This document provides an overview of APA citation style rules including how to cite common knowledge versus unique information, how to avoid plagiarism, how to format a references page, and examples of in-text citations for different source types such as books, websites, and articles. It also reviews best practices for using direct quotes sparingly and only when the original meaning would be changed without using the exact words.

1. APA Citation Style Review

2. General rules
• If it is common knowledge, you do not have to cite it
• Common knowledge: Target stores carry a variety products such as
clothing, toys, health and beauty products, home furnishings, and even
food items.
• Not common knowledge: Target stores plan to open 24 new stores next
year and expand to Antarctica in 2018.
• If you copy more than 5 words in a row from a source without
citing, it is plagiarism.
• Images, charts, diagrams etc…should also be cited.

3. References Page
Ethical Business Conduct. (2017, August 16). Retrieved September 20, 2017, from
http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/ethical-business-conduct
Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2015). Business ethics: ethical decision making &
cases (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Kent, M. (2015, Aug 20). Coca-cola: We'll do better. Wall Street Journal Retrieved from
https://ezproxy.stevenson.edu/login?url=https://ezproxy.stevenson.edu:2375/docv
iew/1705355038?accountid=36772
Mission, Vision & Values. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2017, from http://www.coca-
colacompany.com/our-company/mission-vision-values
Website ->
Website ->
Book ->
Article ->

4. In-Text Citation Examples
Author
• A study last year showed that there was a 42% increase in repeat
customers at the shopping mall (Morber, 2017).
• According to Morber’s study, the increase in repeat customers at the
shopping mall was 42% (2017).
• According to the study by Morber (2017), the increase in repeat
customers at the shopping mall was 42%.
Website
• As noted on the company website, JC Penny is opening 50 new stores
per year (“Our Future”, 2016).

5. Using Direct Quotes
Use direct quotes sparingly. Use them when you cannot change the
original author’s words without changing the meaning or essence of
the phrase or sentence.
• Proper use of quotes: In her study on Target stores, Morber wrote “There
hasn’t been a rebranding in retail this successful since Billy Bob’s Sausage
Emporium in 1967” (2016, pge 14) .
• Improper use of quotes: “Target had a very successful rebranding campaign
and is now considered a top retailer.” (Morber, 2016, pge 14)