I want to use a source that was cited in another source. How do I do I cite an indirect source in APA style?

Answer

According to the APA Style website, this is called a secondary (or indirect) source, which cites content referred to in another source (as opposed to a primary source which reports original content). The APA recommends finding the primary source to read and cite when possible, as a good scholarly practice. You can Ask a Librarian for help locating these and other sources when needed.

If you do decide to cite a secondary/indirect source, here are two reputable sources with relevant information and examples to help you:

The APA Style page Secondary Sources provides information and examples, including the advice to include the secondary source in your reference list, and in the text, identify the primary source and indicate "as cited" in the secondary source.
The Purdue OWL page In-text Citations: Author/Authors provides information and examples in the section "Citing indirect sources."

For more APA citation help, see the library's Citation Help: APA page or Ask a Librarian.