Although best known as a way to document sources used in research, American Psychological Association (APA) Style aims to help writers maintain clarity throughout an entire paper. Your use of acronyms should fall in line with this goal. As the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) explains, employ acronyms and other abbreviations judiciously. Do not confuse the reader. For instance, random insertion of some acronyms can cause confusion, whereas the use of other acronyms is key to maximizing space and avoiding repetition.
Instructions
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1
Define the term or organization the first time you use an acronym. The American Psychological Association (APA) prefers that your use of acronyms does not distract your readers.
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2
Explain acronyms, even if they are common in your field of study or publication. As the APA Style website illustrates, you must define Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) the first time you use it, even if you are writing for a psychology journal.
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3
Provide the full term once again if several pages have lapsed since it first appeared in your paper.