APA Style Format

1. Step 1

Use the standard pageSetup: 8.5 by 11 inch paper  with 1 inch margins on all sides.          

Title page should include a running head, page number, article title, and author name and author affiliation.

    An example of a title page in APA format.

The recent publication of the sixth edition of the APA Publication Manual contained a few changes to the format of an APA style title page.

• Your title page should contain a running head that is flush left at the top of the page, and a page number that is flush right at the top of the page.
• The title page should include the title of your paper, your name and your school affiliation. The APA suggests that your title be no more than 12 words in length. Avoid using titles or degree info (such as Dr. or Ph.D.)before and after your name.

2. Step 2

Compose a title page. The paper's title should appear on one line. The author's name should follow on the next. The third line should include the name of the school or association. All three should be centered vertically and horizontally.

3. Step 3

On the top left of the title page type "Running Head:" followed by a shorter version of your title in all caps. This shorter version of your title will appear on this, and all subsequent pages, on the top right of the page. There, the shorter version of your title should be in all caps, followed by 5 spaces and the page number. On the title page, both appear simply to inform the reader.

4. Step 4

On the second page, include an abstract, if applicable. Center the word "Abstract" on the page followed by a 75- to 100-word summary of your paper.

5. Step 5

The body of your essay should use straightforward language. Properly cite your sources.

6. Step 6

For quotes within the body of the paper, include the Author's last name, the year and page number(s) in parentheses directly after the quotation mark. This information should be separated by commas. The following sample sentence includes a proper citation: A recent study has found that "...in-text citations are becoming increasingly important to avoid charges of plagiarism." (Johnson, 2004, p.144)

7. Step 7

If you mention an Author's name outside the parentheses, you don't need to include it again. Follow the format of the following sentence: Johnson (2004) also stated, "Schools are becomingly increasingly strict in response to the cut-and-paste generation of students." (p.166)

Step 8

Cite your source when paraphrasing someone else's ideas. You don't need to include page numbers. Ex: Students unsure of what constitutes plagiarism find it safer to include sources thorough citations. (Johnson, 2004)

Step 9

Write the reference list. You'll need to include detailed information on every source you cited in your paper. Center the word "References" on the top of the page and then begin your list.

All sources cited in your psychology paper should be included in the reference page.

APA STYLE