The American Psychological Association (APA) style guide is commonly used for social and behavioral science research papers. The APA format is a specific writing style that is used to cite research and format papers. Students are often assigned APA style papers beginning in college. This guide covers the essential elements of an APA research paper model including formatting guidelines, structure, headings, and citations.
Formatting Guidelines
APA papers are supposed to be formatted using one-inch margins, double spacing, and Times New Roman 12-point font. The title page should have the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the institutional affiliation centered on separate lines near the top of the page. A running head is included on the title page and subsequent pages consisting of the title in all caps truncated to 50 characters max. Page numbers are placed at the top right of every page.
Sections and Headings
The main sections of an APA paper include the abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Each section has its own formatting guidelines. The title of the section is centered and bolded at the top of the page. The first level of headings is centered, bolded, and title case (only first letter of first word capitalized). The second level of headings is indented, bolded, title case aligned with the left margin. Third level headings are indented, bold, italicized, ending with a period, and title case.
Abstract
The abstract is a one paragraph (150-250 words) summary of the key elements of the paper. It should describe the problem under investigation, methods used, main findings, and conclusions. The abstract is located on page two, following the title page but before the start of the paper. The word “Abstract” is centered at the top of the page without formatting (e.g. bold or larger font).
Introduction
The introduction section should provide background information on the research topic, explain why the topic is important, and state the hypothesis or research question. It should connect to the overall purpose and significance of the study. It typically has one or two paragraphs of background information followed by the thesis statement and research question/hypothesis.
Method
The method section describes how the entire study was conducted in detail. It allows other researchers to understand and replicate the procedures. Key elements include design of the study, participants, measures/materials, and procedures. Statistical methods should be identified, and Institutional Review Board approval stated. Any operational definitions or scales used must be clearly defined. The method is written in past tense.
Results
The results section presents the analysis and findings of the study without interpretation. Data are reported using tables and figures if appropriate. Results should directly address the research question and hypotheses. Relevant statistical tests and analysis are identified with any measures of effect size included. Each result should correspond to a specific statistical test. Tables and figures are labeled and discussed but results are not duplicated in the text.
Discussion
The discussion interprets and explains the results in relation to the original research question and any hypotheses. Results are compared to previous research and explanations are provided for similarities or differences in findings. Limitations of the study are acknowledged alongside ideas for future research directions. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are also discussed. Conclusions are stated but new hypotheses are not introduced.
References
References follow APA guidelines for formatting citations within the text and constructing the references list at the end. In-text citations consist of the author(s) last name(s) and year of publication, and are handled differently based on whether it is a direct quote or paraphrased information. Examples include (Smith, 2020) or (Smith & Johnson, 2020). The references list appears after the text and before any appendixes. Sources are sorted alphabetically by author’s last name and use hanging indentation.
Conclusion
The APA research paper model establishes a standard format for scholarly communication. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of APA style for citing references, constructing in-text citations, formatting paper sections/headings, creating a title page, and more. Following the template ensures uniformity and helps readers follow the logic and documentation within psychological and behavioral science papers. Adhering to APA guidelines is important for publishing and avoiding plagiarism.