Abstracts
You can obtain abstracts from two sources: original sources and secondary sources. The
treatment of each is described below. Abstracts can be used as original sources and included in
the reference list. However, use of the full article, if available, is preferred. See also APA 7.01,
examples 16 and 17.
Abstract as Distinct (Primary) Publication
This applies when the abstract alone has been published in a collection of abstracts (i.e., the full
article is not available in published form).
Reference List:
Samson, R., & Withrow, M. (2003). Building a solid framework for international collaborations
[Abstract]. International Studies Abstracts, 24, 234.
Notes:
Author / Date:
 For a description of how to list various authors – see the Author commentary.
 For abstracts, the date is the year the abstract was published.
For the rest of the abstract, follow the same pattern as you would for a Journal Article,
but include the [Abstract] notation after the article title.
Citation in Paper
Samson and Withrow (2003) focus international attention on the need for collaboration…
or
There is increasing focus on the importance of international collaboration (Samson & Withrow,
2003).
Notes:

This type of abstract follows the normal rules for author (see the Author
commentary) and date (see the Date commentary).
Abstract from Secondary Source
Use this model when the full journal article has been published, but you are accessing only the
abstract through a collection of abstracts. In this case, you must also reference where you
obtained the abstract from.
Reference List:
Samson, R., & Withrow, M. (2003). Building a solid framework for international collaborations.
Journal of International Studies, 33, 45-59. Abstract retrieved from PsychAbstracts
database (Accession No. 30000393842).
Writing & APA Lesson 5 Commentary 7 p. 1
Notes:
Author / Date:
 For a description of how to list various authors – see the Author commentary.
 The first date is the year the original article was published; the second date is the
year the abstract was published.
Article Information:
 Next identify the original journal article, following the same pattern as you would
for a journal article (see the Journal Article commentary).
Secondary Source Information
 Then list the source of the abstract, starting with “Abstract retrieved from…” and
including the secondary source title, volume, and any identifying information
about the abstract (e.g., Abstract No. 50 or Accession No. 30002837492).
Citation in Paper
Samson and Withrow (2003) focused international attention on the need for collaboration…
or
There is increasing focus on the importance of international collaboration (Samson & Withrow,
2003).
Notes:
Author / Date: For a description of how to list various authors – see the Author
commentary.
For additional information see APA 7.01 – 16 to 17.
To reference abstracts for doctoral dissertations or master’s theses, please see the relevant
sections of the APA Manual:
 Dissertations and theses – APA 7.05 – 43.
Writing & APA Lesson 5 Commentary 7 p. 2