What is the correct way to cite a source when the author's name is part of the narrative?

When the author's name is part of the narrative in an APA citation, it is essential to follow the format that clearly associates the name with the corresponding publication year. This correct method involves mentioning the author's last name directly in the text and immediately following it with the year of publication in parentheses. This format not only emphasizes the author’s contribution to the work being cited but also allows readers to quickly identify the source’s timeframe, which is critical in academic writing as it helps establish the currency and relevance of the research.

For instance, if you are writing about a study by Smith published in 2020, you would phrase it as: "Smith (2020) discusses the impact of...". This structure both maintains the flow of your narrative and adheres to APA guidelines, ensuring clarity and proper attribution to the source material. Using this method also differentiates it from point citations, where full citation details would be included in the reference list at the end of the text. By following this format, you enhance the credibility of your writing while adhering to scholarly standards.