A direct quotation reproduces words verbatim from another work. Direct quotes should be used sparingly and only in specific cases. For example, if you were discussing a law, you might reproduce the relevant text of the law. Another example of a good use of direct quotation is the reproduction of a definition.
Direct Quotes
When in-text citations are for direct quotes, always include the page number.
Narrative in-text citation, direct quote
Anderson et al. (2017) define machismo as a norm that includes "aggression and antisocial behavior, greater levels of alexithymia, and more wishful thinking as a coping mechanism” (p.19).
Parenthetical in-text citation, direct quote
Machismo is defined as a norm that includes "aggression and antisocial behavior, greater levels of alexithymia, and more wishful thinking as a coping mechanism” (Anderson et al., 2017, p.19).
Omitting Material. Use an ellipsis to indicate that you have omitted words within a quotation (e.g., to shorten a sentence or tie two sentences together). Type three periods with spaces around each ( . . . ). Do not use an ellipsis at the beginning or end of any quotation unless the original source includes an ellipsis; start or end the quotation at the point where the source’s text begins or ends. Use four periods—that is, a period plus an ellipsis (. … )—to show a sentence break within omitted material, such as when a quotation includes the end of one sentence and the beginning of another sentence.
Inserting Material. Use square brackets, not parentheses, to enclose material such as an addition or explanation you have inserted in a quotation.
Adding Emphasis. If you want to emphasize a word or words in a quotation, use italics. Immediately after the italicized words, insert “emphasis added” within square brackets as follows: [emphasis added].
Adapted from American Psychological Association publication manual (7th ed.).