APA
Formatting
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1” margins
Times New Roman font
Double-spaced
Running head in all caps at top left of every
page
Page number at top right of every page
Writing Style
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Scientific writing does not have to lack style or
be dull
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Present findings directly, but in a way that conveys
involvement in the problem
Address differing positions of researchers in a
professional, non-combative way
Use specific and concise language
Avoid poetic or figurative language
Vary sentence length and complexity to add interest
Writing Style, cont’d
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Maintain continuity and smoothness of
expression with punctuation, transitions,
consistent verb tense
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Use third person, unless otherwise specified
Use active voice as much as possible
Be precise and clear
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Don’t add words for the sake of length
Don’t repeat yourself for emphasis
Avoid colloquialisms, which weaken meaning
Avoid overusing jargon
Guidelines for Reducing Bias
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Describe at the appropriate level of specificity
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When in doubt, be more specific rather than less
Avoid terms that are loaded with innuendo, such
as “at risk,” unless you are defining your use of
the term.
Be specific and sensitive when describing or
discussing age, racial groups, sexual orientation,
marital status, disabilities, etc.
Guidelines for Reducing Bias,
cont’d
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Be sensitive to labels
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Respect preferences – call people what they
prefer to be called
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Remember that preferences can change over time
and that individuals within groups may disagree
Avoid labeling whenever possible
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Labels can cause participants in a study to lose their
individuality and/or personhood
Guidelines for Reducing Bias,
cont’d
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Acknowledge participation
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Write about people in a way that acknowledges
their participation and is consistent with the
traditions of the field
Accepted terms include “participants” and
“subjects”
Avoid the term “failed,” because it can imply a
personal shortcoming rather than a research
result
Essential Parts
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Title Page
Abstract
Main Body
References
Title Page
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Running head
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Running head: TITLE OR SHORTENED TITLE
The words “Running head:” only appear on the
title page. Subsequent pages will only include the
title
Page number
Centered on top half of the page:
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Title of Paper
Name
Institution Name
Abstract
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Running head and page number in header
“Abstract” centered on first line, first line of
paragraph will not be indented
150-250 words, double-spaced
Brief, comprehensive summary of paper
Not an introduction to the paper
Will not contain citations
Main Body
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Title centered on top of first page
Headings
Citations
Headings
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Used to separate sections of the paper and
establish information hierarchy
Use in order, beginning with Level 1
Level 1
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Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and
Lowercase Heading
Level 2
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Left-aligned, Boldface, Uppercase and
Lowercase Heading
Headings
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Level 3
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Level 4
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Indented, boldface, lowercase heading with
a period.
Indented, boldface, italicized, lowercase
heading with a period.
Level 5
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Indented, italicized, lowercase heading with a
period.
In-Text Citations
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Used whenever directly quoting or paraphrasing
from another author’s work
When paraphrasing, use author, date format:
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A citation for a direct quote should also include a
page number:
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(Author last name, year)
(Author, year, p. #)
Quotations 40 words or longer should be placed in a
freestanding block
If no author is given, used a shortened version of
the title in the citation
In-Text Citations
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If the publication date is unknown, use “n.d.” in its
place
For works with two authors, list both and use an
ampersand: (Smith & Jones, 2010)
For works with 3 or more authors, list all in the first
citation: (Smith, Jones, & Brown, 2010), in
subsequent citations, list the first author and “et al.”:
(Smith et al., 2010)
Classical works such as the Bible are only cited intext. Include the reference and version used: (1 Cor.
13:1, Revised Standard Version)
References
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Include running head and page number
Center “References” at the top of the page
Every line after the first line of a reference
entry should be indented one-half inch from
the margin
References are listed in alphabetical order by
author name
Authors are listed last name first, followed by
first and middle initials
References
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All titles except journal titles have only the
first word capitalized
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Always capitalize proper nouns
Capitalize the first word after a colon
Article titles do not use quotation marks,
underlines, or italics
Book titles should be italicized
Reference List
Book
Author, A. A. (Publication Year). Title of work:
Subtitle. Location: Publisher.
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Separate multiple authors with commas
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Up to 7 authors
For more than 7, follow with ellipsis (…), skip to last
author, list final author
Use an ampersand (&) instead of the word “and”
Article in a periodical
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of
Periodical, volume # (issue #), page #s.
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Reference List, cont’d
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Article from an online periodical (with DOI)
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The digital object identifier (DOI) is a reference
number assigned to online periodical content
Searchable in online databases (like an ISBN)
Author, A. A. (Date). Title of article. Title of
Online Periodical, volume # (issue #), pp-pp.
doi:xx.xxxx
Reference List, cont’d
Article from an online periodical (without DOI)
Author, A. A. (Date). Title of article. Title of
Online Periodical, volume # (issue #), pp-pp.
Retrieved from http://www.fullurl.com
 A web site
Author, A. A. (Date). Title of document.
Retrieved from http://www.fullurl.com
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APA Resources
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PowerPoint presentation
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http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=12268
APA Manual
Purdue’s Online Writing Lab
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http://owl.english.purdue.edu
The Writing Centers
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Undergraduate Writing Center
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Office hours: M-F, 8 am – 5 pm
undergradwriting@liberty.edu
(434) 592-3174
Graduate Writing Center
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Office hours: M-F, 9 am – 5 pm
graduatewriting@liberty.edu
(434) 592-4727