What should follow a citation in a block quote?

After a block quote, a citation in parentheses after the last punctuation mark is required to properly attribute the source of the quoted material. This practice aligns with APA format guidelines, which emphasize the importance of giving credit to original authors while maintaining the flow of the text. By placing the citation after the closing punctuation, it signals to the reader which specific passage the citation refers to without interrupting the integrity of the quote itself.

This citation typically includes the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number from where the quote was taken, ensuring that the reader can track the original source for further reference or verification. This approach enhances the credibility of the research by clearly documenting the origin of the quoted material.