An Example of the APA Reference Style

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A guide for using the APA reference style

Compiled by

Gary Farrar

A guide for the preparation of research papers, to be used by

students enrolled in classes requiring a research paper

XXXX College

Jacksonville, Florida

2010

Abstract

The abstract is typed as a single spaced single paragraph without indentation. The purpose of the abstract is to present succinctly and clearly the problem, method, results, and conclusions of the research. The abstract is meant to be a concise summary of the research. Therefore, it should be written last, after the body of the manuscript has been written. A well-written abstract provides the reader the opportunity to understand the essential or critical points of the article without investing the time required to study the entire article. The abstract is self-contained and meaningful without reference to the body of the manuscript. Word limitation in the abstract is 100-150 words.

An Example of the APA Reference Style

The body of the research paper begins with the title which is centered and typed as the above example. It is followed by an introduction that introduces the study and describes the research strategy. The introduction need not be labeled since its position in the document clearly identifies its intent. Before developing the introduction, you should consider the overall point of the study, the theoretical implications of the study and how does this study relate to others in the area, and are there any theoretical propositions tested. If so, how were they derived? A good introduction will focus on these questions by summarizing relative arguments and associated data.

The next part of the introduction should develop background information by discussing published literature on the topic. Be sure to provide citations relevant to earlier works in the area of research. It is also important to develop a logical continuity between previous and present work to make it generally understood by a wide professional audience.

This last part of the introduction allows the author to state a purpose and rationale of what was done. The author should ask “What results did I expect and why did I expect them?” Each rationale or hypothesis should be clearly developed and explained.

A well-written research document tells a story, beginning with questions raised (introduction), a description of the plan (method) to answer questions, a presentation of data and or answers obtained (results) and a discussion of the data or answers (discussion).

Method

This section of the paper describes in detail how the study or research was conducted. It should be documented in a step by step fashion so the reader can replicate the process, if desired. Most research papers for my classes are a literature reviews and this is the method that should be described. Since most of you will use the internet as your main resource, the method should describe the process you took to find specific information and why you deem it relevant to your paper. What did you do and how did you do it? If a literature review was conducted, explain what was read and why it was read.

Results

The results section summarizes the collected data and if necessary, the statistical treatment of the information. Initially, main results should be stated, then expanded with data in order to fully explain the results. Bear in mind that results can be explained using tables and or figures, a statistical presentation, or a summary of reviewed literature. If tables or charts are used, include a Table of Contents indicating each major section and a Table of illustrations indicating specifically where each table or chart can be found.

The results section is not where comparisons are made but explanations of tables or figures are encouraged. The data is presented in a clear and concise fashion for the reader to review and understand.

Discussion

Once the results have been presented, the author is now in a position to evaluate and interpret any implications. Begin the discussion with a clear statement of support or non-support of the original hypothesis and expand accordingly. If the research is a literature review, comparisons can be made and your own opinion expressed. Try and anticipate questions from the reader and answer them as part of the discussion.

Names which are cited within the text are followed by the date of publication in parentheses. Example: Jones (1997) found the reason for downsizing was not always associated with fiscal concerns, but more generally done to eliminate poor performers. It is not necessary to include the page number within the citation. Page numbers are indicated on the Reference page. If more than one author contributed to the work, both can be cited within parentheses. Example: In a recent study (Jones & Smith, 1997) sunlight was found to be more destructive to the eyes at noon than at any other time throughout the day.

Questions and their answers that should be the backbone of the discussion are “What have I contributed here?” and “What conclusions and theoretical implications can I draw from my study?”

References

All citations within the manuscript must appear on the reference list and all references must be cited within the text. Whenever possible, support your statements by citing empirical studies. Examples of reference formatting are provided at the end of this document.

Information from the Internet has become a topic of concern. The basic format for an Internet source is as follows:

Author/editor. (Year). Title (edition), [Type of Medium]. Producer (optional).

Available Protocol (if applicable): Site/Path/File [Access Date]

Example:

Author Unknown (1997). Privacy and the Computer [Online].

Available: http//www.ibm.com/

It should also be noted that Internet sites come and go on a continual basis. Be cautious when using Internet sites as references. Many do not provide the author of the home page or article.

References

American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

Hilgard, E.R., & Atkinson, R.C. (1967). Introduction to psychology. (4thed.). NewYork: Harcourt, Brace & World.

Johnson, H. H., & Steiner, I.D. (1965). Effort and subjective probability.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1, 365-368.

Author Unknown. (1997). Electronic Sources: APA Style of Citation [Online]

Available: http://www.uvm.edu/~xli/reference/apa.html.

Author Unknown. (1997). PCC Libraries: APA Format [Online] Available:

http://www.library.pima.edu/apa.htm

Footnotes

1To settle all disputes regarding APA format, consult the Publications manual of the American Psychological Association (1994, 4th1 ed.) See the reference section for complete citation of this source.
Some final thoughts:

Manuscript arrangement.

Cover page (Title, Author, College, Class, Date) (See Example, Front Page)

Table of Contents (if included)

Table of illustrations (if included)

Abstract (Separate page ,See example Abstract)

Body (Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion)

References (Separate page , See example)

Footnotes (Separate page, See example)

The body of the document should be typed (double-spaced) in a Times New Roman font; 12 points for all text, except for headings and subheadings which may be 14 points.

Use 1 1/2” margins at the top, bottom, right and left of every page. Take note that this is different than the default values found in word processing programs such as Word or WordPerfect.

Page numbers should be in the top right portion of each page excluding the first page.

Indent 5 spaces (1/2 “) at the beginning of each paragraph.

A running header is NOT required.

Be sure to proofread the document carefully prior to submission.