The APA format features rules for punctuation and abbreviation, reference citations, bias-free language, and other topics writers encounter. These guidelines can be found in the The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
APA format creates uniformity. Readers can read written material quicker and focus on the information when inconsistencies are eliminated.
Citations for references include the author's name, reference publication date, publisher's city, and publisher's name. When citing web sites, instead of the publisher, the date the web site was viewed and the web site address are used.
The first time a term is used, it should be explained before using an abbreviation unless it is commonly used as a word. Periods are used for abbreviations within a reference but not for degree titles or organizations titles, for example, PhD.
APA format strives to avoid using anything offensive. The style uses terms that are more specific instead of general. For example, instead of using "men" to refer to all adults, it uses "men and women."