How to Cite a Person from an Interview
Citing a person from an interview is an essential part of academic writing and research. It helps to give credit to the source of the information and ensures that readers can verify the information provided. However, citing an interview can be a bit tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the proper format. In this article, we will discuss how to cite a person from an interview, including the different citation styles and the necessary elements to include in your citation.
Understanding the Different Citation Styles
Before we dive into the specifics of how to cite a person from an interview, it is important to understand the different citation styles. The most commonly used citation styles are APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. Each style has its own set of rules and guidelines for citing interviews. Here is a brief overview of the four main styles:
1. APA (American Psychological Association): APA style is commonly used in the social sciences. When citing a person from an interview in APA style, you will need to include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, and the page number where the quote is found.
2. MLA (Modern Language Association): MLA style is often used in the humanities. In MLA style, you will need to include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, and the page number where the quote is found.
3. Chicago: Chicago style is used in a variety of disciplines. When citing an interview in Chicago style, you will need to include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, and the page number where the quote is found.
4. Harvard: Harvard style is commonly used in the UK and Australia. When citing an interview in Harvard style, you will need to include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, and the page number where the quote is found.
Elements to Include in Your Citation
Regardless of the citation style you choose, there are several essential elements that must be included in your citation:
1. Interviewee’s Name: The name of the person you interviewed should be included in your citation. If the interviewee is a public figure, you can use their full name. If they are not a public figure, you can use their first name and last initial.
2. Title of the Interview: If the interview has a title, include it in your citation. If there is no title, you can use a shortened version of the interviewee’s name or a description of the interview.
3. Publication Date: Include the date the interview was conducted or published. If the interview was conducted but not published, you can use the date of the interview.
4. Page Number: If the interview is found in a publication, include the page number where the quote is located. If the interview is an oral history or a transcript, you can use the time stamp instead.
Example Citations
Here are some examples of how to cite a person from an interview in different citation styles:
APA:
Smith, J. (2021, January 15). Interview with John Smith. The Journal of Psychology, 10(2), 45-50.
MLA:
Smith, John. “Interview with John Smith.” The Journal of Psychology, vol. 10, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45-50.
Chicago:
Smith, John. Interview with John Smith. The Journal of Psychology, vol. 10, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45-50.
Harvard:
Smith, J. (2021, January 15). Interview with John Smith. The Journal of Psychology, 10(2), 45-50.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you properly cite a person from an interview in your research and maintain academic integrity.
