1. Formatting:
* Margins: 1 inch on all sides
* Font: Times New Roman, 12pt
* Spacing: Double-spaced throughout the document
* Page numbers: Top right corner, starting with page 2
* Running head: Abbreviated title, upper left corner of each page (except title page)
2. Writing Style:
* Objective and concise: Avoid informal language, jargon, and emotional language
* Third-person: Use “he,” “she,” or “it” instead of “I” or “we”
* Past tense: Describe research findings and procedures in the past tense
* Active voice: Emphasize the action taken by the subject of the sentence
3. Organization:
* Title page: Includes title, author name, affiliation, and running head
* Abstract: A concise summary of the paper (150-250 words)
* Introduction: Introduces the topic, provides background information, and states the research question or hypothesis
* Method: Describes the participants, materials, and procedures of the study
* Results: Presents the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner
* Discussion: Interprets the results, discusses their implications, and suggests future research
* References: Lists all sources cited in the paper in alphabetical order
4. Citations:
* In-text citations: Include author's last name and year of publication
* References list: Includes complete bibliographic information for all sources cited
5. Other Guidelines:
* Tables and Figures: Properly formatted and labeled
* Appendices: Include supplemental information not directly presented in the main body
* Ethical Considerations: Address ethical issues related to research
* Copyright and Permissions: Obtain necessary permissions for use of copyrighted material
Why is the APA Standard Important?
* Consistency and Clarity: The APA Standard ensures consistency and clarity in research writing, making it easier for readers to understand and interpret findings.
* Credibility: Adhering to the APA Standard demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
* Accuracy: The APA Standard helps researchers to accurately cite and reference sources.
* Communication: The APA Standard facilitates communication within the academic community.
Note: While the APA Standard is widely used, other style guides exist. It's important to consult the specific guidelines required by your institution or publisher.