The APA (American Psychological Association) style format is one of method that is popular citing sources in academic work with the social sciences field.

The importance of using citations that are proper be understated. It provides credit into the authors for ideas and research which you have incorporated into your own paper. In addition, failing continually to acknowledge the work of others may cause accusations of plagiarism, which often may cause consequences such as a grade that is failing even getting fired from your own job.

This page offers guidelines on the best way to properly format your cover page, reference page (the bibliography) and general citing that is in-text.

With some general APA rules before you start your essay or research paper, you should familiarize yourself. First, your paper must be typed on standard-sized paper (8.5” x 11”), using margins that are one-inch each side. APA also requires double-spacing while the usage of a font that is legible. The application of 12 pt. Times New Roman font is recommended, although you should always consult with your professor or teacher if in doubt concerning the font.

The top of every page will include a head/page header that is running. To do this, insert page numbers flush right. Next, type your “PAPER TITLE” in all caps the header flush left. The running head should not be longer than 50 characters, including punctuation and spacing, no matter if the title of the paper is longer.

APA format title page

An APA format title page should include the title of your paper, your name, additionally the educational school, college or university for which you study. The page header must certanly be inserted flush left while the page numbering should be flush right and at the top of the page. This is the way the running head should appear on the title page:

Running head: TITLE OF PAPER

The running head should look as follows on every subsequent page

Your title should be centered, keyed in upper and lowercase letters, and found in the upper half of the page. APA recommends limiting your title length to at the most 12 words and steering clear of the use of abbreviations and words that are unnecessary. It is acceptable for the title to consist of 1 or two lines. Use double-spacing throughout your paper, including regarding the title page.

Underneath the title, you need to type your first name, middle initial(s), and name that is last. Omit titles (e.g., “Dr.”) or degrees (MA).

The name of your academic institution or research organization under your name, type.

Here is an APA format sample for your title page:

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APA format paper

An APA format paper should also contain an abstract, the body of the paper, and the reference list in addition to custom writing a title page.

The title should be followed by the abstract page. The most notable should include the page header that is aforementioned. The phrase “Abstract” (without quotation marks, italics or any other sort of modification) must be centered and located on the initial line of the abstract page. Below this is where you certainly will provide a short, one paragraph, double-spaced summary for the main points of one’s essay. Usually do not indent the abstract.

Remember that the abstract when you look at the APA format for a research paper should discuss the topic under study, the research questions, any subjects associated with the research, your research methods, the findings/results, analysis regarding the data, and your conclusions. You could also range from the implications of the work and strategies for future studies associated with your findings. The abstract should not be any fewer than 150 words, but a maximum of 250.

Your abstract can also include keywords from your paper. This would allow researchers to find your projects in databases easier. Below your abstract paragraph, indent as if you had been starting a paragraph that is new. Next, type Keywords in italics. Complete it by listing your keywords.

The following is an example of an abstract:

The human body of your research paper should stick to the universal format of introduction that discusses an issue, a thesis or argument that you plan to make, around three paragraphs in which you support your thesis and reduce the chances of counterarguments, and a conclusion that summarizes your work and discusses the broader implications.

The APA format for the reference list is extremely specific. First, you need to use the term “References” (without bold, quotations or any modifiers) rather than “Work Cited” (as in MLA) or “Bibliography.” The reference list should include the author(s)’ last name, first and middle initial, therefore the year of publication. The reference lines should always be double-spaced in addition to second and subsequent lines for each reference must be half that is indented inch through the left margin of your paper. Book titles additionally the titles of articles ought to be in italics. However, short publications, including newspapers, magazines and academic journals really should not be italicized. The following is a good example for reference: