How to In-Text Cite an Interview in MLA
How to in-text cite an interview MLA is an essential skill for students and researchers who aim to incorporate personal interviews as primary sources in their writing. Citing interviews properly not only lends credibility to your work but also allows readers to trace the original sources of information. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style provides specific guidelines for citing interviews, whether they are published or unpublished. This article will guide you through the process of in-text citing interviews in MLA format, providing examples and tips for best practices.
Understanding Different Types of Interviews
Before diving into the citation process, it’s important to understand the different types of interviews:
1. Published Interviews: These are interviews that have been published in books, articles, or other media. They can be cited similarly to written works.
2. Unpublished Interviews: These are personal interviews that you conduct yourself and have not been published elsewhere. These require a different approach in your citations.
3. Recorded Interviews: Interviews that have been recorded in audio or video format can also be cited, depending on how you accessed them.
Understanding these distinctions will help you determine how to approach your citations accurately.
Basic Format for In-Text Citations in MLA
In-text citations in MLA format typically include the author's last name and the page number from where the information was taken. However, since interviews do not have page numbers, the citation will differ slightly based on the type of interview.
Citing Published Interviews
For interviews that have been published, you can cite them similarly to how you would cite a book or an article. The format generally follows this structure:
- Format: (Last Name of Interviewee)
- Example: (Smith)
If you mention the interviewee's name in your text, you only need to include the page number in parentheses.
- Example: According to Smith, the results of the study were inconclusive (45).
If you are quoting or paraphrasing specific content from the interview, include the page number if applicable.
- Example: “The study revealed unexpected variables” (Smith 45).
Citing Unpublished Interviews
When it comes to unpublished interviews, the in-text citation format changes slightly. In this case, you can cite the interviewee’s last name and include a descriptor in your text.
- Format: (Last Name of Interviewee, "Interview")
- Example: (Jones, "Interview")
If you mention the interviewee’s name in your text, you might write:
- Example: In a recent interview, Jones stated that the community program was highly effective.
If you are quoting from the interview and the interviewer is relevant, you might want to include that in your citation.
- Example: According to Jones, “The community program has changed lives” (Jones, "Interview").
Citing Recorded Interviews
Recorded interviews follow a similar pattern to unpublished interviews. However, if you accessed the recording through a specific medium (like a film, podcast, or online platform), you may want to mention that medium in your in-text citation.
- Format: (Last Name of Interviewee)
- Example: (Taylor)
If the interview has a specific title, you could also include that for clarity.
- Example: As Taylor mentioned in the podcast, “Innovation is key to success” (Taylor, "Innovative Ideas").
Creating a Works Cited Entry
While in-text citations provide immediate information about the source, a comprehensive list of all sources is required in the Works Cited page. Here’s how to format different types of interviews in your Works Cited section.
Works Cited Format for Published Interviews
For published interviews, include the following elements:
- Format: Last Name, First Name of Interviewee. “Title of Interview.” Title of Source, edited by Editor’s Name (if applicable), Publisher, Publication Date, page range.
- Example: Smith, John. “The Impact of Renewable Energy.” Environmental Studies Journal, edited by Sarah Green, Academic Press, 2022, pp. 34-40.
Works Cited Format for Unpublished Interviews
For unpublished interviews, use this format:
- Format: Last Name, First Name of Interviewee. "Interview by Interviewer’s First Name Last Name." Date of Interview.
- Example: Jones, Mary. "Interview by Sarah White." 15 July 2023.
Works Cited Format for Recorded Interviews
For recorded interviews, follow this structure:
- Format: Last Name, First Name of Interviewee. “Title of Interview.” Title of Source, directed/produced by First Name Last Name, Publisher, Publication Date.
- Example: Taylor, James. “Innovative Ideas.” The Future of Technology, directed by Emily Brown, Tech Media, 2023.
Best Practices for Citing Interviews
When including interviews in your academic work, consider the following best practices:
- Always ensure that the interview is relevant and adds value to your research.
- Keep a detailed record of all interviews conducted, including notes on the content and context.
- Be consistent in your citation style throughout your paper.
- When possible, obtain permission from the interviewee to use their insights in your work.
Conclusion
Knowing how to in-text cite an interview MLA is crucial for ensuring the integrity and credibility of your academic work. By understanding the differences between published and unpublished interviews and adhering to the appropriate formats for in-text citations and Works Cited entries, you can effectively incorporate interviews into your research.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you will be well-equipped to cite interviews accurately and responsibly, enhancing the quality of your scholarly writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic format for in-text citing an interview in MLA?
In MLA format, you typically cite an interview in-text by including the interviewee's last name in parentheses. For example: (Smith).
Do I need to include the interviewer's name in the in-text citation?
No, in MLA format, you only need to include the interviewee's last name in the in-text citation, not the interviewer's.
How do I cite a personal interview in my works cited page?
For a personal interview, the citation should be formatted as follows: Last Name, First Name. Personal interview. Date of interview. For example: Smith, John. Personal interview. 15 Mar. 2023.
What if the interview was conducted via email or online?
For email or online interviews, you would format the citation similarly but specify the medium. For example: Doe, Jane. Email interview. 10 Apr. 2023.
How do I cite a published interview in-text?
For a published interview, include the interviewee's last name and the page number if available, like this: (Smith 23).
Is there a difference between citing a formal interview and a casual one?
No, the in-text citation format remains the same regardless of the formality of the interview. You still cite the interviewee's last name.
Can I use a citation from an interview I found in a book or article?
Yes, if you are citing an interview found within a book or article, use the author's last name for the in-text citation, along with the page number if applicable, like this: (Doe 45).
