The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a renowned resource for writers, providing extensive guidance on various citation styles, including APA. When citing the Purdue OWL APA website, it’s essential to acknowledge the source accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cite the Purdue OWL APA website according to the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual:
Basic Citation Format
The APA style recommends the following format for citing websites:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Title of the webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com
Citation for Purdue OWL APA Website
Since the Purdue OWL does not provide a specific author or publication date for its APA website, you can use the following format:
Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). APA Style. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
Explanation: - “Purdue Online Writing Lab” is the name of the organization responsible for the content. - “(n.d.)” indicates that no publication date is available. - “APA Style” is the title of the webpage. - The URL provided is the link to the APA Style introduction page on the Purdue OWL website. You should use the URL of the specific page you consulted.
In-Text Citation
When referencing the Purdue OWL APA website in the text, you can use the following in-text citation format:
(Purdue Online Writing Lab, n.d.)
Or, if you are discussing a specific aspect of APA style found on the website:
According to the APA style guidelines found on the Purdue OWL website (Purdue Online Writing Lab, n.d.), [brief description of the guideline].
Additional Tips
- Always verify the URL you are citing, as web content can move or change.
- If you are citing a specific page or document within the Purdue OWL APA section, make sure to use the exact URL for that page.
- APA style does not require the inclusion of a retrieval date for online sources that are unlikely to change (e.g., dictionaries, thesauri, and most websites). However, if the content is likely to change, such as a wiki, a retrieval date is recommended.
By following these guidelines, you can accurately cite the Purdue OWL APA website and maintain the integrity of your academic work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to include the retrieval date for the Purdue OWL APA website?
A: No, unless the content is likely to change, in which case you should include the retrieval date.
Q: Can I use the Purdue OWL as a reference for all citation styles?
A: Yes, the Purdue OWL provides guidance on APA, MLA, Chicago, and other citation styles.
Q: Is the Purdue OWL a reliable source for academic citations?
A: Yes, the Purdue OWL is a well-respected and widely used resource for citation guidance.
Q: How often is the Purdue OWL updated?
A: The Purdue OWL regularly updates its content to reflect changes in citation styles and best practices in writing and research.
How do I cite the Purdue OWL APA website if there is no author?
+To cite the Purdue OWL APA website without an author, use the title of the webpage in the in-text citation and the reference list entry. For example: ("APA Style," n.d.) and APA Style. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Can I use the automatic citation tools on the Purdue OWL website?
+While the Purdue OWL provides guides and examples for citations, it does not offer automatic citation tools. However, there are other online tools and citation managers like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote that can help generate citations in various styles, including APA.
Key Takeaways
- The Purdue OWL is a trusted resource for citation guidance, including APA style.
- When citing the Purdue OWL APA website, use the organization as the author and “n.d.” for the publication date since it is not provided.
- Always verify the URL and consider including a retrieval date if the content is subject to change.
Step-by-Step Guide to Citing Purdue OWL APA Website
- Identify the Source: Go to the Purdue OWL APA website and identify the specific page or section you are citing.
- Determine the Citation Elements: Note the title of the webpage, the URL, and whether a publication or update date is provided.
- Format the Citation: Use the APA format for citing a website without an author: Organization. (n.d.). Title of the webpage. Retrieved from https://www.url.com
- Include In-Text Citation: When referencing the source in your text, use the organization’s name and “n.d.” in parentheses.
- Verify and Refine: Double-check the URL and the citation format to ensure accuracy and adherence to APA style guidelines.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can accurately cite the Purdue OWL APA website in your academic work, maintaining the high standards of scholarship and integrity required in research and writing.
