Quick Reference to APA Style

APA style is a set of rules and guidelines for formatting academic papers, citing sources, and constructing references in the field of social and behavioral sciences.

The key elements of APA style include proper paper formatting, in-text citations, and reference list entries.

To format your paper according to APA style, you need to use double-spacing, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman font with 12-point size, and include a running head on each page.

An in-text citation is a brief reference within the body of your paper that indicates the source of information you have used. It typically includes the author's last name and the year of publication.

To create a reference list in APA style, you need to include full bibliographic details for each source cited in your paper. It should be arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.

To cite a book in APA style, you need to include the author's last name and initials, publication year, title, and publisher. It should be formatted as: Lastname, Initials. (Year). Title. Publisher.

DOI stands for Digital Object Identifier, which is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object. If available, you should include the DOI in APA citations. It is typically located on the first page of an electronic article or the database landing page.

To cite a website in APA style, you need to include the author (if available), publication date, title of the page or article, website name, URL, and the date you accessed the information.

Common APA style mistakes to avoid include incorrect formatting, improper use of in-text citations, missing information in reference entries, and plagiarism.

You can find more detailed information about APA style in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition) or refer to reputable online resources that provide guidance on APA style.