APA Style Research Paper Format
The American Psychological Association (APA) reference format is one of the most widely accepted academic paper formats. Using APA style for research papers allows students to use a simple and standard system for citations and references. This format facilitates the reader’s ability to understand the sources being used and find them to do further reading if needed. The key aspects of APA style guidelines revolve around reference citations, running heads, serif font type, margins, section headings and the reference page. When students properly use APA formatting standards in their academic papers, they demonstrate credibility and validity in their arguments by accurately representing other scholars’ work.
Reference Citations in Text
APA style uses an author-date citation system in the text. For paraphrases and summaries of sources, simply provide the author’s last name and publication year in parentheses after the relevant information. For direct quotes, include the page number as well. Here are some examples:
According to researchers (Smith, 2020), college students benefit from learning time management.
“Procrastination is the thief of time” (Brown, 2017, p. 32).
When a work has two authors, cite both last names separated by an ampersand (&), such as (Jones & Williams, 2019). For works with three to five authors, include all authors’ last names the first time the citation occurs. Subsequent citations include only the first author’s last name followed by “et al.,” such as (Smith et al., 2021).
The reference list should include the full first names of authors rather than just initials. Page numbers for journal articles and book chapters should be included too. Here is a sample reference list entry for a journal article with DOI:
Brown, J. (2017). Overcoming procrastination: A cognitive behavioral approach. Journal of Behavior Therapy, 55(3), 270-279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2017.05.003
Page Layout and Formatting
The basic page layout for an APA style paper should adhere to certain formatting standards:
The entire paper should be double-spaced, including references, block quotes, tables and figures. This provides readability.
Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the standard 8.5×11 inch page.
The font style should be Times New Roman, size 12 point. Other serif fonts like Cambria and Georgia are also acceptable choices. Font size should be the same throughout the paper including headings, references, block quotes, tables and figures.
Page numbers should be located in the top right header, 0.5 inches from the top with the student’s last name preceding the page number (Smith 1, Smith 2, etc).
A running head consisting of the shortened paper title (no more than 50 characters including spacing) should appear in the top left header, flush left. The words “Running head:” should precede the short title only on the title page, with the rest of the pages containing just the short title.
Sections are centered and bolded. Major section headings are formatted in title case and boldfaced (introducing Major Stylistic Elements for APA Papers). Subheading levels follow using boldface or italics.
Block quotations that are longer than 40 words should have a 1⁄2 inch indent on both left and right margins. Single space and do not use quotation marks. Cite the author, year and page number (if applicable) after the final punctuation.
Figures should be centered and include clear titles and description below in a figure caption. Number figures consecutively throughout the paper and cite them in-text, such as “(see Figure 1)”.
Tables are titled, numbered consecutively throughout the paper and placed as close as possible after their mention in-text. Table titles appear above and are centered and boldface. Descriptive notes appear below the table in regular font, single spaced with source information in parentheses.
Content and Organization
A typical APA-style paper follows a specific structure:
Title page: Title, author’s name, school affiliation and relevant course information.
Abstract: A brief 150-250 word summary of the key points of the research paper that includes the research problem or issue, participants, methods, results and conclusions or recommendations. The abstract is written in block format, without indentation.
Introduction: Introduces the topic, provides background and context for the research problem and states the purpose and rationale behind the study. The last sentence formulates the research problem or question.
Method: Describes the methodology utilized, including the overall research design, a description of the participants, materials used, and procedures. Additional subsections are included for complex methods.
Results: Presents the statistical analysis and findings of the study objectively without interpretation. Data are displayed in figures and tables.
Discussion: Interprets and explains the meaning and importance of the results. Relates findings to the original research problem or hypothesis. Connects results to previous theory and research. Addresses limitations and makes recommendations for future research.
References: Alphabetized by author’s last name. Provides publication information for all sources cited in the text. Only include sources referenced in the text.
Appendices (optional): Includes supplemental materials that expand on methodology, results or discussion but are not critical to understanding the paper. These appear after the references page.
Consistency and compliance with APA referencing style provides readers with a clear framework for understanding and evaluating the information and arguments presented in research papers. Following the APA style improves credibility and allows readers to assess how well a student understands scholarly writing. Conforming to these established guidelines demonstrates academic integrity.
Andrew Stroud