APA Style Paper Format
APA style is widely used for writing academic papers, especially in psychology and the social sciences. This guide will give you an overview of the important parts of an APA style paper and tips to help you create it. We’ll cover everything from the cover page to references. If you’re short on time or need help with writing or referencing, our experts can create a well-researched, properly referenced, and plagiarism-free APA formatted paper for you.
What Does APA Stand For?
APA stands for “American Psychological Association,” established in 1892 by G. Stanley Hall. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science and profession and promote well-being. In addition to publishing journals and books, APA offers resources for students, researchers, educators, clinicians, and policymakers.
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Basics of APA Style
APA style is widely used for academic and scientific research papers. It guides how to format documents, cite sources, and create reference lists. Proper citation is crucial. In-text citations should include the author’s last name, year, and page number(s). All cited sources go in a reference list at the end, alphabetically by author’s last name.
APA Style Formatting
– Margins: 1-inch on all sides for readability and comments.
– Font: 12-point Times New Roman throughout.
– Spacing: Double spacing between lines and 1-inch margins.
– Header: Page header with a running head (shortened title) of up to 50 characters.
– In-Text Citations: Necessary when using others’ work; author’s last name, year, page.
– Headings: Organize content with headings and subheadings.
– Sections: Title page, abstract, main body, references.
– Title Page: Title, author, affiliation, running head, page number.
– Abstract: Brief summary of the paper in 150-250 words.
– Main Body: Introduction, methods/materials, data analysis.
– Conclusion: Restate thesis, summarize main points, end thoughtfully.
How to Write an APA Paper Step by Step
1. Choose a topic and gather ideas.
2. Create an outline with headings.
3. Research using credible sources.
4. Write an introduction with context.
5. Craft a clear thesis statement.
6. Use headings for structure.
7. Focus each paragraph on one point.
8. Restate thesis, summarize main points.
9. End with a thought-provoking statement.
APA Style General Guidelines
General APA guidelines pertain to the commonly used format for academic writing within the social sciences. The American Psychological Association (APA) established this style to ensure uniformity and precision in research papers, essays, and other written assignments. Whether you’re new to the APA style or need a refresher, here are key principles to keep in mind.
APA Format Title Page
The title page plays a crucial role in APA-style papers. It serves as the initial impression and imparts crucial information about the research paper, including the title, author(s), institutional affiliation, and the running head. Therefore, it’s imperative to comprehend how to correctly format and incorporate all necessary elements onto the title page.
1. Begin by typing the complete title of your paper in bold font at the center of the page. The title should not exceed 12 words and should accurately reflect the content of your research study.
2. Beneath the title, add your name, followed by your institutional affiliation (such as university or organization). You can also include additional details, such as the course number or instructor’s name if stipulated by your institution.
3. Create a running head at the top-left corner of each page following the first page.
Abstract
To craft an effective abstract, start by clearly articulating the purpose and scope of your research. Subsequently, provide a succinct overview of your methodology and findings. Remember to emphasize any notable discoveries or conclusions drawn from your research.
Finally, conclude with insights into future research implications or the practical applications of your work. While drafting your abstract, remember that conciseness is paramount; aim for no more than 250 words. Additionally, adhere to standard APA formatting guidelines when citing sources and structuring your text.
Purdue OWL Citing in APA
Citing the Purdue OWL website in APA format involves the following steps:
1. Utilize the names of authors (located at the bottom of each page), or if unavailable, use “Purdue Online Writing Lab” as the corporate author.
2. Incorporate the publication date (also found at the bottom of each page).
3. Within parentheses subsequent to these details, include a period, followed by “Retrieved from,” and provide the direct link.
APA Format References
Creating references in APA format is an essential aspect of academic writing. There are specific guidelines for formatting references to ensure consistency and accuracy when citing sources in research papers, essays, and other written works.
These guidelines aid readers in locating the sources used by authors to substantiate their arguments, validate their claims, or furnish evidence for their findings. When crafting APA format references, several components should be considered.
1. The author’s surname should be listed first, followed by their initials.
2. The publication year should be enclosed in parentheses after the author’s name.
3. The title of the article or book chapter should be presented in sentence case and italicized, with only the initial word capitalized.
4. Journal names should be abbreviated according to APA’s designated list; alternatively, full journal names are permissible.
APA 7th Edition Sample Paper
The American Psychological Association (APA) recently introduced the 7th edition style guide, which includes updates to citation and formatting guidelines. With these revisions, many students and researchers may question how to accurately format their papers according to the updated guidelines. The APA has provided a sample paper that illustrates these changes in practice.
This example of an APA 7th edition sample paper serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to ensure their papers align with the latest edition of the APA style. It offers exemplars of appropriate headings, citations, reference lists, and more. Additionally, the sample paper allows readers to observe how these guidelines can be applied across diverse contexts.
The updated sample paper format incorporates several modifications, such as the use of a single space after punctuation marks rather than the conventional two spaces, a simplified title page, and revised guidelines for source citations. Specific instructions are also provided for formatting headings, tables, figures, and references. These changes are intended to facilitate a clearer understanding for writers regarding how to correctly format their work while adhering to the rules of the APA style.
In Conclusion
The APA-style paper is a vital tool for researchers, offering a structured framework and guidance that is user-friendly and guarantees the precision of your work. It additionally instills consistency among documents, streamlining the identification of individual ideas and concepts. By adhering to the guidelines of the APA style paper, researchers can adeptly compile papers that are accurate, consistent, and well-organized.
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