How to Write an APA Research Paper

APA STYLE

Formal research papers, written according to the American Psychological Association’s rules and standards, must consist of the following parts and subheadings: Title page Abstract Introduction Method Results Discussion References

FORMATTING

Typed 12 pt. Times New Roman

Consistently double spaced

1” margins

Include a running head at the top of every page shortened version of your paper’s title, and cannot exceed 50

characters, including spacing and punctuation

FORMATTING - SUBHEADINGS

Each section of your paper should have a subheading, with the exception of your introduction

Subheadings should be consistently double spaced with the rest of your paper

All subheadings should be typed in bold

Level 1 subheadings should be centered

Level 2 subheadings should be flush left

TITLE PAGE

Should include: The running head The author’s name The institutional affiliation

ABSTRACT

A summary of the paper’s contents; provides a framework/overview for the reader

150 words or fewer

Separate page

Should be able to stand alone

Should be labeled with a Level 1 subheading

INTRODUCTION

Should begin on a new page, following the abstract

States your research question

Should explain why this research question is important (both in terms of this course, and real world implications)

The title of your paper should appear at the top of this page, centered, but not bolded, italicized, or underlined

Should NOT be labeled with a subheading

METHOD

Explains how the study was conducted

Should be labeled with a Level 1 subheading

Should include details about: The context of the study The participant(s) Materials used Procedures (including dates)

*Each of these items should be labelled with a LEVEL 2 SUBHEADINGShould include enough detail that another person could replicate your study precisely

Should include enough detail that another person could replicate your study precisely

RESULTS

Provide the data you observed and recorded during your research

This information should be stated objectively, and be based solely on observations made with your senses

Should be labeled with a Level 1 subheading

DISCUSSION

Synthesize the results and offer your conclusions

Explain what you think these results mean, in light of the overall topic and research question

Explain how these results relate to the big ideas presented in your introduction (in the context of this course and the real world)

HELPFUL HINTS & REMINDERS

Be succinct and avoid wordiness; be clear, direct and specific!

No contractions or slang

The use of first person is allowed

Use active voice instead of passive

Use subheadings and paragraphs to help you organize your ideas within each section

Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar!

Write with confidence and authority