Research

Writing Handout:

Using APA Format for Research Papers

This handout is designed to help you write a research paper using the American Psychological Association (APA) format. Although the APA format can appear complex, this handout should help simplify the process. In addition to showing the correct format for citing sources in the body of your research paper, it also provides guidance on formatting the list of all sources that you used in your paper. A few sample pages are also included to help demonstrate the format. Topic Definitions Format for In-text Citations Examples of In-text Citations Additional Guidelines for Quotations Format for Reference List Examples of Reference List Entries General Format Guidelines Sample Title Page Sample APA Paper Sample References Page 2 33 44 7 8 9 1712 1814 15 17

NOTE: Always check with your course instructor for specific guidelines and preferences. You might encounter situations that are not covered in this handout. Under these circumstances, consult with your course instructor or an ASC instructor. Additional APA guides, grammar information, and writing aids: ASC link on the IRSC Web site- http://www.irsc.edu/students/academicsupportcenter/writinglab/writinglab.aspx?id=970 The Bedford Handbook link - http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/ American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Using APA Format (November 2012; ASC English/Reading)

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Definitions

APA (American Psychological Association) style — This format was developed to provide uniform rules for documenting quotations, paraphrases, summaries, and lists of works cited in research papers for social science courses. Common Knowledge — General information that can easily be located in any number of reference sources or that is commonly known. Common knowledge does not need to be cited. Direct quotation — When you use the author’s exact words, you...