the digital age, a significant portion of interview data comes from online platforms such as YouTube, podcasts, or personal websites. Referencing these sources correctly requires a slightly different approach than print media, focusing on the platform and the permanence of the content. You must determine if the interview is part of a larger, retrievable platform or a standalone document that can be directly linked.
For an online interview hosted on a site like YouTube, you should treat the interviewee as the author. Provide the year they uploaded the content (or "n.d." if no date is available), the title of the video in italics, the platform "YouTube" in square brackets, and the direct URL. This method ensures that the citation is both specific and functional, allowing anyone to locate the exact video you referenced.
Online Video Platform Example
Consider a scenario where you watched an interview with a renowned scientist on YouTube. The correct APA format would prioritize the interviewee's name, followed by the upload date, the title of the interview, the medium, and the link. The format would look like this: Smith, A. (Year, Month Day). Discussing quantum physics with Dr. Smith [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxxxxx. This structure maintains clarity while adapting to the modern landscape of digital media and content creation.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
When compiling your references, consistency is paramount. Always verify the specific details required for the type of interview you are citing, such as the exact title formatting or the inclusion of season and episode numbers for podcast interviews. If you are citing an interview you conducted yourself, it should remain an in-text personal communication and absent from the reference list, preserving the distinction between published works and private exchanges.
Double-check the spelling of the interviewee's name and the publication title, as these elements are crucial for the credibility of your work. By adhering strictly to these guidelines on how to reference an interview APA, you demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor and give proper respect to the original source of the information, strengthening the overall authority of your writing.
