Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Use signal phrases to integrate sources
Integrating sources
Writing Papers in APA Style

Whenever you include a paraphrase, summary, or direct quotation of another writer’s work in your paper, prepare your readers for it with a signal phrase — or what APA calls a “narrative citation.” A signal phrase usually names the author of the source, gives the publication year in parentheses, and often provides some context. It is generally acceptable in APA style to call authors by their last name only, even on a first mention. If your paper refers to two authors with the same last name, use their first initials as well.

When you write a signal phrase, choose a verb that fits with the way you are using the source (see 59c). Are you providing background, explaining a concept, supporting a claim, lending authority, or refuting an argument? See the chart on the next page for a list of verbs commonly used in signal phrases.

See “Using sentence guides to integrate sources” in 56c for templates you can use to introduce sources in your writing.

NOTE: APA requires using verbs in the past tense or present perfect tense (“explained” or “has explained”) to introduce source material. Use the present tense only for discussing the applications or effects of your own results (“the data suggest”) or knowledge that has been clearly established (“researchers agree”).

USING SIGNAL PHRASES IN APA PAPERS

To avoid monotony, try to vary both the language and the placement of your signal phrases.

Model signal phrases

In the words of Mitra (2013), “. . .”

As Bell (2010) has noted, “. . .”

Donista-Schmidt and Zuzovsky (2014) pointed out that “. . .”

“. . . ,” claimed Çubukçu (2012, Introduction section).

“. . . ,” explained Demski (2012), “. . .”

Horn and Staker (2011) have offered a compelling argument for this view: “. . .”

In a recent study, Sharon et al. (2019) found that “. . .”

Verbs in signal phrases

Marking boundaries

Readers need to move smoothly from your words to the words of a source. Avoid dropping a direct quotation into your text without warning. Provide a clear signal phrase, including at least the author’s name and the year of publication. A signal phrase marks the boundary between source material and your own words and can also tell readers why a source is worth quoting. (The signal phrase is highlighted in the second example.)

DROPPED QUOTATION

Many educators have been intrigued by the concept of blended learning but have been unsure how to define it. “Blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control over time, place, and pace” (Horn & Staker, 2011, p. 4).

QUOTATION WITH SIGNAL PHRASE

Many educators have been intrigued by the concept of blended learning but have been unsure how to define it. As Horn and Staker (2011) have argued, “blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control over time, place, and pace” (p. 4).

Using signal phrases with summaries and paraphrases

Introduce most summaries and paraphrases with a signal phrase that names the author and the year and places the material in the context of your argument. Readers will then understand that everything between the signal phrase and the parenthetical citation summarizes or paraphrases the cited source.

Without the signal phrase (highlighted) in the following example, readers might think that only the last sentence was being cited, when in fact the whole paragraph is based on the source.

Watson (2008) reported that for American postsecondary students, technology is integral to their academic lives. Nearly three-quarters own their own laptops, and 83% have used a course management system for an online component of a class. Watson pointed out that online and blended learning models are even more widespread outside of the United States (p. 15).

There are times, however, when a summary or a paraphrase does not require a signal phrase naming the author. When the context makes clear where the cited material begins, you may omit the signal phrase and include the author’s name and the year in parentheses.

A Stanford study came to the same conclusion; researchers examined four schools that had moved from teacher-driven instruction to student-centered learning (Friedlaender et al., 2014).

Integrating statistics and other data

When you cite a statistic or other data, a signal phrase may be used, but it is often not necessary. In most cases, readers will understand that the citation refers to the data and not the whole paragraph.

Of polled high school students, 43% said that they lacked confidence in their technological proficiency going into college and careers (Moeller & Rietzes, 2011).

Putting source material in context

Readers should not have to guess why source material appears in your paper; you must put the source in context. If you use another writer’s words, you must explain how they relate to your point. It is a good idea to sandwich each quotation between sentences of your own, introducing it with a signal phrase and following it with comments that link the quotation to your paper’s argument. (See also 61d.)

QUOTATION WITH EFFECTIVE CONTEXT (QUOTATION SANDWICH)

According to the International Society for Technology in Education (2016), “student-centered learning moves students from passive receivers of information to active participants in their own discovery process” (What Is It? section). The results of student-centered learning have been positive, not only for academic achievement but also for student self-esteem. In this model of instruction, the teacher acts as a facilitator, and the students actively participate in the process of learning and teaching.