The Appearance of an APA Style Research Paper Layout
APA (American Psychological Association) style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed., 2nd printing).
Formatting the Research Paper
Type your paper in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Double-space the entire research paper, including titles, headers, and block quotes.
Leave a 1-inch margin on all four sides of the page.
Page numbers should be located on the top right of every page.
The title page has a running head and page number.
Subsequent pages have only a running head in the top right corner (do not include “Running head:” on subsequent pages).
Center the title, “Apa Style Research Paper,” an inch or two below the top of the page.
Title Page Elements
The title page elements are:
The title of the paper
Your name
School affiliation
Course information
Instructor’s name
Assignment due date
The Abstract Page
Start a new page for the abstract. Center the word “Abstract” at the top of the page without any formatting.
The abstract is a brief summary of the paper, between 150-250 words. Do not indent the first line of the abstract paragraph. Describe briefly each of the sections of paper presented. For example, Purpose, Participants, Methodology, Results, Discussion.
Introduction Section
Begin your paper text on the next page. Use a clear, descriptive title as the heading for the introduction section. This displays your research topic and leads the reader into aspects that will be addressed.
The introduction section typically comprises about 10-20% of the entire paper. It contains the thesis statement, rationale, and purpose of why this research is important. Provide background information and justify the need to study this topic. Discuss what other researchers have found and gaps that remain. Summarize hypotheses or research question(s).
Method Section
Use “Method” as the centered heading for this section. Describe in past tense the design of the research, participants, materials/apparatus used, and procedures followed. Describe methodology thoroughly but concisely so that other researchers can replicate the study if desired.
Provide information regarding the participants such as number, relevant characteristics like demographics or eligibility criteria for participation. State the means used for assigning participants to experimental conditions.
Explain the research design and type of study (experimental, correlational, qualitative, etc.). Define independent and dependent variables if applicable. Identify apparatus, materials, questionnaires, or stimuli. Specify content measures or observational procedures used.
The Procedure subsection describes exactly what the participants experienced or what you did to the participants for each condition of the experiment. For surveys or interviews, describe how responses were recorded and/or questionnaires were administered.
Results Section
Use “Results” as the centered heading. Present data and statistical analysis using complete sentences and precise language. Organize results from simple to complex. Use graphs, charts, tables and figures (include captions) to display results. Present descriptive statistics and inferential statistics used to test hypotheses.
Report effect sizes and confidence intervals. Report exact p values rather than p < .05 terminology. Number tables and figures sequentially. Discuss specific outcomes from analyzing the data and how results address each hypothesis or research question. Summarize and do not simply repeat statistical output. Use relevant subheadings to organize lengthy results. Discussion Section Use "Discussion" as the centered heading. Begin by briefly restating the purpose and method of the study. Provide an interpretation of the results and connect them to the specific hypotheses or research questions. Consider how results compare to prior research. Acknowledge limitations and threats to validity. Suggest further research. Discuss the significance of the findings and their potential applications, implications, or contributions to the field. End with a concise conclusion that synthesizes key points and supports the introduction thesis. Reference Section Center the title "References" at the top of a new page without formatting. The reference page contains all sources cited in-text (and only those sources). List references alphabetically by authors' last names. References should be double-spaced and use a hanging indent for subsequent lines of each reference. For detailed APA style guidelines on formatting reference entries, consult the Publication Manual or a referencing tutorial. Always save the reference page in the document after the last section.
In-Text Citations Provide attribution within the body of the paper for any idea, quote, paraphrase, or summary from another source. For a direct quote, include the author's last name, year of publication, and page number. For a paraphrase or summary of an idea, include the author's last name and year. According to Smith (2020, p. 27), "insert quoted text." Or "insert paraphrased idea" (Jones, 2020). Use page numbers for long, verbatim quotes following the introductory signal phrase. Include the author's and date within parentheses before the period at the end of the sentence for shorter quotes without page numbers. When citing multiple sources, separate citations with semi-colons. Footnotes and Endnotes APA style uses footnotes or endnotes to explain or expand upon a point made in the main text. Use footnotes for brief facts or comments, endnotes for more in-depth content. Format numbering sequentially in the text with a superscript numeral. Provide attribution for quotes at the bottom or end of the page using the author, year, and page number. The APA research paper layout provides structure and guidance for students to complete their papers following this widely-used style. Careful attention to APA rules for formatting, citations, and reference entries ensures that writing adheres to a standardized academic style preferred by many journals and professors. Proper application of APA research paper requirements demonstrates knowledge in conducting and presenting research effectively for the social sciences.
Andrew Stroud