APA Style an Overview CENTRALIA COLLEGE WRITING CENTER

APA Style: an Overview CENTRALIA COLLEGE WRITING CENTER Kemp 105: Hours vary Faculty Coordinator, Linda G. Foss English Department

APA Style: an Overview � This presentation will cover: � 2009 updates to APA �General APA guidelines �First page format �Section headings �In-text citations �Formatting quotations �Reference page citations

2009 Update The APA modified guidelines for: � Formatting section headings � Report data in various forms, including graphs, charts, etc. � Citing digital materials without page numbers � Citing electronic sources to reflect changes in technology

Rule #1: Ask Your Instructor Always follow your instructor’s guidelines and don’t be afraid to ask for information, samples or reliable reference guides.

Format: General Guidelines � Margins: one inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, right) � Font Size and Type: 12 -point Times Roman � Line Spacing: Double-spaced, including the title page, body of the document, and references page. � Spacing after Punctuation: Space once after all punctuation. Alignment: Flush left (creating uneven right margin) � Paragraph Indentations: 5 spaces (or standard ½” tab) � Running Heads: The paper title appears in caps in upper left and page number in the upper right header � Paper: Use plain white 81/2 x 11 paper. Multiple pages are stapled in the upper left-hand corner. Do NOT enclose in binder or file. � IF a cover page is required: Center paper’s title, author(s) names, and course/college name on 3 lines.

Format: First Page � No title page � Double space everything including headings � In the upper left corner of the 1 st page, list your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and date � Center the paper title (use standard caps but no underlining, italics, quotation marks, or bold) � Create a header ½” from the top of page with running head in caps on left and inserted page number on right

Format: Section Headings � APA papers are typically divided into major sections: Abstract, Method, Results, Discussion, which should appear centered, in bold-face, and in upper and lower case. � IF subheadings are used, the second level should be flush left, bold-face, upper and lower case; the third level should be indented, bold-face, upper and lower case. � Top-down progression is used, for example if there are three levels of headings, you would use Levels 1, 2, and 3. � The introductory section to a paper does not require a heading since it is assumed that the first section in your document is an introduction.

Sample Section Headings Level 1 Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading Level 2 Flush Left, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading Level 3 Indented, boldface, lowercase paragraph heading ending with a period. Level 4 Indented, boldface, italicized, lowercase paragraph heading ending with a period. Level 5 Indented, italicized, lowercase paragraph heading ending with a period.

Citations: the Basics o “Whether paraphrasing, quoting an author directly, or describing ideas that influenced your work, you must credit the source” (APA, 2010, p. 170). o Typically APA uses an author-date citation system that provides enough information in parentheses for the source to be located on the alphabetical reference list at end of paper. o The information within the parenthetical citations depends on the medium and whether page numbers are visible.

Author-Date Style In-text Example: Although Russia has regained her autonomy and independence economically in recent years, many citizens are silent in their public opinion (Coleman & Mc. Culloch, 1990). Corresponding References Entry: Coleman, P. G. & Mc. Culloch, A. W. (1990). Societal change, values and social support: exploratory studies into adjustment in late life. Journal of Aging Studies, 4(4), 321 -332.

Format: Quotations Short quotations should be blended into sentences: � According to some, dreams express “profound aspects of personality” (Foulkes, 2005), though others disagree. � According to Foulkes's study, dreams may express “profound aspects of personality” (2005). Quotations of 40 or more words should be as explained in this block quote: In a freestanding block of text and omit the quotations marks. Start such a block quotation on a new line and indent the block about a half inch from the left margin (in the same position as a new paragraph. If there additional paragraphs within the quotation, indent the first line of each an additional half inch. (APA, 2010)

Adding/Omitting Words Added Words are bracketed: Jan Harold Brunvand, in an essay on urban legends, states: “some individuals [who retell urban legends] make a point of learning every rumor or tale” (2003). Omitted Words are indicated by elipsis: In an essay on urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand notes that “some individuals make a point of learning every recent rumor or tale. . . and in a short time a lively exchange of details occurs” (2003).

Format: References page � The list of sources should begin on a new page with a centered heading: References. � The list should be double-spaced with a hanging indent of ½” for run over lines. � Sources should be listed alphabetically by whatever name or major word begins the citation.

Format: Citing Books � Author, A. (year). Title of book. Location: Publisher. Burns, N. (2002). The Chaos Theory, New York: Norton. � Editor, A. (year). Title of book. Location: Publisher. Wallace, S. (2010). History of the World. London: Pearson. � Author, A. (year). Title of book. URL. Smith, T. (2012). America. Retrieved from http: //www. University of Maryland. edu.

Format: Citing Websites Title of article (Date). Retrieval information New child vaccine gets funding boost. (2001). Retrieved March 21, 2001, from http: //news. ninemsn. com. au/health/story � Title of webpage (Date). Retrieval information Learn APA Style. (2012). Retrieved November 7, 2012, from http: //www. apastyle. org/learn/ faqs/web-page-no-author. aspx �

Format: Citing Periodicals � Author, A. A. , & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Online Periodical, volume number(issue number if available). Retrieved from URL Bernstein, M. (2002). 10 tips on writing the living Web. A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites, 149. Retrieved from http: //www. alistapart. com � Author(s) (Date of publication). Title of Article. Title of Periodical, Volume (Issue), pages. Medium of publication. Clark, G. (2001). No more aches and pains. Woman’s Day, 65(1), 54 -56. Retrieved from http: //proquest. umi. com

For comprehensive information about APA style, visit their website: http: //www. apastyle. org/ Or visit us online at: http: //www. centralia. edu/academics/ Writingcenter/ OR http: //owl. centralia. edu