Q. If I am referencing more than 1 chapter of a book, do I reference the whole book?
Yes, when you are making your References page, you cite the whole book, even if you only used one quote from one page in your research paper. Visit the APA Help guide for examples.
The only exception to this rule is:
- If you are using a book that is an edited compilation of different poems, essays, etc. written by many different authors.
- That is the only instance when you would be citing a chapter instead of the whole book.
- If the book you are asking about is one where each chapter is written by a different author, then you would cite the chapter that you are using.
- If it is a book that isn't a compilation, then you don't have to worry about it and just cite the whole book.
Example--Book: One author for the whole book
Waller, B. N. (2016). Consider ethics: Theory, readings, and contemporary issues (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Examples--Compilation book, citation of a specific chapter
Loos, R. (2015). Hunting animals is morally acceptable. In A. Harnack (Ed.), Animal rights: Opposing viewpoints. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven.
Martin, G. (2015). The animal rights debate. In A. Harnack (Ed.), Animal rights: Opposing viewpoints. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven.
If you need addtional assistance, please feel free to contact your campus librarian. Thank you for using ASK US.