What is the correct order of elements for an online article reference?

The correct order of elements for referencing an online article according to APA style is indeed Author, publication date, and article title. This structure is foundational in APA referencing as it provides clarity regarding the contribution of the author, contextualizes the timing of the publication, and succinctly presents the title of the article for easy identification.

By placing the author first, readers can quickly identify who is responsible for the content. Following that, including the publication date informs readers of the recency and relevance of the article. Finally, the title of the article comes last in this format, allowing the citation to flow logically and cohesively, aligning with APA guidelines.

The other options misplace these elements, which can lead to confusion about the author’s contribution, the context of the publication, and the identification of the work being referenced. For accurate and effective citation in academic writing, adhering to the stipulated format is essential to uphold scholarly communication standards.