What are parenthetical citations?
APA’s system of parenthetical documentation emphasizes the author’s last name and date of publication, with page numbers being cited only if a particular part of the source is being cited or if a direct quotation is used. It interacts with the reference list, as each reference to a name of an author or anonymous text made within the paper must point to a reference entry at the end of the paper. In this way, all specific bibliographic information is kept in the reference list, and all information about specific location of quotes, ideas, facts, etc. in the original source is placed in parentheses where it is most relevant within the paper.
