how to reference a survey apa

3 min read 24-01-2025

Surveys are a cornerstone of research across many disciplines. Knowing how to properly reference them in APA style is crucial for academic integrity and clear communication. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, covering various survey types and scenarios. Mastering this skill ensures your work meets academic standards and avoids plagiarism.

Understanding APA Style for References

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in social sciences and other fields. Its referencing system aims for clarity, consistency, and ease of retrieval for sources. This is particularly important for surveys, which may not always have a traditional publication format.

Referencing Different Types of Surveys

The way you reference a survey in APA style depends on how you accessed it.

1. Published Survey Data (e.g., from a journal article, book, or dataset)

If the survey data is part of a larger publication, you cite the publication itself. The survey is not a separate source; it's data within the source.

Example:

Smith, J. (2023). The impact of social media on adolescent mental health. [University of California, Berkeley]. Retrieved from [URL or database information]

In-text citation: (Smith, 2023)

2. Unpublished Survey Data (e.g., from a thesis, dissertation, or personal communication)

For unpublished surveys, you'll need to provide as much detail as possible to help the reader locate the data.

Example (Dissertation):

Jones, A. (2022). The effects of mindfulness on stress levels. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Oxford.

In-text citation: (Jones, 2022)

Example (Personal Communication):

Personal communication is not included in the reference list but cited in the text.

In-text citation: (A. Jones, personal communication, October 26, 2023)

3. Online Surveys (e.g., from a website or survey platform)

Online surveys present a unique referencing challenge. Aim for a consistent and complete reference, including as much information as possible.

Example (Survey hosted on a website):

Organization Name. (2023). Customer satisfaction survey. [Website Name]. Retrieved from [URL]

In-text citation: (Organization Name, 2023)

Example (Survey Platform like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey): If a permanent URL isn't available, include the date you accessed the survey results.

Note: Avoid directly citing a URL only, unless it's a static, accessible archive, and ensure that the survey was publicly accessible.

4. Data from a Public Data Repository (e.g., ICPSR, data.gov)

These repositories often have their own citation guidelines. Follow their instructions, then adapt the reference to the broader APA format. This usually involves adding an archive identifier.

Key Elements of an APA Survey Reference

Regardless of the survey type, strive to include these elements whenever possible:

Author(s): The person(s) or organization that conducted the survey.
Year: The year the survey was conducted or the data was published.
Title: The title of the survey or the publication containing the survey data.
Source: Where the survey data was obtained (journal, website, dataset, etc.).
Retrieval Information: URL, DOI, or database information. This is crucial for online sources.

How to Cite a Survey Within Your Text

APA in-text citations usually follow the author-date format.

Direct Quote: Include page numbers (or paragraph numbers if no page numbers are available). For online sources, use paragraph numbers.
Paraphrase: No page numbers are needed.

Example: Incorporating a Survey into Your APA Style Paper

Let's say you used data from a published study that included a survey on consumer preferences.

Reference:

Miller, K. (2022). Consumer behavior and sustainable products. Journal of Marketing Research, 59(3), 456-472. https://doi.org/xxxxxxxxx

In-text citation (Paraphrase): Miller's (2022) study on consumer behavior revealed a strong correlation between environmental awareness and purchasing decisions (p.465).

In-text citation (Direct Quote): "Consumers who reported higher levels of environmental concern were significantly more likely to choose sustainable products" (Miller, 2022, p. 468).

Conclusion

Referencing surveys correctly in APA style requires careful attention to detail and consistency. By following these guidelines and adapting them to the specific circumstances of your survey data, you'll ensure your work is accurate, credible, and adheres to academic standards. Remember to consult the most up-to-date APA Publication Manual for any specific ambiguities or evolving guidelines. Always prioritize accuracy and clear communication.