How to Format for APA Research Papers

APA, or the American Psychological Association, publishes a manual guide for students who research and write papers in the field of psychology, social and behavioral sciences. The manual does not only contain composition and documentation styles--a useful tool for beginning researchers as suggestions on how to get started is also included. However, the APA manual will not show you exactly how your research paper should be written; rather, it will provide propositions on how you will be able to write a good research paper.

Things You'll Need

  • Topic
  • Complete research materials
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure that your title page contains a running head, your name, school affiliation and the title of your research paper. It must be the first page of your paper where you provide more information such as assistance or financial support acknowledgment.

    • 2

      Write the abstract when you are done with the whole paper. Since it is the summary of your manuscript, it will be easier to write it after you're done writing the document. An effective summary should not be more than 250 words, but not less than 150 words. Write it in block format with all information contained in one paragraph only.

    • 3

      Check with your instructor for specific main body inclusions. The exact format of the research text may vary depending on the type of research. In order to organize your discussion, identify important divisions and create headings.

    • 4

      State all sources and references in alphabetical order. It is significant to include all cited sources in the research text. Magazines, newspapers, books or journal titles must be written in italics.

    • 5

      Determine when it is necessary to have a footnote. Pertinent data for the note must be completely indicated. You are required to indicate the title, author, publication date, publication title, volume and page number.

    • 6

      Present statistical analysis and information using tables. This will make it easier for your reader to compare groups of data. Number all the tables and designate an individual title. Make sure that all tables are referenced in the body of your research paper.

    • 7

      Use figures to simplify text. Your figures should be read easily and written with accurate information. Identify them by placing labels and legends if necessary.

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