Here's where you can find helpful examples of APA style elements:
* Your University's Writing Center: Most universities have writing centers with online resources and examples. These are tailored to your specific institution's requirements and often provide excellent examples of APA formatting for different types of papers (literature reviews, research reports, etc.).
* Publication Manuals: The official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) itself contains examples. While expensive to purchase, many university libraries have access to it digitally.
* Online APA Style Guides: Many reputable websites offer examples of APA formatting, such as Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) and the APA Style website itself. These sites will provide examples of things like:
* Title page: Showing correct placement of title, author information, affiliation, etc.
* Abstract: Demonstrating concise summarizing of the paper.
* In-text citations: Illustrating different citation styles for direct quotes, paraphrases, and multiple authors.
* References page: Showing correct formatting for books, journal articles, websites, etc.
* Tables and figures: Displaying proper formatting and captions.
* Headings and subheadings: Demonstrating the hierarchical structure of APA papers.
Searching for Examples Online:
When searching online, be cautious of the source's credibility. Look for examples from established universities, academic writing support websites, or reputable publishers. Search terms like "APA style example abstract," "APA style example in-text citation," or "APA style example reference page" will yield more specific and useful results than a general search for "APA paper example."
Remember, focusing on mastering the *style elements* (the formatting) is more important than having access to complete papers. Once you understand the format, you can apply it to your own research and writing.