Question

How can I differentiate authors with the same surname when citing in RCM for Word?

Answer

Users may choose how to differentiate authors with same surname by:
- Surname and first name
- Surname and initials
- Surname only

These choices are available on the same screen as changing citation style

Change Citation Style Screen


Differentiating Authors With the Same Surname Screen

Surname and first name

In-text citations:
When it comes to organizing research or other materials…(Adams, D., 1979 ; Adams, S., 1979). The RefWorks reference management service supports…(Asimov, 1952a). Easy enough for undergrads to quickly master…(Asimov, 1952b). Whether they write an occasional paper…(Gibson, William, 1984 ; Gibson, Wyatt, 1984).

Bibliography entries:
Adams, D. (1979)...
Adams, S. (1979)...
Asimov, I. (1952a)...
Asimov, I. (1952b)...
Gibson, William. (1984)...
Gibson, Wyatt. (1984)...

In-text citations rules:
When authors with the same surname and first name have multiple works in the same publication year:
add abc suffix to the publication year

When authors have the same surname and different first name (for any publication year):
If the author initials are different:
add author initials
If the author initials are the same:
add author first name

Surname and initials

You can choose to: Add author initials only when authors have the same surname, different initials, and the same publication year

In-text citations:
When it comes to organizing research or other materials…(Adams, D., 1979 ; Adams, S., 1979). The RefWorks reference management service supports…(Asimov, 1952a). Easy enough for undergrads to quickly master…(Asimov, 1952b). Whether they write an occasional paper…(Jackson, 1984 ; Jackson, 2001).

Bibliography entries:
Adams, D. (1979)...
Adams, S. (1979)...
Asimov, I. (1952a)...
Asimov, I. (1952b)...
Jackson, C. (2001)...
Jackson, W. (1984)...

 In-text citations rules:
When authors with the same surname and initials have multiple works in the same publication year:
add abc suffix to the publication year
When authors with the same surname and different initials have works in the same publication year:
add author initials

Surname only

In-text citations:
When it comes to organizing research or other materials…(Adams, 1979a ; Adams, 1979b). The RefWorks reference management service supports…(Adams, 1970)

Bibliography entries:
Adams, D. (1979a)...
Adams, S. (1979b)...
Adams, S. (1970)...

In-text citations rules:
When authors with the same surname have multiple works in the same publication year:
add abc suffix to the publication year