Understanding the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment
The Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment is a psychometric tool that identifies an individual's top strengths among 34 potential talent themes. Created by Donald O. Clifton and published by Gallup, the assessment has become a staple in personal development and organizational management. The results can assist individuals in career planning, team building, and personal growth.
Importance of Citing Assessments in APA Style
Citing assessments like the Clifton StrengthsFinder is important for several reasons:
- Credibility: Providing citations enhances the credibility of your work by acknowledging the original source.
- Academic Integrity: Proper citations help avoid plagiarism, a serious offense in academic and professional settings.
- Research Support: Citing assessments allows readers to locate the original material for further study, supporting your arguments or findings.
APA Citation Basics
Before diving into specific citation formats for the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment, it’s essential to understand some basic APA citation principles:
1. Author Information: The author's last name is followed by their initials. If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they appear in the source.
2. Publication Date: The publication year should be included in parentheses immediately after the author.
3. Title of the Work: The title should be in sentence case and italicized.
4. Source Information: This could include the publisher and a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available.
Citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment
When citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in APA format, the specific format will depend on whether you are referencing the assessment itself, the book that explains the assessment, or the online platform where the assessment is hosted.
Citing the Assessment in a Research Paper
When you use the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in your research, you can cite it as follows:
Format:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the assessment. Publisher. URL (if applicable)
Example:
Gallup. (2001). Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. Gallup, Inc. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
This format applies when you are discussing the assessment itself or when the assessment is the primary focus of your work.
Citing the StrengthsFinder Book
If you are referencing the book that includes the assessment, you should cite it differently. The book typically provides context, background, and instructions for using the assessment.
Format:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. DOI (if applicable)
Example:
Rath, T. (2007). StrengthsFinder 2.0. Gallup Press.
This citation is appropriate when you are discussing the theories, concepts, and insights provided in the book, or when you are using data or findings that come from it.
Citing the Online Access Platform
If you are citing the online platform where individuals can take the assessment, you should provide a citation that reflects this source.
Format:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the platform. URL
Example:
Gallup. (n.d.). CliftonStrengths. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
In this case, "n.d." indicates that there is no specific publication date available.
In-Text Citations
When referencing the Clifton StrengthsFinder in the body of your work, you must also include in-text citations. The format for in-text citations varies based on whether you’re using a parenthetical or narrative style.
- Parenthetical Citation: (Gallup, 2001)
- Narrative Citation: Gallup (2001) states that…
Best Practices for Citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder
To ensure that your citations are accurate and effective, consider the following best practices:
- Verify the Source: Always confirm the details of the source you are citing, including the publication date and author name.
- Use the Latest Edition: If you are citing a book, ensure that you are referencing the most recent edition for the most accurate information.
- Check for Updates: Online platforms may change, so routinely check the URL and citation details for accuracy.
- Follow APA Guidelines: Always refer to the latest APA manual or the APA website for updates on citation formats and guidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Neglecting the Author: Always include the author or organization responsible for the assessment.
- Incorrect Formatting: Pay attention to punctuation, capitalization, and italics in your citations.
- Missing URLs or DOIs: If applicable, include URLs or DOIs for online sources to make it easier for readers to access the material.
Conclusion
Citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in APA format is essential for maintaining academic integrity and enhancing the credibility of your work. By understanding the different citation formats and adhering to APA guidelines, you can effectively incorporate this valuable assessment tool into your research, papers, and presentations. Be diligent in verifying your sources and keeping your citations accurate, as this will not only support your arguments but also contribute to the broader academic discourse surrounding personal and professional development. With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently reference the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in any appropriate context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in APA format?
To cite the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in APA format, use the following format: Gallup. (Year). Title of the assessment. Retrieved from URL.
What is the correct format for a web-based citation of the StrengthsFinder assessment?
Gallup. (Year). Clifton StrengthsFinder. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
Where can I find the year to include in the APA citation for the StrengthsFinder assessment?
The year can typically be found on the Gallup website or in the assessment materials. If not available, use 'n.d.' for no date.
Should I include the version of the StrengthsFinder assessment in my citation?
While it's not mandatory, including the version can be helpful for clarity. You might add it in parentheses after the title.
How do I cite the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment if I used a book?
If you used a book, format the citation as: Author(s). (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
What if I accessed the StrengthsFinder assessment through a third-party platform?
Cite it as you would a webpage, including the platform name and URL: Third-party Platform. (Year). Title of the assessment. Retrieved from URL.
Is it necessary to include retrieval dates in APA citations for the StrengthsFinder assessment?
No, retrieval dates are not necessary for content that is not likely to change, such as the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment.
How do I cite the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in-text?
In-text citation can be formatted as (Gallup, Year) or as part of the narrative: Gallup (Year) states...
What information should I include to ensure my APA citation is complete?
Your citation should include the author (Gallup), the year, the title, and the retrieval URL to ensure completeness.
Are there specific guidelines for citing assessments like StrengthsFinder in APA?
Yes, follow general APA citation guidelines for online assessments, ensuring you include authorship, date, title, and retrieval information.
