MLA style interview citation is an essential aspect of academic writing, especially when conducting research and presenting findings. It involves accurately citing interviews to give credit to the interviewee and ensure the integrity of the research. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to format and structure MLA style interview citations, highlighting key points to consider for both in-text citations and works cited entries.
In MLA style, interviews are typically cited using a combination of the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, and the medium of the interview. For example, an in-text citation for an interview conducted by John Smith could be written as (Smith 23). When including the title of the interview, it is placed in quotation marks and follows the interviewee’s name, such as (Smith, “Interview with John” 23).
When citing an interview in the works cited list, the format varies depending on whether the interview was conducted in person, via phone, or published in a journal or book. Here are some examples to illustrate the different formats:
For an in-person interview, the citation should include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, and the medium of the interview. For instance:
Smith, John. “Interview with John.” 2022. Print.
For a phone interview, the citation should include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the publication date, the medium of the interview, and the name of the interviewer. For example:
Smith, John. “Interview with John.” 2022. Phone interview. Conducted by Jane Doe.
When citing an interview published in a journal, include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview, the name of the journal, the volume, issue number, publication date, and the page numbers. For instance:
Smith, John. “Interview with John.” Journal of Interviews, vol. 5, no. 2, 2022, pp. 23-29.
Lastly, for an interview published in a book, include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview, the name of the book, the editor’s name (if applicable), the publication date, and the page numbers. For example:
Smith, John. “Interview with John.” In The Book of Interviews, edited by Jane Doe, 2022, pp. 23-29.
It is crucial to note that MLA style interview citations should always be formatted consistently throughout the document. Additionally, ensure that you have permission to use the interview in your research and that you provide accurate information about the interviewee and the interview itself.
In conclusion, MLA style interview citation is a vital component of academic integrity and proper research presentation. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, researchers can effectively cite interviews in MLA style and maintain the credibility of their work.
