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APA Style. Why Do We Need APA Style?. The purpose of APA style writing is to: Provide uniformity in writing for publication in the social science fields Provide a standard of communication Clarity Precision Organization APA style is used for: Term Papers or Literature Reviews
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Why Do We Need APA Style? • The purpose of APA style writing is to: • Provide uniformity in writing for publication in the social science fields • Provide a standard of communication • Clarity • Precision • Organization • APA style is used for: • Term Papers or Literature Reviews • Research Publication • Presentations
APA Manual • The manual was originally published in 1929 (APA, 2009). • We will be using the 6th edition. • Contains almost everything one needs to know about writing for publishing in the social sciences (or for your class assignments).
Types of Papers • There are two major types of papers: • Literature Reviews* • Empirical Studies • 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 • Key Components: • Running head in the Header • Page number • Title of the paper • Author’s name • Institutional affiliation: • Organization • University • City and State, if no affiliation exists
The Title • 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. • The title is used as the basis for the running head.
Abstract • A separate page, after the title, before the introduction • Contains: • The problem being examined • Description of participants/subjects (ES) • The major findings (ES) • Major conclusions and implications. • Keep it brief • Number of words allowed varies by journal
Introduction • 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 • 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 • 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 • Similar to an essay • Headings: • Guide the reader through the paper • Separate discussions such as: • Common variables used • Supporting and/or competing theories • Different models • There are no set number of sections or formal section types.
Body of an Empirical Paper • After the introduction: • Methods • Includes description of the participants, measures materials used, data analysis methods • Results • Contains the data analysis outcomes • Discussion • Analysis and interpretation of the outcomes and findings • Comparison to other researchers’ findings • Short comings of the study conducted • Implications on current theory and future research