Encountering a brilliant idea in a personal conversation often presents a unique citation challenge, particularly when translating that information into a formal academic document. The American Psychological Association style provides specific guidelines for acknowledging these verbal exchanges, ensuring that the source remains traceable and credible. Understanding how to cite an interview in APA format correctly transforms a fleeting moment of insight into a stable and verifiable reference. This process requires attention to detail regarding the type of interview and its publication status.
Distinguishing Between Interview Types
The foundational step in creating the correct citation is identifying whether the interview was published or personal. A published interview exists in a permanent, retrievable format, such as a magazine article, a podcast, a film, or a television broadcast. Conversely, a personal interview is a direct conversation—whether in person, by telephone, or via digital messaging—where the content does not exist in a retrievable format for an audience beyond the immediate participants. This distinction dictates the entire structure of the citation.
Published Interview References
For a published interview, the reference list entry must provide enough information for a reader to locate the specific source. The format generally follows the structure of the medium in which it appeared. You must include the interviewee's name, the date of the interview, the title in quotation marks, the designation "Interview" in square brackets, the publisher or platform, and the URL if it is an online source. Accuracy in the title and publication name is critical for maintaining the integrity of the source.
Personal Communication Citations
Personal interviews, being non-recoverable data, are treated differently within the APA framework. Since the general public cannot access the exact conversation, it is not included in the reference list. Instead, the citation occurs in the text of the paper only. This in-text citation must feature the interviewee's last name and the specific date of the conversation, often supplemented with a descriptor such as "personal communication" to clarify the nature of the source. This method gives credit to the individual while adhering to the constraints of the source type.
Constructing the In-Text Citation
In-text citations serve as immediate signposts guiding the reader to the source of a specific claim or quote. When paraphrasing information from a personal interview, the signal phrase or parenthetical citation should appear at the point where the information is introduced. The standard format involves the interviewee's surname followed by the date of the interview. No page number is necessary for verbal interviews, as the content is not paginated in a retrievable document.
Handling Unpublished Interviews
If you conducted the interview yourself, the protocol shifts slightly to protect the privacy and consent of the participant. In the reference list, you should list the interviewee's last name and first initials, followed by the description "Interview author" in square brackets. The year of the interview remains in parentheses. Within the text, you cite it as a personal communication, noting the interviewee's surname and the date. This approach maintains academic rigor while respecting the confidential nature of the exchange.
Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance
APA style is governed by the 7th edition of the Publication Manual, which emphasizes clarity and precision. Mistakes in citation often occur when individuals confuse the formatting for different mediums or neglect to distinguish between personal and published sources. To avoid these pitfalls, double-check the specific elements required for the interview type. Verifying the exact title of the interview and the correct spelling of the interviewee's name prevents unnecessary corrections later in the writing process.
Practical Examples for Clarity
Reviewing concrete examples is the most effective method for mastering this citation style. Seeing the theoretical rules applied to real-world scenarios removes ambiguity and builds confidence. Below is a quick reference table illustrating the correct format for both a published broadcast interview and a personal communication to solidify your understanding.
