What is the correct way to cite authors for the first mention of sources in text?

In APA format, the first mention of a source in the text requires specific citations that enhance clarity and coherence in academic writing. When citing works with multiple authors, the correct practice is to mention all the authors' last names for the first citation of their work unless there are more than two authors. In cases where a source has three or more authors, you would typically include the first author's surname followed by "et al." on the first mention. This guides the reader while also acknowledging all authors without overwhelming them with excessive names, which could disrupt the flow of the text.

It's essential to follow this guideline to ensure that the citation is clear, accurate, and adheres to APA stylistic standards, providing readers with the necessary information to locate the source efficiently. Using the first mention properly reinforces the ethical practice of giving credit to all contributors in academic work.