How do I cite my personal opinion in APA format? I was informed by an instructor that it always must be in third person.
Answer
APA does not allow you to cite your personal opinion. You cite the work of others.
I think your question is more of voice in writing than citing.
If you were asked to critique a research article, you would not write …
“I think the methods are flawed because of the size of the sample population was too small.”
Instead, you would write …
“The methods are flawed because of the size of the sample population was too small.”
If the intent of the paper is for you to examine and comment on an article or an event, then it is implied that the paper is your opinion [unless you are using the words or ideas of someone else, and these you would cite].
I hope I am understanding what you were asking. For matters of writing style for this assignment I would speak with your professor or stop by the Writing Center.
And you are correct about different styles at different institutions. APA allows for “local custom.” When you ask me an APA question I have to answer it based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition. Each of your individual professors falls under the “local custom” rule – one could require you to submit your paper in 24 point pink type and another could ask you to print your paper on Christmas wrapping and they could still claim it as “APA style.”
It makes helping students interesting … :)