How do you cite a personal communication in a scientific paper?

Cite personal communications only in the text, give the initials as well as the surname of the communicator, and provide the exact date if possible (see APA, section 6.20, p. 179; APA Style Blog, “What Belongs in the Reference List?”).

What is personal communication?

Personal communications may be private letters, memos, emails, personal interviews or telephone conversations. Personal communications are only cited in text and are not included in the reference list, as the information is unable to be retrieved by others. In-text examples.

Do I have to cite things I already know?

The purpose of citation is to acknowledge the source of your information and ideas, to avoid plagiarism, and to allow the reader verify your claims. You do not need to cite common knowledge because it is widely known, undisputed and easily verified, and it generally cannot be attributed to a specific person or paper.