How to MLA Cite an Interview: A Comprehensive Guide

When conducting academic research, interviews are a valuable source of information. Proper citation is crucial to give credit to the interviewee and to avoid plagiarism. This guide provides a detailed explanation on how to MLA cite an interview, from listing the interview to formatting the citation properly.

1. Basic Elements for MLA Interview Citation

To MLA cite an interview, follow these basic rules. Typically, the interview is listed under 'Personal interviews' in the Works Cited section. This format is appropriate for personal interviews, which can be face-to-face, over the phone, or via digital mediums such as Skype, Zoom, etc.

1.1. Format of MLA Interview Citation

Interviewee’s name last name first: [Interviewee’s First Name] [Interviewee’s Last Name]. Medium of the interview: Personal interview or the name of the medium used (Skype, Zoom, etc.). Date of the interview: [Date of interview].

2. MLA Interview Citation Example

Here is a step-by-step guide with an example to illustrate the mechanics of citing an interview in MLA format.

2.1. Example of MLA Interview Citation

Schmidt, Mark. Personal interview. 5 March 2021.

3. Additional Considerations for Online Interviews

For interviews conducted over the internet, you may need to include additional information such as the URL, if the interview was through a website or a live-streaming service. Here’s how to properly format an online interview citation.

3.1. Example of MLA Interview Citation for an Online Interview

Schmidt, Mark. Personal interview. Zoom. 5 March 2021. Zoom.

4. Citing Interview with a Title

If the interview has a title, it should be included in quotation marks.

4.1. Example of MLA Interview Citation with a Title

Schmidt, Mark. “The Future of Online Learning.” Personal interview. Skype. 5 March 2021.

5. Importance of Proper Citation

Proper MLA citation of interviews is essential for academic integrity. By accurately citing your sources, you:

Give credit to the interviewee for their contribution to your research. Avoid plagiarism by attributing ideas and information to their original source. Enhance the credibility and reliability of your research. Facilitate the work of fellow researchers who may want to follow up on the interview.

6. Conclusion

Proper MLA citation of interviews follows a straightforward format. Whether it’s a personal interview, an online interview, or an interview with a title, adhering to the correct structure ensures that your research is ethical and well-documented.

Key Points to Remember: Use 'Personal interview' or specify the medium (e.g., Zoom, Skype). List the interviewee's name first. Include the date of the interview. Add a title in quotation marks if applicable.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic citations are accurate and maintain the highest standards of research and scholarship.