How do you cite personal interviews? This is a common question among researchers and students who conduct interviews as part of their research projects. Citing personal interviews correctly is crucial to give proper credit to the interviewee and ensure the integrity of the research. In this article, we will explore the different citation styles and provide guidelines on how to format personal interviews in your bibliography or reference list.
Personal interviews are a valuable source of qualitative data, allowing researchers to gain in-depth insights into the experiences, opinions, and perspectives of individuals. However, unlike other types of sources, personal interviews are not published materials and do not have standardized citation formats. Therefore, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using.
APA Style
In APA style, personal interviews are typically cited in the text and included in the reference list. To cite a personal interview in the text, you can use parentheses and include the interviewee’s last name and the year of the interview. For example:
– (Smith, 2021)
If you need to provide more context or mention specific information from the interview, you can include direct quotes or paraphrases within the text. In this case, you should include the page number if the information is from a transcript.
In the reference list, you should provide the following information:
– Last name, First initial. (Year of interview). Interview with [Interviewee’s Name]. [Your Name], Interviewer.
For example:
– Smith, J. (2021). Interview with Jane Doe. John Smith, Interviewer.
MLA Style
In MLA style, personal interviews are also cited in the text and included in the Works Cited list. To cite a personal interview in the text, you can use parentheses and include the interviewee’s last name and the year of the interview. For example:
– (Doe, 2021)
When mentioning specific information from the interview, include direct quotes or paraphrases within the text. In this case, you should include the page number if the information is from a transcript.
In the Works Cited list, you should provide the following information:
– Doe, Jane. Interview by John Smith. Year of interview.
For example:
– Doe, Jane. Interview by John Smith. 2021.
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, personal interviews are cited in the text and included in the Notes section. To cite a personal interview in the text, you can use parentheses and include the interviewee’s last name and the year of the interview. For example:
– (Doe, 2021)
When mentioning specific information from the interview, include direct quotes or paraphrases within the text. In this case, you should include the page number if the information is from a transcript.
In the Notes section, you should provide the following information:
– Doe, Jane. Interview by John Smith. Year of interview.
For example:
– 1. Doe, Jane. Interview by John Smith. 2021.
Conclusion
Citing personal interviews correctly is essential to maintain academic integrity and give proper credit to the interviewee. By following the guidelines of the specific citation style you are using, you can ensure that your research is accurately documented and respected by others. Remember to always double-check the guidelines of your chosen citation style, as they may vary slightly depending on the publication or institution.
