APA FORMAT
FORMAT FOR UNDERGRADUATE THESIS AND GRADUATE THESIS AND
DISSERTATION
Preliminaries
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Cover Page
Title Page
APPROVAL SHEET
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
DEDICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF PLATES
ABSTRACT
COVER PAGE
Cover page was not discussed in the APA format. However, the sample looks like the title page.
Some schools have devised their own format based from the title page.
TITLE PAGE
Title - All capital letters, centered, inverted pyramid and not to exceed three (3) lines; the title
should follow proper division of phrases.
Author(s) - capital letters, centered. For group research, the name of the leader or lead researchers
will appear first then the names of the other members will follow arranged
alphabetically. (maximum of five (5) students per group for undergraduate but group
research is not allowed in the Graduate level.
First Name, Middle Name, Family Name
Name of the University, Campus, College, Address (all in capital letters centered)
Degree - All capital letters
Major/Specialization - Only the first letter of the words are capitalized
Date of Completion - Month and Year
Font size: 12 Times New Roman (for both cover and title page)
Line Spacing: single spaced; parts evenly spaced
APPROVAL SHEET
The approval sheet contains the name of the author, title of the study, course, members of the panel
and other signatories.
“Chair” shall be used referring to the Chairperson of the Oral Examination Committee/Thesis
Committee.
“Department Chair” shall be used referring to the program Chair or Chairperson of the
Program.
Oral Examination Committee for thesis membership shall include Chair and two members.
Dissertation membership shall include one Chair and four members. The Oral Examination
Committee members shall have expertise on the paper which he/she is evaluating.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This shall be presented in a formal language, narrative format, and third person, with no pictures
or graphics. Initials of the author(s) with no punctuation mark shall be placed at the end. There are
no bold phase fonts in the body. There is no limit as to the number of pages but it could be better
if there will be at least one or two pages only. Persons or agencies to be acknowledged should have
an important role in the study or project.
DEDICATION
This is an optional part of the thesis’ preliminary. This must be brief, centered on one page with
no heading.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Preliminaries and Chapter Title shall be CAPITALIZED.
• Items in every chapter shall be Title Case.
• Chapter Title shall be numbered using the Hindu- Arabic Numeral.
• List of Tables, list of Figures, and List of Plates shall only reflect those that appear in the
text.
• (Screen, Prints shall be included in the List of Plates)
• Paging for the preliminaries shall use the Roman Numeral small case. Flush right for the
page numbers.
• Paging for the main parts shall use the Hindu- Arabic Numerals. Flush right for the page
numbers.
• Dots shall be used as leaders. (no space between dots …….)
• The item “Table of Contents” shall not be included in the Table of Contents.
LIST OF TABLES
• Only the tables that appear in the text shall be included in the list.
• Numbering (in Hindu- Arabic form) of tables in the text shall be continuous.
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Only the figures (graphs, charts, and other illustrative materials) that appear in the text shall
be included.
2. Numbering (in Hindu-Arabic form) of figures in the text shall be continuous.
LIST OF PLATES
1. Only the plates (pictures) that appear in the text shall be included.
2. Numbering (in Hindu- Arabic form) of plates in the text shall continuous.
3. Tables, Figure, Plates which are in support to basic/primary data in the text shall be
placed in the appendices.
ABSTRACT
1. The Abstract is an abridged version of the most important results of the study.
2. It is a one- page part of the preliminary with a maximum of 150 words which includes
one methodology, and the salient findings and conditions.
3. Conclusions and recommendations shall not be included in the abstract.
4. The abstract shall be presented in the format (note the parts in bold face):
NAME. (Year). Title. Degree (fully spelled out). School, College, Address
5. The name of the Adviser shall be in bold Title case.
6. Listing of alphabetically arranged key words shall be placed below the abstract.
7. Abstract shall be in italics, single spaced.
8. Placed before Chapter 1.
Chapter 1 (Hindu- Arabic)
INTRODUCTION (Center heading)
TECHNICAL RESEARCH
SOCIAL RESEARCH
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Situation Analysis (Side Heading)
(Discussions on what, why and
significance / importance of the study).
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Situation Analysis (Side Heading)
(Discussions on the what’s and why’s and
embedding in the discussion the
significance/ importance of the study)
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Statement of Objectives (both general and
specific shall be stated in declarative
sentence)
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Framework of the study ( with paradigm)
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Statement of the problem
(General/ main problem shall be in
declarative form and the specific problems
shall be in interrogative form.
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Definition
definition)
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Symbols and Notations ( for pure math
research
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Time and Place of the study
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Definitions of terms (Operational
definition)
of
Terms
(Operational
Note: The Review of Literature will no longer be a part of the Thesis or Dissertation. Literature shall be
incorporated in the Situation Analysis, Framework of the Study, Methodology, and in the Discussion of Results.
Set-off quotations shall not use quotation marks; single spaced; with 10 space margins from left margin and 5 space
margins from the right margin.
CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
TECHNICAL RESEARCH
SOCIAL RESEARCH
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Research Design
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Research Design
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Materials and Procedures
This includes the sources of data and
instrumentation
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Sources of Data (include scope and content)
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Instrumentation and Data Collection
Data Analysis
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Analysis of Data
Statistical Tool
Categorization of Data
Note: In case of Qualitative Research,
Statistical Tool and Categorization of Data are
deleted as parts
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CHAPTER 3
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
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The discussion of results shall be guided by the statement of problems or objectives.
Presentation of tables/figures/plates shall follow a short introduction about the table/
figure/plate.
As much as possible, tables/figures/plates shall not be placed in between paragraphs.
In case of long tables and there is a need to cut the table, the first part should always be longer
than the second part.
If the remaining part of a cut table consists of 2-3 lines only, the font size may be reduced (up
to font 10) so that the table will be accommodated in just one page
MEAN shall be centered up to two decimal places only.
Font size may be reduced up to font size 10 (Times New Roman).
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Single space separates the Table title and Table
Double space separates the Table Header and the first entry line
Use the symbol M to refer to Mean and WM to refer to weighted Mean
Use the symbol (%) in the table and when enclosed in parenthesis; in words in the discussion
part (percent)
Continuous coding using the Hindu- Arabic number
Figure Format
• Figures shall be enclosed, drawn from margin to margin.
• Needed data such as percentages / frequencies shall be evident.
• The Notation Fig.1 (Title of the figure) shall be placed below the figure.
Format of Plates
• The size of the plate is preferably half page of the paper.
• The plate shall be drawn from margin to margin.
• Two (2) plates in one page may be allowed.
• Number and title shall be placed below the enclosed plate.
CHAPTER 4
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary (Side Heading)
Introductory statement, problems, methodology, and salient findings (numbered) in paragraph
form.
Conclusion (Side Heading)
Introductory statement and conclusions answering the objectives (numbered and in list form);
no numerical/statistical presentations.
Recommendation
Introductory statement and followed by recommendations (numbered and in list form)
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LITERATURE CITED
References shall be alphabetically arranged with no categorization (double spaced; hanging
indention).
Electronic sources shall include the date and time retrieval. Citations / reviews taken from
Wikipedia are not acceptable.
Follow APA format (6th Edition)
Secondary citation shall be limited to two (2) only.
References shall be 50% published materials and 50% unpublished materials.
Researches as reference shall be within the last five (5) years; no restriction as to date of
publication of theories/ principles/seminal works.
The minimum number of literature to be reviewed and cited shall be 20 for Baccalaureate,
30 for Master’s and 50 for Doctorate.
APPENDICES
TECHNICAL RESEARCH
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tables
Figures
Plates
Others
SOCIAL RESEARCH
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Communication
Questionnaire/ Instrument
Tables
Figures
Plates
Others
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To be exhibited in continuous sequence following the sequence categories listed above
The alphabet should be used for coding; no use of alphanumeric or decimal coding.
CURRICULUM VITAE
The Curriculum vitae shall reflect a listing of the personal information, educational background,
expertise, training and seminars attended by the researcher and other pertinent information.
• It should follow single space format for every item and double space format between
items.
• A passport size, colored picture with plain background shall be placed at the upper right
hand corner of the page.
• Researcher must wear blouse/collared shirt.
• In case of group research, each member of the group shall have separate curriculum vitae.
Contents: Name, Address, date of Birth, Civil Status, Parents/ Guardians/Spouse with Children,
School Attended, Trainings/Seminars, Designation, Position held Awards Received, eligibilities/
Board Exam Passed, consultancy and Expert services, Researches Conducted, Publication, etc.
OTHERS:
Paper size: 8.5”x11”
Margin
left – 1.5”
Top –1.3”
Bottom – 1”
Right – 1”
Color: Doctorate- Black
Master’s – Green
Undergraduate - Maroon
Author(s) – for group research:
Lead author, et.al.
Title
Year
Pagination
Title page: No pagination
Preliminaries: bottom, center (i,ii,iii..)
Other pages: Upper right hand (Hindu Arabic)
Start of Chapter: included in the pagination but page
number is hidden/ omitted.
Set an automatic TAB stop of 0.5” for paragraph indention.
Set four spaces between Chapter Title and First entry heading
Four spaces between main side headings (Parts of Research)
For multi-level headings follow the presentation below:
ETHICS IN RESEARCH
(Lecture derived from E. Mendoza, NAST)
RAQUEL C. PAMBID, Ph.D.
Allied Science Specialist
Pangasinan State University, Bayambang Campus
SCOPE:
*Ethics for researchers and authors:
Ethical Principles and Guidelines for Scientists and Researchers
OBJECTIVE: Understand the ethics of research
(derived from: E. Mendoza, NAST, Writing Workshop October 2012)
ETHICS
The study of standards of right and wrong
A formal or professional rules of right and wrong; system of conduct or behaviour
The World Book Dictionary
Ethics in conducting research
*National Academy of Science & Technology
(NAST) 1995 Guidelines for Researchers on
Ethics and Procedures
NAST “Ethical Principles and Guidelines for
Scientists and Researchers”
(2008; www.nast.ph)
Professional organizations have their own code of ethics.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES
FOR FILIPINO SCIENTIST
These Ethical Principles…
• articulates the general principles of ethical conduct in scientific work and all its aspects;
…
• should guide all scientists/researchers in their various roles and functions in the scientific
and academic community, and in Philippine society, including research, publication and
other forms of public communication, teaching and mentoring, among others.
www.nast.ph
1. Ethical Scientific Practices
All Filipino researchers recognize, abide by, and intentionally disseminate the basic ethic
principles articulated in these principles…
2. Ethical Use of Science in Philippine Society
All Filipino researchers consider scientific research as an integral part of a culture of inquiry,
and as the source of innovation, and thus, defend scientific work against inappropriate
criticism, ensure that scientific knowledge is used in the service of national and human
development goals
3. Conflict of Interest
Researchers serve the scientific community and the general public by providing unbiased
professional judgments and statements regarding various issues of public interest; …based on
careful scientific studies.
4. Intellectual Honesty
Acknowledge the scientific contributions of predecessors and colleagues to the research
question being studied in all written and oral reports of their research study. Do not plagiarize.
5. Weighing the Benefits of Science vis-à-visb Potential Harm
Researchers undertake studies in such a way that ensures that society and all its members, the
environment, and other basic human and cultural values are not compromised.
6. Commitment to Professional Development
… as scientists broaden and deepen their scientific knowledge and strive to improve
personal professional competency.
… open to discussion and factual arguments
7. Development of Students and other Stakeholders
… are committed to mentoring future scientists and to developing the scientific knowledge of
their students and other stakeholders and end users of scientific knowledge.
8. Advocacy for Scientific Approaches
….defend the freedom of scientific thought, expression, exchanges of opinion and information.
They refuse to use non-scientific approaches and expression of ideological, religious, and
political opinions in their work asscientists. (www.nast.ph)
PLAGIARISM: A Legal And Ethical Issue
“To plagiarize…is to take and use as one’s own (the thoughts, writings, or inventions of another), especially,
to take and use (a passage, a plot or the like) from another writer.”
- [The World Book Dictionary]
When we teach and guide students in their research
We emphasize the scientific procedure and that …….
Honesty is the best policy!!!
PLAGIARISM IS BOTH LEGAL AND ETHICAL
Legal
Copyright and Plagiarism
• Copyright is concerned with protection and exploitation of the expression of ideas in a
tangible form (like books, journals, manuscripts, brochures that are copyrighted)
• Protected by law (Intellectual Property law).
• Protects original works (regardless of quality) and only if works are fixed in a material
form (like technology, utility models, machines, inventions)
Avoid plagiarism by:
• Getting permission to use photographs, figures, etc., from copyright owner
• If illustration is not unique (eg.,development of coconut), redraw and cite original source
(adapted from or Cruz et al. 1988)
PLAGIARISM includes…
• Turning in someone else’s work as your own
• Copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
• Failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
• Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
• Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
• Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your
work, whether you give credit or not.
From: Plagiarism.org
(http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/what_is_plagiarism.html
Avoid by…
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Citing literature used (all types, including internet materials)
Paraphrasing cited literature at once
Not using full sentences or even phrases from another work
If using exact words or sentence(s), quote and cite source
If quoting more than 50 words, ask permission from the copyright owner
Getting permission to use photographs, figures, etc from copyright owner
If illustration is not unique (eg., development of coconut), redraw
Cite original source (adapted from Cruz et al 1988)
AUTHORSHIP
• Authors should have made substantial intellectual contribution to overall study
• Origin or conceptualization
• Design of studies and experiments
• Completion, analysis, interpretation
• Modeling data, writing up for publication
• Answering reviewers, revision and finalization of paper for publication
• Should agree to be co-author!
• Should accept responsibility for paper’s content
• Input should be beyond general supervision or instruction
• Must have understanding of methodology and implications of work
• Must be able to defend work against challenge
Responsibilities of Authors
*Work is original including write-up
* Identified authors contributed significantly to
work (not because one is the director or boss in
authors’ institution!)
* Submit work only to one journal or publisher at
any one time!
* Do not submit for publication papers already
published (as in proceedings etc)
From Harvard University
• The authors should decide the order of authorship together.
• Authors should specify in their manuscript a description of the
contributions of each author and how they have assigned the order
in which they are listed so that readers can interpret their roles
correctly.
• The primary author should prepare a concise, written description of
how order of authorship was decided.
• These policies should be reviewed periodically because both
scientific investigation and authorship practices are changing.
APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (1992)
(a) Psychologists take responsibility and credit, including
authorship credit, only for work they have actually
performed or to which they have contributed.
(b) Principal authorship and other publication credits accurately reflect the
relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals
involved, regardless of their relative status. Mere possession of an
institutional position, such as Department Chair, does not justify
authorship credit. Minor contributions to the research or to the writing
for publication are appropriately acknowledged, such as in footnotes or
in an introductory statement.
(c) A student is usually listed as principal author on any multiple-authored
article that is based primarily on the student’s thesis or dissertation.
AUTHORSHIP
• First authorship must be deserving; assigning
undeserved authorship connotes
• False representation of the individual’s scholarly
expertise;
• Having been able to publish, he/she could be perceived
as better skilled than a peer who has not published;
• He/she may be expected to accomplish tasks outside his
range of expertise.
Fine and Kurdek, 1993
Affiliation of student-authors
Should be institution where research is being
conducted;
If study is in collaboration with institution/
university of student, then the original affiliation
of student can be included in paper; Or when
author in charge of study agrees to include
student’s original affiliation.
Responsibilities of Authors
• Work is original including write-up
• Identified authors contributed significantly to work (not because one is the director or
boss in authors’ institution!)
• Submit work only to one journal or publisher at any
one time!
• Do not submit for publication papers
already published (as in proceedings etc).
DATA FABRICATION AND FALCIFICATION
• Represented over half of the new allegations reported to the ORI in 2002
• Falsification of data encompasses fabrication, to deceptive selective reporting of findings
and omission of conflicting data, or willful suppression and/or distortion of
data
• Can include anything from throwing out an unwanted piece of data to just making it up.
• 1.Dilutes the integrity of other scientific research, both from
• that author(s) and from others in the field
• 2.If left undiscovered, it could waste other researcher’s time
• and energies attempting to replicate or build on the data
• presented in a falsified paper
• 3.Jeopardizes the public trust in the scientific enterprise
REDUNDANT PUBLICATION
• Publication of copyrighted material with additional new or unpublished data
• • Republishing of a part or parts of an already published ARTICLE BUT NOT THE
ENTIRE ARTICLE
• Publication of an article that is identical or overlaps
substantially with an article already published
elsewhere, with or without acknowledgment
• Self-plagiarism
Why do researchers attempt to republish the same article?
• è to survive in the highly competitive biomedical science field, individuals are required to
achieve voluminous curriculum vitae
• • Guidelines on good publication practice state that the authors can only submit their
manuscript to a single at a time
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
• Lourdes J. Cruz
• A. D. Mae Mendoza
• West Kristian Paraiso
• Violeta Umali
• Science Diliman Staff