Write an APA Style Paper

The American Psychological Association's (APA) method of citation is one of the most widely used styles for writing scientific and research papers, particularly in the areas of psychology, sociology, business, mathematics, economics, nursing and criminal justice. While this style often can be intimidating, here are some basic guidelines for when you need to write an APA style paper.

Steps

General Guidelines

1. Obtain a copy of the APA's Publication Manual. This can be found at a bookstore, your local library or online. It includes detailed information specific to writing an APA style paper and the newest edition includes sections on print ethics, Internet sources and tables and charts.
   • There are several different editions -- it's best to stay up-to-date and get the most current one; once in a while, standards change.
2. Check your word processing program for APA templates or style guides. Microsoft Word, WordPerfect and EasyOffice have built-in features that automatically format bibliographies, endnotes, footnotes and citations according to APA style.
   • If you're not entirely sure that your computer has this format, don't guess. You'll be better off formatting it yourself than just hoping for the best.
3. Know the format of your soon-to-be manuscript. Formatting your paper in APA style means paying attention to mechanical details such as typeface, line spacing, margins, and page headers. In order to get full marks on your assignment, you'll need to meet all of these requirements.
   • Use a 12-pt serif typeface, like Times New Roman, for the text of your manuscript. Use a sans serif typeface, such as Arial, for figure labels.
   • Double-space the entire manuscript. Double-space between lines of body text and titles, headings, and block quotations. Double-space the reference list and figure captions.
   • Indent the line of every paragraph 1/2".
   • Align the test to the left-hand margin, leaving a "ragged" right margin.
4. Get everything in the right order. Every page should be numbered, in specific order, and separate from other sections. When you submit your manuscript, number the pages consecutively starting with page 1.
   • Page 1 is your title page.
   • Page 2 is your abstract.
   • Page 3 is the beginning of your main text.
   • References begin on a new page after the main text.
   • Each table begins on a new page after the references.
   • Each figure begins on a new page after the tables.
   • Each appendix begins on a new page.

The Title Page

1. Start your title page. Prepare it by centering the title roughly one-third of the way down. The title should not exceed 12 words. Hit "Return" or "Enter" and then type your name. Underneath your name, include your university or institution of learning.
   • Everything should be double-spaced and centered. Your title should contain no filler words or abbreviations.
   • If you have any "Author's Notes," place them at the bottom of this page. This could include information on any grants received or where correspondence should be issued to.
2. Insert a "running head" at the top of your title page. This "head" is a condensed version -- not to exceed 50 characters -- of your paper's title. The uppercase words "RUNNING HEAD: [INSERT YOUR TITLE HERE]" should appear as the first page header and be left justified.
   • You'll need a header on every page. After the title page, do not include "RUNNING HEAD." Just the title of your work is required. Flush right should be the page number, again on every page.

The Abstract & Main Body

1. Compose your abstract. This should be between 150 and 250 words and on a new page. It is a description of your paper that focuses on its purpose, processes, outcomes and conclusions. The abstract should be on its own page right after the title page with the heading "Abstract" centered at the top. No bold, italics, or underlining is necessary.
   • Don't forget your header! For this page, it's your title and page number.
   • In your abstract, be sure to include all the extras: your research topic, questions posed, information on participants, methods, results, analysis of data, and extra tidbits on your conclusion. You may also find including implications to be an interesting perk; what future work on the topic do you see looming on the horizon?
   • You may also want to list keywords from your paper in your abstract. Type Keywords: as if it were the beginning of a new paragraph and subsequently list your keywords. This will let researchers (or otherwise) looking for topical material find your work in databases.
2. Start the body of your work. This is, in short, your paper. The rest is formatting mumbo-jumbo that is required of you. In this section (on a new paper directly after the abstract), include the same header and page number, restate your title, and begin your work.
   • Once more, everything should be double-spaced and the paragraphs indented in on the first line.
   • There are four main sections to the body of an APA style paper: introduction, method, results, and discussion. Title each section in bold font, centered; that is, not including the introduction -- the introduction's title should be the title of your paper, in regular font. Your professor should outline in class the basics of these sections. Each subject will have different requirements.
     • For methods, center Method wherever it falls on the page. Include Participants, Materials & Procedure, and Correlations (and whatever other subheadings you see fit) as sub-headings that are flush left and bold.
     • For the results section, center Results wherever it falls on the page. No subheadings or sections are necessary.
     • For the discussion section, center Discussion wherever it falls on the page. No subheadings or sections are necessary.

The References & Tables, etc.

1. Compile your references on a separate page following the final page of text. The word "References" should be centered at the top. Alphabetize the entries according to the author's surname. In cases where no author's name is provided, alphabetize the entry according to the initial word in its title. Word processing programs with built-in APA style features will automatically format your references.
   • Adhere to the author-date style when citing a reference within the text. This is done by inserting the author's surname and the year of publication, such as (Smith, 2010), with the entire reference listed under "References."
2. Learn how to cite in APA style. For different types of sources, there are slightly different regulations. Once in a while, requirements change -- ask your professor if they require the most current of requirements.
   • While the APA manual provides many examples of how to cite common types of sources, it does not provide rules on how to cite all types of sources. Therefore, if you have a source that APA does not include, APA suggests that you find the example that is most similar to your source and use that format.
3. Attach any tables, figures, or notes. If you have information that supports your work, but is a little wordy or excessive, include it after the bulk of your paper. Also include any tables or charts that illustrate your research.
   • Footnote lengthy explanations by placing a superscript number directly after the designated text. A separate page called "Notes" should be added at the end of the manuscript.
4. Proofread your work. As you go over your finished paper, you'll need to be monitoring for a few things: flow and clarity, punctuation, spelling and grammar, and if all APA guidelines are met. Go over your paper three different times, concentrating on a different aspect each time.
   • Take some of the stress of yourself by having a friend read your paper and go over your punctuation, spelling, and grammar. You have enough on your plate with the formatting and content.

Tips

• The "Running Head" only appears on the title page.
• There are many example papers floating around on the internet. If any explanation is confusing to you, just take a sample paper and mirror it (off a legitimate website).

Things You'll Need

• Word processing software
• Publication Manual of American Psychological Association

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