Understanding AMA Format for Website Citations

The American Medical Association (AMA) style is a widely recognized format used for writing research papers, particularly in the fields of medicine and health sciences. Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and to guide readers to the sources you have referenced. Below are three diverse examples of AMA format citations specifically for websites.

Example 1: Online Health Resource

Context

This example is useful for citing a reputable health organization’s website that provides information on a specific health topic. Such citations are common in research papers discussing public health issues.

The citation format includes the author’s name (if available), the title of the webpage, the website name, the publication date, and the URL. Here’s how it looks:

Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease. CDC. Updated January 15, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/. Accessed October 10, 2023.

Notes:

• If no individual author is listed, use the organization as the author.
• Ensure you include the date you accessed the information, as web content can change frequently.

Example 2: Educational Institution Website

Context

When citing a webpage from an educational institution, it’s important to include the author (if applicable), page title, institution name, publication date, and URL. This citation can be particularly relevant in academic settings, such as when discussing research or educational programs.

Citation:
Smith J. The impact of online learning on education. University of Education. Published March 10, 2022. Available at: https://www.universityofeducation.edu/impact-online-learning. Accessed October 10, 2023.

Notes:

• If the author is not specified, begin with the title of the webpage.
• Make sure to check the publication date; if no date is available, you may use “n.d.” (no date) in its place.

Example 3: Government Agency Website

Context

Citing a government agency’s webpage is common in research papers that involve public policy or regulations. These citations help validate your arguments with authoritative sources and provide a reliable reference for your readers.

Citation:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate change and its effects. EPA. Last reviewed April 5, 2023. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change. Accessed October 10, 2023.

Notes:

• Always use the most recent information available and specify whether the page is last reviewed or updated.
• If the webpage has no specific author, use the name of the government agency instead.

These examples illustrate the importance of precise citation in maintaining academic integrity and providing clear references for your research. Properly formatted citations not only enhance the credibility of your work but also guide readers to valuable resources.