Interviews can provide unique insights for academic work. Citing interviews in MLA style varies based on whether they are published, unpublished, or personal. Key elements include the interviewee’s name, interview type, and date. For published interviews, include publication details. This information applies to both in-text citations and Works Cited entries.
Types of Interviews and Their Citation Formats
Personal Interviews
Defining Personal Interviews
A personal interview is a conversation between you and another individual, conducted specifically for your research. These interviews are valuable primary sources, offering firsthand insights and information not available from published works.
When and How to Use Them
Personal interviews are particularly useful when researching contemporary issues, gathering expert opinions, or exploring personal experiences. They can provide unique perspectives and add depth to your research. However, it’s essential to conduct and cite them properly to maintain academic rigor.
Published Interviews
Identifying Published Interviews
Published interviews are those that appear in books, magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. They are secondary sources that have been recorded, transcribed, and published by others. These interviews can provide rich, contextual information and are often conducted by professionals with significant expertise.
Differences in Citation Between Print and Online Sources
When citing published interviews, it’s crucial to distinguish between print and online sources, as the citation formats differ slightly. Print sources require details like the publication’s name, volume, issue number, and page range, while online sources necessitate the inclusion of URLs and access dates.
Formatting the Basic MLA Citation for Interviews
General MLA Formatting Rules
Font, Spacing, and Margins
MLA style mandates the use of a readable font like Times New Roman, 12-point size, double-spacing throughout the document, and one-inch margins on all sides. These guidelines ensure your paper is easy to read and professionally presented.
Title Page and Heading
While MLA typically does not require a separate title page, your paper should include a heading on the first page with your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date. Following this, center the title of your paper.
Structuring the Citation
Author’s Name
Begin with the name of the person interviewed. Format it as Last Name, First Name.
Title of the Interview
If the interview has a title, include it in quotation marks. If it doesn’t, use a descriptive title like “Interview by [Your Name].”
Source Information (Publisher, Date, URL if applicable)
For published interviews, include the title of the larger work (e.g., the book or magazine title), the publisher, the date of publication, and for online sources, the URL and access date.
Citing Personal Interviews in MLA Style
Interview Conducted by the Researcher
In-text Citation Guidelines
In-text citations for personal interviews should include the interviewee’s last name. For example: (Smith).
Works Cited Entry Format
In the Works Cited list, format personal interviews as follows:
Smith, John. Personal interview. 15 Mar. 2023.
Interview Conducted by Someone Else
Citing the Interviewer
When citing an interview conducted by someone else, include the interviewer’s name and the title of the interview if available.
Including Interview Details in the Works Cited List
Format the entry as follows:
Smith, John. “The Future of AI.” Interview by Jane Doe. Tech Today, 15 Mar. 2023, www.techtoday.com/future-of-ai.
Citing Published Interviews in MLA Style
Print Interviews
Citation Format for Books and Magazines
For interviews in books or magazines, provide the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if any), the title of the larger work, the editor (if applicable), the publisher, the publication date, and the page numbers.
Example:
Smith, John. “AI and Society.” Modern Tech Insights, edited by Jane Doe, Tech Publishers, 2023, pp. 45-50.
Example Entries for Works Cited
Smith, John. “AI in Daily Life.” Innovative Technology, vol. 10, no. 2, 2023, pp. 34-39.
Online Interviews
Including URLs and Access Dates
For online interviews, include the URL and the date you accessed the source.
Example:
Smith, John. “Advances in Robotics.” Future Trends, 15 Mar. 2023, www.futuretrends.com/advances-in-robotics. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
Differences in Formatting for Various Online Platforms
Different platforms may have specific requirements, but the general rule is to provide enough information for your reader to locate the source easily. Always include the publication date and the URL.
In-Text Citations for Interviews
Direct Quotations from Interviews
How to Integrate Quotes Seamlessly
Integrate direct quotes by embedding them within your text, ensuring they flow naturally and support your argument. Use quotation marks and provide a parenthetical citation.
Example:
Smith stated, “AI will revolutionize many industries” (Smith).
Providing Clear Context for the Reader
Always provide context for your quotes, explaining who the interviewee is and why their perspective is valuable. This helps readers understand the relevance of the quote to your argument.
Paraphrasing Interview Content
Maintaining the Original Meaning
When paraphrasing, ensure you accurately convey the interviewee’s ideas without altering their meaning. Paraphrasing can be a powerful tool to succinctly present information.
Proper Attribution in MLA Style
Even when paraphrasing, you must credit the original source. For example: According to Smith, AI advancements are poised to transform healthcare (Smith).
Online Citation Generators
For reliable MLA podcast citations, consider using MLA Interview Citation tool. It streamlines the process and ensures precision.
FAQs
How do I cite a personal interview in MLA style?
To cite a personal interview in MLA style, include the interviewee’s name, the descriptor “Personal interview,” and the date of the interview. For example: Smith, John. Personal interview. 15 Mar. 2023.
What details are needed to cite an online published interview in MLA style?
For an online published interview, include the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the title of the website, the publication date, the URL, and the access date. Example: Smith, John. “Advances in Robotics.” Future Trends, 15 Mar. 2023, www.futuretrends.com/advances-in-robotics. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
How should I format in-text citations for interviews in MLA style?
For in-text citations, include the interviewee’s last name in parentheses. For example: (Smith).
What common mistakes should I avoid when citing interviews in MLA style?
Common mistakes include misplacing punctuation, incorrectly listing interview details, missing the interviewer’s name, and omitting the publication date. Ensuring all details are accurate is crucial for proper citation.
Conclusion
MLA citations for interviews depend on their type: published, unpublished, or personal. Include the interviewee’s name, interview type, date, and publication details if applicable. Use the interviewee’s name for in-text citations. Create a full entry in your Works Cited list for published interviews. For personal interviews, provide basic details in-text.
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