Are you asked to write a paper for your next psychology class? Then you would be required to use the APA format to draft the paper and reference the resources used.
Drafting an academic paper in APA format comes with its own set of challenges. APA is the official style of the American Psychological Association. The APA style originated way back in a 1929 article published in Psychological Bulletin which laid out the basic guidelines. It is used to cite sources within the field of Psychology, Education and other Social sciences.
If you are one of those students who have little to no clue of how to draft your academic papers in APA format, then reading this article will surely put you miles ahead.
Here are some basic rules you should follow in drafting your paper accurately according to APA style:
- According to the guidelines of APA format, the title page of your academic paper should include a running head at the top left of the page, and the page the number at the top right. It should include title, name and university affiliation.
- The abstract should not be more than 150-250 words. It should begin on a new page. Put the running head and page number 2 in the top right-hand corner.
- The margins of the outline should be one-inch on all sides. Use a 12- point, Times New Roman font for all texts. Include a page number in the upper-right hand corner of the outline. Ensure the content is double-space.
- Place each table on a separate page at the end of the paper, after the reference list. Margins should be of at least one inch. Use one-and-a-half spacing or single spacing.
- Place figures on a separate page at the end of the paper, after tables (if provided). Place a caption below each figure explaining its contents and defining the abbreviations used.
- The in-text citation should incorporate the author’s last name and the year of publication. For example, (James, 2007). For direct quotations, remember to include the page number as well.
- The reference page should begin on a new page. The first line of the reference should be in flush with the left margin. Each additional line should be intended.
- To cite a book, use the format- author’s surname, initials, (year), title (edition), publisher location: publisher. Example- James, A.B. Foley and Yang (2011),A guide to how to cook spaghetti, London, England: NY Publisher.
- To cite an e-book, follow the format- author’s surname, initial, (Ed (s).*). (year). Title (ed.*). Retrieved from URL. Example- Mayer, N.B. (2011). A guide to Modern Cooking. Referencing Journal, 67(3), 45-75.
- To cite a website, use the template- author surname, initial (s). (Year, Month day). Retrieved from URL. Example- Mayer, N.B. (2011, September 7). What should know to start your cooking adventure? Retrieved from whattoknow.com.
- To cite a magazine article, use the format – author surname, initial(s). (Year, month day). Title.Title of the magazine, Example- Mayer, N.B. (2011). How to cook. Pp.20-25.
- To cite a government report, use the template- author surname, first initial. Second initial. Or Government Name.Name of government agency (Year) Title: subtitle (Report No. sss [if any]). Place of publication: Publisher. Example: Cambodia Ministry of Health (1992). Selected findings from the Health Survey. Cambodia, University of Cambodia.
Now you are acquainted with all the crucial guidelines to draft your academic paper in APA style. If you still find it difficult, you can always take the help of APA citation generators, if required.
Writing an outstanding academic paper in APA format is a mean feat to achieve. Therefore, in this article, we have highlighted certain basic rules students should follow in drafting their paper perfectly in APA style.
Read Also: Difference Between APA and MLA Format
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