APA Workshop

APA Workshop

What is APA?It is a citation style format created by the American Psychological Association. It is now in its 6th edition, 2nd printing. It provides a standard format for references and paper set-up.The citation style assists in avoiding plagiarism.

OverviewThe paper should be in 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Everything, including the references, should be double-spaced.1 margins on all sides of the paper.

Title PageCentered on the title page include:Name of PaperAuthors Name (Your Name: First and Last)University Affiliation

Running HeadA running head is a shortened version of the title of the paper that serves as a page header. It is required on each page of the document. The running head on the title page is different than on the following pages. On the title page the words Running head precede the title that is in all caps. The page number is included.

Running Head Cont.On every page after the title page the running head should have a shortened version of the title in all caps and the page number.

AbstractThe abstract is a summary of the key points in the paper.It is on its own page (page 2).It should be one paragraph that is between 150-250 words.

Paper FormatThe use of headings are encouraged in APA style to distinguish between parts of the paper. 1Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Headings2Left-Aligned, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading3Indented, boldface, lowercase heading with a period. Begin body text after the period.4Indented, boldface, italicized, lowercase heading with a period. Begin body text after the period.5Indented, italicized, lowercase heading with a period. Begin body text after the period.Table reproduced from page 62 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and QuotingParaphrasing is putting another author's thoughts into your own words. It involves taking a paragraph or short passage and rewording it into an abbreviated version. Summarizing is taking the main ideas of a work and putting those concepts into your own words. Typically, the main ideas will come from a larger work such as a book, journal article, etc.Quoting is when you use the original text word for word in your own piece.

Examples of Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and QuotingParaphrasing: Theodor Seuss Geisel (1960), writing as Dr. Seuss, wrote that there are two fish and that some are red and some are blue.Summarizing:There are many fish in the sea and they have unique characteristics (Geisel, 1960).Quoting:"One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish" (Geisel, 1960, p. 1).

In-Text CitationsAlso known as parenthetical citations.When you are summarizing or paraphrasing, include the authors last name and the year of publication. (Smith, 2012)(Smith & Jones, 2012)(Smith, Jones, & Young, 2012)When you are quoting, include the authors last name, year of publication, and page number of quote.(Smith, 2012, p. 124)

Reference PageThe reference page should be the last page of your paper. It should be labeled as References.The references should be in alphabetical order.Each reference should have a hanging indent and be double-spaced.

Reference ExamplesBasic Form for Article from a PeriodicalSmith, K. (2012). Growing up. The Journal of Education, 2(23), 12-15.Basic Form for a BookSmith, K. & Jones, T. H. (2012). Growing up here. New York City: Doubleday Books.

ReferencesWelcome to the Purdue OWL. (2010). Purdue OWL: APA Formatting and Style Guide. Retrieved from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (2010). Washington: American Psychological Association.