APA Writing Style Guide

The entire paper should be double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins.

The paper should include: Title Page, Abstract, Body, and Main References. Write the entire paper in past-tense.

Note: Numbers 1-10 should be written out, and numbers greater than 10 in figures, except for units of measure, participant numbers, and mathematical equations, which should always be written in figures.

Title Page

  • The Title page should include:
  • The Manuscript Page Header in the upper right-hand corner followed by the page number (This header should not be in all-caps!)
  • The Running Head
  • The running head is an abbreviated version of the full title, but includes more information than the page header.
  • “Running head” is not in all-caps, but the actual title following the words “Running head:” is in all-caps.
  • About a third of the way down the page –
  • The full title of the paper, followed by the author’s name on the next line, and the institution (in this case Assumption College) should be centered in the middle of the page and double-spaced.
  • Do not use abbreviations in your title and try to keep it around 12 words or under.

Example:

Abstract

  • Abstract is on a new page. (The header should include the manuscript page header)
  • The title of the page “Abstract” should be centered, not in all-caps or bold/italic
  • The abstract should be in block formatting, meaning there is no indentation on the first line.
  • The abstract, a summary of your paper, should briefly include all parts of the paper – introduction (including the purpose/goal of the research), participants, method, procedure, results/analysis, and conclusion.
  • The abstract should be written in one paragraph, double spaced, 1-inch margins, and should not exceed 2/3 a page (around 120 words).

Introduction

  • Refer to Ch. 13 (p. 324) of your Psychological Research book for several different options for leads to your intro (something that grabs the reader’s attention), such as using a historical definition of a term, presenting a problem, or providing a brief explanation of how the idea will be expanded upon from past research.
  • The Introduction begins on a new page and includes the Manuscript Page Header
  • The full title of the research paper is centered at the top of the page. Do notuse the sub-title “Introduction”.
  • This is where you introduce your topic, including a definition of your positive experience, your research question, your rationale/purpose (why are you conducting this study, what makes this different from past research (refer to p. 327), and your literature review.
  • After summarizing important points from the article, briefly state how the research cited in the literature review relates to the present study, but be careful not to provide any results/conclusion of your study in your introduction. All the references listed in your works cited should appear in the introduction.
  • Approximately1 ½ to 2 pages long at minimum

Method

  • The “Method” section should appear directly after the introduction, not on a new page. The remainder of the paper is continuous until the references section. The subtitle, “Method”, should be centered, not in all-caps
  • The Methods section, at the very least, should include the sub-headings: Participant, Materials, and Procedure in italics.
  • Refer to “subjects” as participants; humans are called participants, while animals are referred to as subjects.
  • If you used a measurement scale for your positive mood, a description of the scale should be included in the Materials section. The Procedure should includeinstructions for your journal.

Example:

Results

  • The subtitle “Results” is centered on the page and directly follows the “Method” section.
  • In this section include how the data was analyzed and quotes/specific examples from your journal that support your analysis.

Discussion

  • The subtitle “Discussion” is centered on the page and directly follows the “Results” section.
  • In this section interpret your results;discuss limitations, possible improvements, larger implications of your results, and providesuggestions for future research.

In-text Citations

  • An in-text citation includes the authors’ last name and date of the publication, separated by a comma. Only include the page number if you use a direct quote.
  • Example: (Smith, 1998)- If you are paraphrasing or took an idea from another work, you still need to cite!!!
  • Direct Quote: (Smith, 1998, p. 12).
  • Multiple authors: (Vadum & Rankin, 1998)
  • More than six authors: (Rubin et al., 2007)
  • If citing more than one source separate the publication with a semi-colon.
  • Example: (Vadum & Rankin, 1998;Smith, 1998)
  • Another option is to integrate the citation into your writing.
  • Example: “Smith (1998) found…..” or “According to Smith (1998)…..” or “In a study by Smith (1998)…...

References

  • This section should be on a new page, titled “References” – not in italics/bold.
  • You should have minimum of 5 sources on your reference list.
  • References should be double spaced, listed in alphabetical order, and have a hanging indent (2nd line is indented).
  • Electronic Sources:
  • The authors’ names (Last name, followed by first initial). Date of publication in parenthesis. Title of article(all lowercase, except capitalize the first word of the titleand the first word after a colon). Title of journal(in italics), volume(in italics), page numbers. DOI number (Digital Object Identifier) and/or the database from where the article was retrieved.

Example:

Note: If you include any tables/charts, these are not to be included in the body of the paper;insert each table, chart, or figure on a separate page at the end of the paper.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or call the ASC to schedule an appointment.

Good Luck and Have a Great Break!!!

Angela Harris

Research Methods Writing Fellow