APA FORMATSTYLEINTENDED FOR USE IN SCIENCE, MATH, AND SOCIAL STUDIES RESEARCH PAPERS

MAJOR PAPER SECTIONS

There are 4 major section in an APA documented paper

1. Title page

2. Abstract

3. Main body

4. Reference page

TITLE PAGEThe title page contains 4 components

1. A running head with page number

1. Left side justified with page number on the right

2. The title page will be different from the remainder of the pages

2. Title of the paper

1. Centered

2. No abbreviated or unnecessary words

3. Author’s name

1. Centered

2. First name middle initial and last name

4. Institutional affiliation

1. School name

EXAMPLE APA TITLE PAGE  Running Head: UNITED STATES RESEARCH PAPER 1  

1” margins all sides

United States History Research Paper

All text is John P. Student Title information double spaced is centered

Andress High School

ABSTRACT

The abstract contains the following:

1. A running title

1. Pulled from the title page running head

2. And continuing page numbers 2 and beyond

2. A precise summary of your paper

1. All the paper should be in Times New Roman

2. 12 font

3. The purpose of the paper

4. Is between 150-250 words

SAMPLE ABSTRACTUnited States Research Paper 2

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce students to the history of a nation. This

would include the discovery, inhabitation, development of culture, the foundation of

independence, development of a constitution, and the development of a

government.

keywords: history, government, culture

Note how the header is different on page 2

Note: the abstract is

NOT indented

The abstract is double spaced

CITATIONS IN TEXTParenthetical in-text documentation means that the writer is using outside experts as support for the information in the research paper. And that those experts will be quoted in the paper

1. These are quotes used from other sources such as; books, magazines, blog; brochures, other research papers, newspapers, websites, and other outside resources.

2. This is also includes paraphrasing (taking some one else’s words and re-writing them or stating them in a different way.

3. If credit is not given in the paper AND listed on the reference page this is called plagiarism , which is stealing.

EXAMPLE OF SHORT IN-TEXT PARENTHETICAL SOURCESSources must always include the author and the latest date!

1. The journey through history can be, as Holmes (2011) states “ A journey of discovering who we are and where we come from…”. (p. 199).

2. While the history of the Unites States is not as long as other countries it has been fraught with turmoil. Merriam Cunningham believed this to be true. She said, “Students of history have much to learn about the dynamics of social and political growth” (Cunningham, 2012, p. 56).

3. Richards (2013) found that “…not many American students or young adults know a great deal about their own country. A sad state of affairs, indeed” (p. 42).

Note the period

location at the end of each sentence,

Note the use of quotation marks

Note the use of ellipsis.

EXAMPLE OF LONG CITATIONS

Quotes are considered long if they contain 40 words or more.

1. It is started on a new lie

2. It is indented ½ from the left margin

3. Long quotation are completely indented ½ inch from the left margins

4. This quote should come after closing punctuation of the previous paragraph

5. Quotation marks are not used on long quotes.

EXAMPLE LONG QUOTE

Fenimore (2012)found that the final outcome came down to the confrontation

between two opposing armies.

The battle raged on between the occupants of

the city and the troops attempting to capture a

worthy prize that could sustain either force through

the harsh winter looming on the horizon. That

prize held a plethora of necessary supplies such

as: food, potable water, shelter, and medical facilities

to care for wounded soldiers, and easy access to

the harbor. (p. 203)

The source is Fenimore.

Note the end punctuation.

Note the indented lines and the page

number

The same information is required on short and

long quotes: Source name, year, and page

number.

REFERENCE PAGE

The reference page lists the resources used when writing a research paper. And contains the following criteria:

Book-

1. Name of source

2. Date of publication

3. Title of resource

4. Where it was published

5. Name of Publisher, and/or

6. URL (the ENTIRE URL)

REFERENCE PAGE

The word – Reference - is typed in the center of your resource page.

1. References are listed alphabetically by last name ALWAYS.

2. After the first line, indent all following lines. This is called hanging indention.

3. Remember a reference can NOT be in the body of the paper if it is not documented on the reference page.

4. Remember a source can NOT be listed in the reference page if the source is not documented in the body of the research paper.

1. These sources are the support and proof of the research being done by students

EXAMPLE REFERENCE PAGEReference

Cunningham, M.A. (2012). Man’s history and social development. New York, NY:

Russell Sage Foundation.

Fenimore, J.C. (2012). 10 important battles in american history. A list of little

known but vital battles for america, 257. Retrieved from

http://www.Untoldhistory.edu/articles/roundhouseforum

Holmes, T.A. (2011). Men’s and Women’s roles in history: A journey to a new land.

In B.R. Wainrib (ed.), Gender roles in a new frontier (pp. 187-210). New

York, NY: Springer

Richards, N. X. (2013, June 19). Making the grade in today’s schools. Time, 135,

28-31.

Book Source

Source from an online webpage

Chapter in an edited book

Magazine article

FANTASTIC RESOURCES!

These resources have wonder information on APA style formatting. Use these.

Purdue Owl Website

-has great PowerPoint and

YouTube broadcasts on APA

formatting

Citationmachine.net

-actually helps set up your work cited page through a step by step process.

CAUTION: When using citationmachine make sure it is the information is current and all the information needed is documented.