APA Style
Citations and References
Below, I have listed the most common
errors I have encountered from grading APA papers. Specific issues of concern
should be addressed in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association, or online tips found at www.apastyle.org. I have also provided a
sample paper
written by a former student to demonstrate appropriate use of APA format.
1.
Title Page—the
title page must include a page header (top right corner) and a running head
(double-spaced from one-inch margin at top of page, and flush left). The page
number “1” should follow right after the page header, and the words “Running
head” are actually typed on the page. The page header should be a key word or
words from the title while the running head should be slightly more descriptive
of the paper’s topic (several words). The phrase selected for the running head
should be typed in all capital letters.
2.
Abstract—the word
“Abstract” is typed at the top center of the page immediately following the
title page. The page header and the number 2 should be typed in the top right
corner of the page. The first line of text in the abstract should not be indented,
and the abstract should not exceed 120 words.
3.
First page of
text (page 3) should begin with the title of the paper at the top center of the
page—double-spaced if more than one line. The text of the paper then follows,
double-spaced from the title.
4.
Reference
Page—should type the word “References” at the top center, then double-space and
begin citations alphabetically by first author’s last name. Double-space within
and between references. Use reverse indentation—first line flush left, indent 5
spaces thereafter.
Other “do’s” and “don’ts”
·
Do include
subheadings to separate topics in your paper. They can be italicized and typed
on the flush left side of the page.
Double-space between subheading and text of paper. While subheadings are
not required in an APA research paper, they tend to help with the flow of an
otherwise disorganized paper.
·
Don’t use more
than one-inch margins (left/right and top/bottom).
·
Don’t include
bulleted lists. If you cannot paraphrase, then include a table or appendix that
presents your list of items.
·
Don’t
over-rely on quotes. I personally do not like to see any quotations unless you
are defining a specific term or concept that you find difficult to paraphrase.
·
Don’t use
first person in an APA research paper (e.g “I” or “We”). Instead, use phrases
like, “this paper will discuss”, or “this finding suggests”. Remember not to
editorialize, but focus on findings and potential implications.
·
Don’t cite the
page number after the author’s last name (this is MLA format). The only time to
cite a page number would be following a direct quote (see above).
Text Citations
Role theory (Stryker, 1968) suggests that an individual’s role identity is likely to be more salient when it requires greater commitment.
Or…
It has been suggested by Stryker (1968), that an individual’s role identity is likely to be more salient when it requires greater commitment.
Or…
It has been suggested that an individual’s role identity is likely to be more salient when it requires greater commitment (Stryker, 1968).
Two authors…
A strong relationship between marital satisfaction and social support indicates that marital satisfaction increases as the degree of perceived social support increases (Rogers & White, 1998).
Three or more authors, first time you cite them...
A strong relationship between marital satisfaction and social support
indicates that marital satisfaction increases as the degree of perceived social
support increases (Rogers, White & Jones, 1998).
Three or more authors, second time you cite them…
A strong relationship between marital satisfaction and social support
indicates that marital satisfaction increases as the degree of perceived social
support increases (Rogers, et al., 1998).
Websites…
Whenever citing Internet sources, abide by the following guidelines:
1. Direct readers as closely as possible to the information being cited—whenever possible, reference specific documents rather than home or menu pages.
2. Provide addresses that work.
3. At a minimum, a reference of an Internet source should provide a document title or description, a date (either date of publication or date of retrieval), and an address (in Internet terms, a uniform resource locator, or URL).
Examples:
Fredrickson, B.L. (2000, March 7). Cultivating positive emotions to optimize health and well-being. Prevention & Treatment, 3, Article 0001a. Retrieved November 20, 2000, from http://journals.apa.org/prevention/volume3/pre0030001a.html.
Greater New Milford Area Healthy Community 2000, Task Force on Teen and Adolescent Issues. (n.d.) Who has time for a family meal? Retrieved October 5, 2000, from http:www.familymealtime.org
Note: (n.d.) refers to no date available.
When citing an internet source within the text of the paper, provide the website address followed by a comma and the date of retrieval (e.g. www.apastyle.org, 1/2001).