APA Style

Why Do We Need APA Style? n The purpose of APA style writing is to: -Provide uniformity in writing for publication in the social science fields -Provide a standard of communication ClarityClarity PrecisionPrecision OrganizationOrganization n APA style is used for: -Term Papers or Literature Reviews -Research Publication -Presentations

APA Manual n The manual was originally published in 1929 (APA, 2009). n We will be using the 6 th edition. n Contains almost everything one needs to know about writing for publishing in the social sciences (or for your class assignments).

Types of Papers n There are two major types of papers: -Literature Reviews* -Empirical Studies n Similarities: -Both require the standard title page -Both require an abstract -Both require an introduction -Both require the standard reference pages -Both require double spacing, Times New Roman font, and 1” margins around the page.

Title Page n Key Components: -Running head in the Header -Page number -Title of the paper -Author’s name -Institutional affiliation: OrganizationOrganization UniversityUniversity City and State, if no affiliation existsCity and State, if no affiliation exists

The Title n Key components: -Should tell readers exactly what the paper is about -Should not be a question -Should not be cute -Typically less than 12 words -Located exactly 4 “Enter” key strokes from the first line of the page. n The title is used as the basis for the running head.

Abstract n A separate page, after the title, before the introduction n Contains: -The problem being examined -Description of participants/subjects (ES) -The major findings (ES) -Major conclusions and implications. n Keep it brief -Number of words allowed varies by journal

Introduction n Key Components: -Summarizes the problem and its importance -Provides the reader with background information -Thesis Statement -Explain conflicting/competing studies -Relevance/necessity of the study -Present the hypotheses of the study

Reference Page n Key Components: -The word “References” on the first line of the page, centered. -An APA reference for every source cited in the body of the paper -Alphabetical order by first author’s last name n Do not: -List any reference not cited in the body of the text -Number, bullet, or outline the references -Forget to list a reference cited in the body of the text

Body of a Literature Review n Similar to an essay n Headings: -Guide the reader through the paper -Separate discussions such as: Common variables usedCommon variables used Supporting and/or competing theoriesSupporting and/or competing theories Different modelsDifferent models n There are no set number of sections or formal section types.

Body of an Empirical Paper n After the introduction: -Methods Includes description of the participants, measures materials used, data analysis methodsIncludes description of the participants, measures materials used, data analysis methods -Results Contains the data analysis outcomesContains the data analysis outcomes -Discussion Analysis and interpretation of the outcomes and findingsAnalysis and interpretation of the outcomes and findings Comparison to other researchers’ findingsComparison to other researchers’ findings Short comings of the study conductedShort comings of the study conducted Implications on current theory and future researchImplications on current theory and future research

Creating a Default Setting