How To Cite An Interview: A Comprehensive Guide for Researchers and Writers
Citing interviews properly is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Whether you're writing a research paper, a blog post, or a book, accurately referencing your interview sources demonstrates your commitment to ethical scholarship and strengthens your credibility. This guide will walk you through the process, covering various citation styles and providing helpful tips.
Understanding the Basics of Interview Citations
Before delving into specific citation styles, let's establish some fundamental elements that should always be included in your interview citations:
- Interviewer: Your name (or the name of the interviewer if it's different).
- Interviewee: The name of the person you interviewed. Include their title or relevant credentials if appropriate.
- Date: The date the interview took place.
- Method: How the interview was conducted (e.g., in person, via phone, video call). This detail is optional but helpful for context.
- Location (Optional): The location where the interview took place (especially relevant for in-person interviews).
Popular Citation Styles and How to Apply Them
Different academic disciplines and publications prefer specific citation styles. Here are some of the most common ones and how to cite an interview within each:
MLA (Modern Language Association)
MLA style typically uses in-text citations and a "Works Cited" page. For an interview, the in-text citation would look like this:
(Interviewee's Last Name, Date).
For example: (Smith, 2023).
In your "Works Cited" page, you'd include an entry similar to this:
Smith, John. Interview by [Your Name]. [Date], [Method of Interview].
APA (American Psychological Association)
APA style also uses in-text citations and a "References" page. The in-text citation is similar to MLA, but the reference page entry is more detailed:
In-text citation: (Smith, personal communication, 2023). Note: "personal communication" is used because the interview is not a publicly accessible source.
Reference page entry:
Smith, J. (2023, [Month, Day]). Personal communication.
Chicago/Turabian
Chicago style (both author-date and notes-bibliography systems) offers flexibility. The approach will depend on the chosen system. For the author-date system, in-text citations resemble APA:
(Smith, personal communication, 2023)
In the bibliography, you would include:
Smith, John. Personal communication, [Month, Day], 2023.
Other Styles
Other citation styles, such as IEEE or Bluebook, have their own specific guidelines. Consult the relevant style manual for precise instructions.
Tips for Accurate and Effective Interview Citations
- Maintain detailed records: Keep a log of all your interviews, including dates, times, methods, and any other relevant information. This will simplify the citation process later.
- Transcribe your interviews (when possible): A transcript provides a more detailed record of the conversation and can be a valuable resource for your research.
- Be consistent: Use the same citation style throughout your work.
- Double-check your citations: Errors in citations can undermine your credibility. Always review your citations before submitting your work.
Conclusion: Mastering Interview Citations for Success
Mastering interview citation techniques is vital for maintaining academic integrity and presenting your research effectively. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and adhering to the specific requirements of your chosen citation style, you can ensure accurate and consistent referencing of your interview data. Remember to always prioritize clarity, accuracy, and adherence to ethical research practices.
