What is the correct format for citing a journal article in APA style?

The correct format for citing a journal article in APA style emphasizes the structure needed to convey essential elements of a reference accurately. This specific format includes the author's last name followed by their initials, the publication year enclosed in parentheses, the title of the article presented in sentence case (where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized), the title of the journal which is italicized and uses title case (where major words are capitalized), and the volume number in italics followed by the issue number in parentheses without italics if applicable. Additionally, the inclusion of the DOI at the end of the citation provides a direct link to the article, enhancing the ease of access for readers and conforming to APA's guidelines for digital content.

Each of the other options lacks important elements or contains incorrect formats. For instance, some options neglect the DOI or URL entirely, which are critical when available. Others may misplace the year or fail to italicize specific components correctly. Therefore, adhering to the specific structure laid out in the correct answer reinforces the standard necessary for citing journal articles effectively in psychological and social science research, where APA style is most commonly used.