* APA (American Psychological Association) is commonly used in social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education.
* MLA (Modern Language Association) is often preferred for humanities subjects, like literature, language, and history.
Here's a breakdown to help you choose:
Use APA format if:
* Your instructor or institution specifically asks for it.
* You're writing a research paper focused on social science topics like psychology, sociology, education, or criminology.
* You need a standardized format with specific rules for citations, references, and headings.
Use MLA format if:
* Your instructor or institution specifically asks for it.
* You're writing a research paper focused on humanities topics like history, literature, philosophy, or art.
* You need a more flexible format with different rules for citations and references.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the correct formatting style is to consult your teacher or professor. They will have specific guidelines for the assignment and can help you choose the appropriate format.