Introduction
When conducting research, interviews are valuable sources of information that can add depth and credibility to your work. To maintain academic integrity, it is important to properly cite interviews in your research papers or projects. In this article, we will discuss how to cite an interview in MLA format, including in-text citations and works cited entries.
1. In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to acknowledge information taken from an interview within the body of your paper. When citing an interview in MLA format, include the name of the person interviewed and the method of communication (e.g., personal interview, email, phone call, etc.)
- For a personal interview, cite the interviewee’s name and specify that it was a personal interview.
- For a phone interview, include the interviewee’s name and indicate that it was a phone interview.
- For an email interview, mention the interviewee’s name and state that it was conducted via email.
Here are some examples of how to format in-text citations for interviews:
- (Smith, Personal Interview)
- (Johnson, Phone Interview)
- (Doe, Email Interview)
2. Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited entry for an interview provides detailed information about the interview for readers to locate the original source. The format for citing an interview in MLA is as follows:
Last Name, First Name. Interview. Method of Communication. Date.
For example:
- Smith, John. Personal Interview. 2 May 2024.
- Johnson, Emily. Phone Interview. 15 June 2024.
- Doe, Jane. Email Interview. 30 April 2024.
3. Recording Interviews
When recording interviews for research purposes, it is essential to obtain the interviewee’s consent and follow ethical guidelines. Always inform the interviewee that the conversation will be recorded and ask for their permission before proceeding.
It is recommended to transcribe the interview accurately and retain the recording in case it is needed for verification or clarification. Be sure to store the recordings securely to maintain confidentiality.
4. Interviewee Privacy
Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the interviewee when citing interviews in your work. Avoid using the interviewee’s real name if anonymity is requested and use pseudonyms or initials instead. Consider the ethical implications of revealing personal information shared during the interview.
It is important to obtain permission from the interviewee before including any personal details or quotes in your research paper. Always prioritize the interviewee’s privacy and trust.
5. Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for citing interviews in MLA format:
- Include relevant details such as the interviewee’s title or expertise if it enhances the credibility of the interview.
- Provide context for the interview by mentioning the purpose or focus of the conversation.
- Use block quotes for longer excerpts from the interview to highlight the information.
- Proofread your citations for accuracy and consistency to maintain the integrity of your research.
Conclusion
Citing interviews in MLA format is an important aspect of academic writing that demonstrates respect for the sources of your information. By following the guidelines for in-text citations and works cited entries, you can uphold the integrity of your research and provide readers with the necessary information to verify your sources. Remember to prioritize interviewee privacy and obtain consent before including any personal details in your work. With careful attention to detail and ethical considerations, you can effectively cite interviews in your research projects.
