How do I in-text cite an in-class discussion?

Answer

An in-class discussion is not a published work, nor is it recoverable by the reader, so it is closest in APA to an interview or personal communication.

Personal communication, such as interviews:

  • Includes memos, emails, phone conversations, etc.
  • Because they do not provide recoverable data, personal communications are not included on the References page. 
  • Cite personal communications in text only. 
  • Give the first and middle initials as well as the surname of the communicator and the date.

Example: 

According to an interview with Professor K. A. West (personal communication, August 3, 2019) ...

For more information, see the Personal Communications page on the APA Style Blog.

For an example, go to the APA Help guide and click on APA Citation Examples - References & In-Text.

Click on the drop-down menu under OTHER and select Personal Communication near the middle of the list.

Thank you for using ASK US.  For more information, please contact your Baker librarians.

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  • Last Updated Aug 09, 2023
  • Views 23260
  • Answered By Baker Librarians

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Comments (2)

  1. amazing post
    by mecer on Oct 01, 2015
  2. helpful
    by andy on Mar 30, 2019

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