Do I cite The New York Times or the author? This is a common question that arises when conducting research and referencing sources. The answer depends on the citation style you are using and the specific details of the source. Understanding how to correctly cite The New York Times or any other newspaper can greatly enhance the credibility and accuracy of your work.
Newspapers like The New York Times are often cited by their publication date, volume, issue number, and page number. However, whether you cite the newspaper itself or the author can vary depending on the citation style you follow. Let’s explore some of the most common citation styles and how they handle newspaper citations.
In APA style, when citing a newspaper article, you typically include the author’s name, the article title, the newspaper name, the publication date, and the page number. For example:
Smith, J. (2021, January 1). The Impact of Climate Change. The New York Times, p. A1.
In this case, you would cite the newspaper as the main source, rather than the author. However, if the author is well-known or the article is a personal interview, you may include the author’s name in the text.
On the other hand, in MLA style, you would cite the newspaper as the main source and include the author’s name if available. The format would look like this:
Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change.” The New York Times, 1 Jan. 2021, p. A1.
In MLA style, you would not include the volume or issue number, as it is not typically required.
Chicago style offers a slightly different approach. When citing a newspaper article, you would include the author’s name, the article title, the newspaper name, the publication date, and the page number. However, in this style, you may also include the city of publication. Here’s an example:
Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change.” The New York Times, 1 Jan. 2021, p. A1. New York.
In Chicago style, the author’s name is optional, and you may choose to include it based on the context of your paper.
Lastly, in Turabian style, the process is similar to Chicago style. You would include the author’s name, the article title, the newspaper name, the publication date, and the page number. The format would look like this:
Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change.” The New York Times, 1 Jan. 2021, p. A1.
In Turabian style, the author’s name is also optional, and you may choose to include it based on the context of your paper.
In conclusion, whether you cite The New York Times or the author depends on the citation style you are using and the specific details of the source. By understanding the rules and guidelines for each style, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Always double-check the specific requirements of your citation style and consult the appropriate manual or guide for more information.
