Citing interviews is a crucial skill for researchers, journalists, and writers alike. Interviews can provide valuable firsthand information and insights, making them important sources in various fields. Properly citing interviews not only gives credit to the original source but also adds credibility to your work. In this article, we’ll explore the various citation styles and guidelines for citing interviews effectively.
Determine the Interview Source
Before citing an interview, it’s essential to establish the type of interview and its accessibility. Interviews can take many forms, including personal interviews, telephone interviews, email interviews, and even social media interactions. Additionally, consider whether the interview is from a published or unpublished source.
Choose the Appropriate Citation Style
Different academic disciplines and publications may require specific citation styles, such as APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or Chicago. Be sure to adhere to the style guidelines relevant to your project.
Personal Interviews
When citing a personal interview, follow these guidelines
In APA format
Last name, First initial. (Year, Month, Day of interview). Personal communication.
In MLA format
Last name, First name of the interviewee. Personal interview. Day Month Year.
In Chicago format
Last name, First name of the interviewee. “Title of the Interview.” Interviewed by Your Name. Date.
Published Interviews
Interviews published in magazines, newspapers, books, or online platforms require slightly different citation formats. Here’s how to cite them
In APA format
Last name, First initial. (Year, Month, Day of interview). Title of Interview. Title of Publication, Volume(Issue), Page numbers. URL (if available).
In MLA format
Last name, First name of the interviewee. “Title of Interview.” Interview by Interviewer’s Name. Title of Publication, Day Month Year, Page numbers. URL (if available).
In Chicago format
Last name, First name of the interviewee. “Title of Interview.” Interviewed by Your Name. Title of Publication, Date. URL (if available).
Audio or Video Interviews
If you are citing an audio or video interview, include additional information such as the media format and a URL if the interview is accessible online. For example
In APA format
Last name, First initial. (Year, Month, Day of interview). Title of Interview [Audio podcast/video]. Title of Podcast/YouTube channel. URL (if available).
In MLA format
Last name, First name of the interviewee. “Title of Interview.” Interview by Interviewer’s Name. Title of Podcast/YouTube channel, Day Month Year, URL (if available).
In Chicago format
Last name, First name of the interviewee. “Title of Interview.” Interviewed by Your Name. Title of Podcast/YouTube channel. Date. URL (if available).
Online Interviews and Social Media
When citing interviews conducted on social media or online platforms, provide the relevant information, including the interviewee’s username, platform name, and URL
In APA format
Username. (Year, Month, Day of interview). Interview with First initial Last name [Twitter/Facebook/Instagram]. URL.
In MLA format
Username. “Interview with First name Last name.” Social Media Platform, Day Month Year, URL.
In Chicago format
Username. “Interview with First name Last name.” Interviewed by Your Name. Date. URL.
Unpublished Interviews
If you have conducted an interview yourself and wish to cite it, include as much detail as possible
In APA format
Last name, First initial. (Year, Month, Day of interview). Interview with First initial Last name [Unpublished].
In MLA format
Last name, First name. Personal interview. Day Month Year.
In Chicago format
Last name, First name. “Title of the Interview.” Interviewed by Your Name. Date [Unpublished].
Footnotes and In-Text Citations
Always provide in-text citations or footnotes when referencing interviews within your text. Follow the same citation style as you would in your bibliography or reference list.
Maintain Consistency
Consistency is crucial in academic writing. Ensure that you use the same citation style throughout your work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to do a citation for an interview?
Interviewee last name, First name. “Interview Title.” Interview by Interviewer first name Last name. Newspaper Name, Day Month Year, URL. or p. Page number(s).
How do you cite an interview APA 7?
Since a personal interview is not published anywhere, it is considered personal communication and is not included in the reference list. It is, however, cited within the body of the paper. For example: (J. Hernandez, personal communication, May 25, 2018).
In conclusion, citing interviews is an integral part of academic and professional writing. The specific format for citing interviews may vary depending on the type of interview, its accessibility, and the citation style you are using. By following the appropriate guidelines and maintaining consistency, you can accurately and effectively cite interviews in your work, enhancing its credibility and transparency.
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