Definition of Secondary Source Citation in APA Format with Examples

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔍 Definition: A secondary source cites or discusses information originally presented in another source (the primary source). You use it when you can't access the original.
• 📝 APA Citation Rule: Cite the secondary source you read. In the reference list, provide details only for the secondary source.
• 🖋️ In-Text Citation: Include both the original author and the secondary source author. Use "as cited in". Example: (Original Author, year, as cited in Secondary Author, year)
• 💡 Example: (Smith, 2000, as cited in Jones, 2010)
• 📚 Reference List: Only Jones, 2010, would appear in your reference list.
• ⚠️ Important: Always try to find and cite the primary source whenever possible.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best defines a secondary source citation?

   1. A) Citing the original source of information.
   2. B) Citing a source that interprets or discusses an original source.
   3. C) Ignoring the original source and only citing the source you read.
   4. D) Combining multiple primary sources into one citation.

2. In APA format, what should you do if you cannot access the original (primary) source?

   1. A) Omit the citation entirely.
   2. B) Cite only the secondary source in both the text and reference list.
   3. C) Cite the secondary source and include "as cited in" to acknowledge the original source.
   4. D) Make up a citation for the primary source.

3. Which of the following is the correct in-text citation format for a secondary source in APA, assuming you read Jones (2010) who cited Smith (2000)?

   1. A) (Smith, 2000)
   2. B) (Jones, 2010)
   3. C) (Smith, 2000, as cited in Jones, 2010)
   4. D) (Smith & Jones, 2000 & 2010)

4. If you are citing a secondary source, what source(s) should be included in the reference list?

   1. A) Only the primary source.
   2. B) Both the primary and secondary sources.
   3. C) Only the secondary source.
   4. D) Neither the primary nor secondary source.

5. Why is it generally recommended to cite the primary source instead of a secondary source?

   1. A) Secondary sources are always inaccurate.
   2. B) Citing the primary source gives proper credit and avoids potential misinterpretations.
   3. C) Primary sources are easier to find.
   4. D) APA format requires it.

6. In the citation (Johnson, 1985, as cited in Williams, 2005), which author's work did you actually read?

   1. A) Johnson
   2. B) Williams
   3. C) Both Johnson and Williams
   4. D) Neither Johnson nor Williams

7. What does "as cited in" indicate in an APA citation?

   1. A) The original source is unreliable.
   2. B) The information comes directly from the cited author's personal experience.
   3. C) The information was found in another source, which is being cited.
   4. D) The citation is incomplete.