Conducting interviews is a valuable research method, providing rich qualitative data. But the value of your interview research is only realized when you properly cite your sources. Failing to do so constitutes plagiarism, severely impacting your academic or professional credibility. This comprehensive guide will walk you through citing interviews in various citation styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, and others.
Understanding the Basics of Interview Citations
Before diving into specific styles, let's establish the fundamental elements you'll need for any interview citation:
- Interviewer: Your name (or the name of the person conducting the interview).
- Interviewee: The name of the person you interviewed.
- Date of Interview: The exact date the interview took place (month, day, year).
- Type of Interview: Was it in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing (e.g., Zoom)? This detail isn't always necessary but can be helpful for context.
- Method of Recording: How was the interview recorded? (e.g., audio recording, written notes, video recording). This adds transparency to your methodology.
Citing Interviews in Different Styles
The specific format for citing an interview varies depending on the citation style you're using. Here's a breakdown of common styles:
MLA (Modern Language Association)
In MLA, interviews are generally cited in your Works Cited page. If you're directly quoting the interviewee, you'll also need an in-text citation.
Example (In-text Citation):
"I believe strongly in the power of community engagement," stated Dr. Smith (Interview, October 26, 2023).
Example (Works Cited Entry):
Smith, Jane. Interview by [Your Name]. 26 Oct. 2023.
APA (American Psychological Association)
APA style requires you to cite the interview in your reference list and include an in-text citation for direct quotes.
Example (In-text Citation):
(Smith, personal communication, October 26, 2023).
Example (Reference List Entry):
Smith, J. (October 26, 2023). Personal interview.
Chicago/Turabian
Chicago style, both author-date and notes-bibliography, offers slightly different approaches.
Author-Date (In-text Citation):
(Smith, personal communication, Oct. 26, 2023).
Author-Date (Bibliography Entry):
Smith, Jane. Personal interview by [Your Name], October 26, 2023.
Notes-Bibliography (Footnote/Endnote):
ยน Jane Smith, interview by [Your Name], October 26, 2023.
Notes-Bibliography (Bibliography Entry): The bibliography entry is generally not required for personal communications under Chicago's notes-bibliography style.
Other Styles
Other citation styles may have their own specific guidelines. Consult a style guide specific to your field or institution for complete instructions.
Tips for Accurate and Consistent Citation
- Consistency is Key: Always use the same citation style consistently throughout your work.
- Accuracy First: Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting your work.
- Transparency: Be transparent about the interview process, including any limitations or biases.
- Ethics First: Always obtain informed consent from the interviewee before conducting and using the interview for your work.
Beyond the Basics: Handling Different Interview Formats
The above examples focus on standard interviews. However, you might need to adjust your citation depending on the interview format:
- Published Interviews: If the interview is published in a magazine, newspaper, or online journal, cite it as you would any other journal article, using the appropriate style guide.
- Email Interviews: Treat email interviews similarly to personal interviews but specify "Email interview" in the citation.
- Online Forums/Social Media: Citing information from online forums or social media requires specific care and may depend on the platform's terms of service. Always attribute your information accurately and transparently.
By following these guidelines and adapting them to your specific needs, you can confidently cite interviews, ensuring both academic integrity and the proper attribution of your research. Remember to always consult the most up-to-date style guides for the most accurate information.
