1. Standard Abbreviations:
* Commonly known abbreviations: These are used without explanation, like "U.S." for "United States" or "Dr." for "Doctor."
* Latin abbreviations: These are also used without explanation, like "e.g." for "for example" and "i.e." for "that is."
* Units of measurement: Use standard abbreviations for units of measurement, like "cm" for centimeters and "kg" for kilograms.
2. Abbreviations Defined in the Text:
* Acronyms: For acronyms not commonly known, spell them out on first use, followed by the acronym in parentheses. Use the acronym in subsequent references. For example: "National Institutes of Health (NIH)."
* Other abbreviations: If you use a less common abbreviation that isn't a standard one, spell it out on first use, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Use the abbreviation in subsequent references. For example: "American Psychological Association (APA)."
3. Abbreviations in Tables and Figures:
* Column headings: You can use abbreviations in table and figure headings, but you must define them in a table note or figure caption.
* Labels: Abbreviations can also be used for labels within tables and figures, but again, define them.
General APA Guidelines:
* Avoid excessive abbreviations: Only use abbreviations when necessary.
* Be consistent: Once you've defined an abbreviation, use it consistently throughout your paper.
* Use periods: In most cases, use periods in abbreviations (e.g., "U.S.", "Dr.", "etc."). However, there are some exceptions, such as units of measurement (cm, kg).
* Check the APA Publication Manual: For specific rules and exceptions, refer to the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual.
Remember, abbreviations are tools to help you write more concisely, but they should always be used thoughtfully and consistently.