Exploring Source Types

To identify the correct APA citation elements needed for your reference list citation, you first need to know what type of source you have. Looking at a source’s visual cues and descriptions from a library catalogue or database can help you figure this out.

Now that so many sources are online, it can be a bit confusing figuring out a source’s type. To help, we will go through some examples of source types and cues to look for together.

Examples are displayed on either side of the pyramid and an arrow on the right-hand side is labelled more popular at the base of the pyramid and more scholarly at the top. Peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, conference papers, and theses and dissertations are at the top; trade journals, newsletters, non-fiction, documentaries, fiction/novels and social media are at the bottom or widest part of the pyramid.

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this chapter is adapted from “8.2 – Exploring Source Types” In Communication Essentials for College by Emily Cramer & Amanda Quibell, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0./ An adaptation from “Exploring Source Types” In APA Style Citation Tutorial by Sarah Adams and Debbie Feisst, University of Alberta Library, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International License. / Adaptations include adjustment of alternate text and CC license updates.