The American Psychological Association (APA) released the 7th edition of its APA Publication Manual in October 2019. This updated guide introduces significant changes to the formatting and citation guidelines for academic writing. It aims to make APA style more user-friendly for students, teachers, and other educational stakeholders.
The 7th edition includes updates to paper formatting, title pages, headings, reference lists, in-text citations, and more. It is essential for scholars to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure that their work adheres to the latest APA guidelines.
APA 7 Paper Formatting
The 7th edition of the APA Format and Citation Guide brings significant changes to paper formatting guidelines. These updates aim to improve the user-friendliness of APA style for both professional and student papers.
Professional Papers
Professional papers are expected to include a title page that contains essential information. This includes the paper title, author names and affiliations, an author note, running head, and page numbers. The title page provides a professional and organized introduction to the paper.
Student Papers
For student papers, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by instructors regarding title page formatting. While the requirements may differ from professional papers, it is crucial for students to adhere to the prescribed guidelines to maintain consistency and professionalism in their work.
Headings
The APA 7th edition places emphasis on using level one headings as the primary way to structure papers. These headings help to organize the content and enhance readability. Additionally, the format of headings has been updated to align with the revised APA guidelines.
“The use of clear and well-defined headings allows readers to navigate through the paper more efficiently and locate the information they need.” – APA Manual
Running Head
In previous editions, the running head was required on every page. However, for student papers in APA 7, the running head is now optional. This change provides students with more flexibility in formatting their papers while still adhering to the overall guidelines set forth by APA.
APA 7 Reference List and In-Text Citations
The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual provides clearer and more extensive guidelines for citing sources in the reference list and using in-text citations. These guidelines aim to help researchers and scholars effectively acknowledge and attribute the sources they have used in their work.
One significant update in APA 7 is the citation of online sources. In the reference list, the publisher location is no longer required for online materials. Additionally, DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) are now formatted as URLs. These changes reflect the evolving nature of academic research and the increasing prevalence of online material.
The 7th edition also simplifies the use of “et al.” when citing works with three or more authors. Rather than listing all authors, subsequent citations after the first author can now use “et al.” This modification streamlines the citation process, providing a more concise and reader-friendly format.
Furthermore, the APA 7 guidelines offer examples for citing various types of online sources, including podcasts, social media posts, and YouTube videos. These examples help authors navigate the challenges of citing non-traditional sources in their research.
When citing sources within the text, APA 7 emphasizes the importance of providing clear and concise information to help readers locate the exact source being referenced. In-text citations should include the author’s last name and the publication year. For direct quotations, page numbers should also be provided.
Authors should consult the APA Manual for the accurate citation format for each source type. The manual provides comprehensive guidance on citing various materials, both printed and digital, ensuring that researchers can adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity in their work.
Here is an example of an APA 7 reference list citation:
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Johnson, K., Thompson, R., & Rodriguez, M. |
| Year | (2020) |
| Title of the article | Exploring the effects of mindfulness on stress reduction |
| Title of the journal | Journal of Positive Psychology |
| Volume and issue number | 15(2) |
| Page range | 145-162 |
| DOI or URL | https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1754095 |
By following the APA 7 guidelines for reference lists and in-text citations, researchers can ensure that their work is properly documented and attributed, allowing readers to locate and verify the sources used in their research.
Inclusive and Bias-Free Language in APA 7
The 7th edition of the APA Format and Citation Guide dedicates a chapter to promoting inclusive and bias-free language. These guidelines provide valuable insights for authors when writing about various aspects, including age, disability, gender, racial and ethnic identity, and sexual orientation. The goal is to create language that is respectful, accurate, and inclusive of diverse populations.
One notable endorsement made in the 7th edition is the use of the singular pronoun “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun. By embracing inclusive language, authors demonstrate their commitment to acknowledging and respecting the identities of individuals who identify beyond the traditional binary understanding of gender.
In addition to pronoun usage, authors are advised to utilize person-first language, which involves placing the person before any identifying characteristic.
This approach emphasizes an individual’s humanity and recognizes that their identity should not solely be defined by a single aspect of their being. For example, instead of using expressions like “disabled person,” authors are encouraged to use “person with a disability.”
“By embracing inclusive language, authors demonstrate their commitment to acknowledging and respecting the identities of individuals who identify beyond the traditional binary understanding of gender.”
To ensure accurate and unbiased representation, authors are also advised to avoid using adjectives as nouns to label groups of people. Using adjectives as nouns can contribute to stereotypes and perpetuate biases. Instead, authors should use specific labels that accurately describe the differences between groups, without generalizations or assumptions.
Adhering to these guidelines fosters greater inclusivity and diversity in scholarly writing and research, contributing to an environment where all individuals feel respected, represented, and valued. The adoption of inclusive and bias-free language is essential for promoting equality and challenging societal biases.
Key Guidelines for Inclusive Language Usage:
- Use the singular pronoun “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun
- Utilize person-first language to prioritize individual humanity
- Avoid using adjectives as nouns when labeling groups of people
- Describe differences between groups using specific and accurate labels
Mechanics of Style in APA 7
The 7th edition of the APA Format and Citation Guide introduces some minor changes to the mechanics of style in APA writing. These guidelines focus on punctuation, spacing, and grammar to ensure consistency and clarity in written communication.
One space after a period
According to the APA 7 guidelines, it is now recommended to use one space after a period. This differs from the previous APA 6 guidelines, which suggested using two spaces. By standardizing the use of one space, APA aims to streamline formatting practices and create a more streamlined and modern look.
Quotation marks for linguistic examples
In APA 7, italics are no longer used to emphasize linguistic examples. Instead, quotation marks should be used. This change aligns with the general practice of using quotation marks for examples, making it easier for readers to identify and differentiate between examples and regular text.
Capitalization of proper nouns
APA 7 provides specific guidelines for capitalizing proper nouns. The new guidelines state that it is appropriate to capitalize proper nouns like “Internet,” “Web,” and “World Wide Web.” This change is in line with the current usage and ensures consistency in the capitalization of commonly recognized terms.
These changes to the mechanics of style in APA 7 aim to improve the overall readability and accessibility of academic writing. By following these guidelines, authors can create well-formatted and consistent documents that adhere to the latest APA standards.
“Using the updated mechanics of style in APA 7 enhances the clarity and professionalism of academic writing, ensuring that the content is easy to read and understand.”
Tables and Figures in APA 7
The 7th edition of the APA Format and Citation Guide provides updated guidelines for formatting tables and figures in APA style. These visual representations play a crucial role in presenting research findings, supporting arguments, and enhancing the overall clarity of scholarly work.
According to APA 7 guidelines, authors should include relevant information in tables and figures to supplement their written content. This ensures that readers can easily grasp the key elements of the research at a glance. Tables and figures should be clear, concise, and well-organized, enabling readers to interpret the data accurately.
Formatting Tables
Tables in APA 7 should be numbered consecutively and have clear and descriptive titles. The table number and title should be placed above the table itself. Each table should also have a concise and informative caption that describes the content of the table.
When formatting the content within tables, authors should apply consistent spacing, alignment, and indentation. Headings should be included for each column and row, making it easier to navigate and understand the data. Additionally, footnotes can be used to provide additional explanations or clarifications regarding the information presented in the table.
Formatting Figures
Figures, such as graphs, charts, and images, should also be numbered consecutively and have descriptive titles placed below the figure. The title should provide enough information to understand the content without needing to refer to the main text.
Captions for figures should be formatted consistently and follow the same guidelines as tables. Authors should ensure that figures are of high quality, visually appealing, and easily interpretable. Labels, scales, and axes should be clearly marked to assist readers in comprehending the information being presented.
APA Citations for Tables and Figures
Just like any other source used in academic writing, tables and figures need to be properly cited in APA format. Authors should include a citation for the table or figure in the main text and provide a corresponding entry in the reference list.
When referencing a table, the table number and title should be mentioned in the text, along with the appropriate citation. For figures, the figure number and title should be cited in the text and included in the reference list.
To ensure accurate formatting and citation of tables and figures, authors should consult the APA Manual for detailed instructions and examples specific to the 7th edition guidelines.
Conclusion
The APA 7 Format and Citation Guide is an essential resource for students, teachers, and researchers. With the introduction of the 7th edition, important changes have been made to the formatting and citation guidelines, aimed at making APA style more user-friendly and inclusive. It is crucial for authors to familiarize themselves with these updates in order to ensure their work adheres to the latest APA guidelines.
By following the APA 7th edition guidelines for paper formatting, reference lists, in-text citations, and language usage, scholars can effectively communicate their research and contribute to the integrity of academic writing. The updated guide provides clearer instructions and examples, allowing authors to navigate the complexities of APA style more confidently.
Academic writing and research rely on the accurate and consistent application of formatting and citation guidelines. The APA 7 Format and Citation Guide reinforces the importance of these standards, facilitating a more organized and accessible presentation of scholarly work.
Whether it’s citing sources, structuring papers, or using inclusive language, the guidelines in the APA 7th edition support the development of high-quality, reliable research.
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FAQ
What is APA?
APA stands for the American Psychological Association. It is an organization that developed a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic writing.
Why should I cite my sources in a nursing paper?
Citing your sources is important in nursing papers because it allows readers to locate and verify the information you have used. It also gives credit to the original authors for their work and helps to avoid plagiarism.
What are the general principles of formatting a nursing paper in APA?
The general principles of formatting a nursing paper in APA include using 12-point font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins. The paper should also include a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference list.
How should I format the title page in APA 7?
The title page in APA 7 should include the paper title, author names and affiliations, author note, running head, and page numbers. However, for student papers, the format of the title page may vary depending on the instructor’s instructions.
How should I format the abstract in APA 7?
The abstract in APA 7 should be a brief summary of the main points of your paper. It should be on a new page and labeled “Abstract.” The word “Abstract” should be centered and not bolded or underlined. The abstract should be between 150-250 words and should not include any citations.
Should I include a table of contents in my nursing paper in APA 7?
There is no specific requirement to include a table of contents in a nursing paper in APA 7. However, if your paper is lengthy and contains multiple sections, you may choose to include a table of contents to help readers navigate through your paper.
How should I format headings in APA 7?
Headings in APA 7 should be formatted using a level system. Level one headings are used for main sections, level two headings for subsections within the main sections, and so on. Headings should be formatted in bold and title case, and the font size should be slightly larger than the rest of the text.
How should I format the reference list in APA 7?
The reference list in APA 7 should be on a separate page and titled “References.” Each entry should follow a hanging indent format, with the first line flush left and subsequent lines indented. The references should be listed alphabetically by the author’s last name. The format for citing different types of sources may vary, so it is important to consult the APA Manual for specific guidelines.
Can you provide examples of APA 7 reference list citations for books, articles in periodicals, dissertations and theses, and online sources?
Sure! Here are examples of APA 7 reference list citations for different types of sources:
– Book: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.
– Article in periodicals: Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume(issue), page range.
– Dissertation or thesis: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis). University.
– Online source: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of webpage/document. Website Name. URL
How do I cite books in APA 7?
To cite a book in APA 7, you should include the author(s), publication year, title, and publisher. The basic format is: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.
How do I cite articles in periodicals in APA 7?
To cite an article in a periodical in APA 7, you should include the author(s), publication year, title of the article, title of the periodical, volume(issue), and page range. The basic format is: Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume(issue), page range.
How do I cite dissertations and theses in APA 7?
To cite a dissertation or thesis in APA 7, you should include the author(s), publication year, title of the dissertation or thesis, and the type of degree. The basic format is: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis). University.
How do I cite online lectures and presentation slides in APA 7?
To cite online lectures or presentation slides in APA 7, you should include the speaker(s), publication year, title of the lecture or presentation, the type of online source (e.g., PowerPoint slides, video), and the URL. The basic format is: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of lecture/presentation [Type of online source]. URL
How do I cite online sources in APA 7?
To cite online sources in APA 7, you should include the author(s), publication date, title of the webpage or document, website name, and the URL. The basic format is: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of webpage/document. Website Name. URL
How do I cite government documents in APA 7?
To cite government documents in APA 7, you should include the author(s), publication date or last update, title of the document, the type of document (e.g., report, bill), and the URL if applicable. The basic format is: Government Agency. (Year). Title of document (Report No. xxx). URL
How should I use in-text citations in my nursing paper in APA 7?
In APA 7, in-text citations should include the author’s last name and the year of publication. For direct quotes, you should also include the page number. The basic format is: (Author, Year) or (Author, Year, p. xx).
How should I format tables and figures in my nursing paper in APA 7?
Tables and figures in APA 7 should be clearly labeled, numbered, and placed as close as possible to where they are mentioned in the text. Tables should have a title above the table, and figures should have a caption below the figure. Both tables and figures should be referenced in the text and explained in detail.
Where can I find more information on APA 7 formatting and citation guidelines?
For more detailed guidelines and examples on APA 7 formatting and citation, you should consult the APA 7 Publication Manual. It is an essential resource for students, teachers, and researchers, providing comprehensive guidance for creating scholarly and well-formatted papers.
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