How do you cite (both in-text and on the References page) authors with the same surname and same initial?
Answer
Two authors with the same last name and first initial are cited as show below.
(For other APA questions, visit the APA Help guide.)
The Publication Manual says this: “If the reference list includes different authors with the same surname and the first initial, the authors’ full first names may be given in brackets” (p. 184).
Examples:
Thomas, D. [Danny], & Davidson, B. (1991). Make room for Danny. New York, NY: Putnam. Thomas, D. [Dylan]. (1954). A child’s Christmas in Wales. Norfolk, CT: New Directions. |
Distinguish between the two for in-text citation by using both first and last names.
- Examples:
- (Danny Thomas, 1991)
- (Dylan Thomas, 1954)
This answer was completed with the help of the APA Style Blog's entry on the same topic.
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