I. Pre-Writing & Planning:
* Research Question/Thesis Statement: Clearly define the focus of your paper. What argument are you making? What question are you answering? This forms the backbone of your paper.
* Outline: Create a structured outline to organize your thoughts and ensure logical flow. This helps maintain coherence and prevents rambling.
* Source Gathering: Identify and collect credible sources to support your claims. Keep track of these meticulously for proper citation.
II. The Paper Itself:
* Title Page: Includes the paper title, your name, institution affiliation, course name (if applicable), and date. Follow APA's specific formatting guidelines for capitalization and centering.
* Abstract: A concise summary (usually 150-250 words) of your paper, including the problem, methods, results, and conclusions. This is written *after* the main body of the paper.
* Introduction: This section sets the stage. It introduces the topic, provides background information, states your thesis statement, and outlines the paper's structure.
* Body Paragraphs: These form the core of your argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single supporting point, with evidence from your research to back it up. Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs.
* Conclusion: Summarizes your main points, restates your thesis in a new way, and offers concluding thoughts or implications of your findings. Avoid introducing new information here.
* References: A list of all sources cited in your paper, formatted according to APA guidelines. This is crucial for academic honesty and allows readers to verify your information. Use a reference management tool if needed (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley).
* Appendices (Optional): Include supplementary materials, such as questionnaires, interview transcripts, or detailed data tables, if relevant.
III. APA Formatting Specifics:
* Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.
* Font: Times New Roman, 12-point.
* Spacing: Double-spaced throughout the entire paper.
* Heading Levels: Use APA's prescribed heading levels (Level 1, Level 2, etc.) to organize sections.
* In-text Citations: Accurately cite all sources within the text using author-date format (e.g., Smith, 2023). Use direct quotes sparingly and always cite them correctly.
* Page Numbers: Include page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of each page.
IV. Post-Writing:
* Proofreading: Carefully review your paper for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
* Peer Review (if possible): Have a classmate or colleague review your paper for clarity and feedback.
By attending to these key components, you'll significantly improve the quality and professionalism of your short APA-formatted paper. Remember to always consult the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the most up-to-date guidelines.