APA Formatting for Unpublished Theses with Multiple Authors: A Comprehensive Guide

When dealing with academic sources, proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and maintain the integrity of scholarly communication. This guide will provide you with clear instructions on how to cite an unpublished thesis with multiple authors in APA format. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for researchers, students, and professionals alike.

Understanding the Context

A thesis, in most cases, is considered a co-authorless document as it represents the individual work of a single researcher. However, in some cases, collaborative efforts may result in a thesis that includes multiple authors. In these instances, the citation process becomes slightly more complex but remains accessible when following the appropriate APA guidelines.

Key Elements of APA Citations for Unpublished Theses

When citing an unpublished thesis with multiple authors in APA format, the following key elements are essential:

The names of the authors (last name, initials) The title of the thesis (in italics) The document type (Thesis/Unpublished master's thesis/Unpublished doctoral dissertation) The year of completion if available The name of the institution where the thesis was completed The factuality of where a copy of the thesis is held

Examples of APA Citations for Unpublished Theses with Multiple Authors

Let’s explore a few examples to illustrate the format.

Example 1: Master’s Thesis with Multiple Authors

Reference Entry: J. H. Smith, and L. M. Jones (2020). An Analysis of the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health [Unpublished master's thesis]. University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.

In-Text Citation: (Smith Jones, 2020)

Example 2: Doctoral Dissertation with Multiple Authors

Reference Entry: M. C. Garcia, and R. S. Davis (2021). A Comparative Study of Climate Change Policies in Developing Countries [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. State University of New York, Binghamton, NY.

In-Text Citation: (Garcia Davis, 2021)

Additional Considerations

When to Use Unpublished Theses: Unpublished theses are frequently used in literature reviews, research studies, and academic papers where primary data or insights from ongoing research are needed. They are valuable sources because they often provide unique perspectives or detailed analyses that may not yet have been published in academic journals.

Accessing Unpublished Theses: Unpublished theses may not be publicly accessible and are often housed in university libraries or specific research institutions. Accessing these resources often requires formal requests or specific permissions, depending on the institution's policies.

Credibility and Reliability: Unpublished theses can be highly credible and reliable given that they undergo rigorous review and review processes before being submitted, albeit within the institution completing the research. However, their accessibility and the verification of their credibility should always be considered.

Proper Citation Benefits: By following APA guidelines, you ensure the proper attribution of the sources you use, enhancing the credibility of your own work and fostering good academic practice.

Conclusion

When dealing with the citation of unpublished theses with multiple authors in APA format, thorough research is key. By adhering to the correct format and providing all necessary information, you maintain academic integrity and contribute to a culture of transparency in research and scholarship.