APA Style Manual,
5th Edition Quick
Reference Guide
~STRAYER
~UNIVERSITY
FORMAT
Lines double-spaced, including title page and
references page.
IN-TEXT CITAnON
Direct Quote -" using exact words 010 source
• Use quotation marks" ..
• Include page # or paragraph #
Center section headings - no caps. bold, or
underline.
Font
Times New Roman, 12 point
Book, Magazine, Journal article:
(author's last name, publication date, p. #)
Margins
I" for top, bottom, right and left margins on all
pages, left j usti tied.
Ex: (Smith, 2002, p. 12).
Web page article w/author:
(author, copyright OR last update, para. #)
Indent first line of paragraphs 5 spaces. Do not use
extra double spacing between paragraphs.
Ex: (Jones, 2004, para. 3).
Header
The header must be on all pages, including the title
page and reference list. The header consists of an
abbreviated title and the page number.
Header must be '12" from the top of the page and 1"
from the right edge of the page.
Webpage article with NO author:
("shortened article title", copyright OR last
update, para. #)
Ex: ("Pizzas", 2003, para. 4).
Title Page
Paraphrase ­
Contains the following information, centered on the
page, double spaced
• Header with abbreviated title and page number
•
Full Title
•
Writer
•
Instructor
• Course
•
Date
restating a source in your own words
•
•
No quotation marks used
No page or paragraph #
Book, Magazine, Journal article:
(author's last name, publication date)
Ex:
2 PARTS TO APA STYLE
(Smith,2002).
1.IN-TEXTClTATlON
Webpage article w/author:
(author, copyright date OR last update)
Placed in parentheses within the text of the paper
to document source of i nformation
Ex: (Jones, 2004).
Webpage article with NO author:
("shortened article title", copyright date OR
last update)
REFERENCES PAGE
List of sources cited ill paper
Ex:
38
C·Pizzas'·. 2(03).
APA Style Manual,
5th Edition QUick
Reference Guide (Cont.)
~ STRAYE R
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U N I V E R SIT Y
DIRECT QUOTATIONS
USING BLOCK QUOTES:
more than 40 words - indent QUOTE ONLY 5
spaces from left margin - do not use quotation
marks
using exact words from a source
Quoting an Entire Sentence:
Author's name not given within sentence
"A signi ficant number of business professionals are
returning to college to earn advanced degrees in
order to increase their earning power and potential
for advancement" (Sm ith, 2002, p.1 0 I).
Author's name -~
not eiven within sentence used to
introduce quote:
Adult students are often more dedicated to achieving
their college education than many traditional
students.
Most adult students who make the choice to
return to college are accustomed to
prioritizing their tasks. These individuals
have experienced the demands ofj uggl ing
their responsibilities and are more willing
and able to take the initiative to succeed in
their academic career. (Smith, 2002, p. 121)
(author, publication date, page number)
Author'S name used to introduce quote
According to Smith (2002), "A significant number
of business professionals are returning to college to
earn advanced degrees in order to increase their
earning power and potential for advancement"
(p.101).
Many adults who have excelled in their professional
lives know how to apply themselves in their new
academic life.
[introductory phrase with author name (publication date) .
(page number)]
Author's name given within sentence used to
introduce quote:
Quoting Part of a Sentence:
Author's name not given within sentence
For many adults, the commitment to obtaining a
college degree is motivated by a desire to "increase
their earning power and potential for advancement"
(Smith, 2002, p.101).
Smith (2002) points out that adult students are often
more d~dicated to achieving their college education
than many traditional students.
Most adult students who make the choice to
return to college are accustomed to
prioritizing their tasks. These individuals
have experienced the demands of juggl ing
their responsibilities and are more willing
and able to take the initiative to succeed in
theiracademiccareer.(p.121)
Author's name used to introduce quote:
Smith (2002) explains that for many adults. the
commitment to obtaining a college degree is
motivated by a desire to "increase their earning
power and potential for advancement" (p. I01).
Manv adults who have excelled in their professional
lives know how to apply themselves ill their new
academic life.
NOTE: Before using an author's name to
introduce a quote or paraphrase, you must first
introduce the author to identify this author's
expertise For example, you might say:
After the initial introduction of the author, you
may then use the author's last name only to
introduce the quote or paraphrase, a technique
that adds credibility and authority to your
sources.
James Smith (2002). author of The NC\1' College
l.undscapc, explains that "todays college student is
often an adult professional with over five years
experience. married. a parent. and an active
volunteer" (p. J 2).
3G
APA Style Manual,
5th Edition Quick
Reference Guide (Cont.)
, :. STRAYER
UNIVERSITY
PARAPHRASING
Interpreting idea expressed by author by
restating passage in your own words
PARAPHRASE ­
DON'T PLAGIARIZEl
Original by author James Baker, published 20U3:
Author's name not given within paraphrased
sentence:
A serious dilemma often faced by employees when
considering changing jobs, even when the new
position is an improvement in their current
employment situation, is whether to risk a change
in their health insurance coverage, particularly
for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
The revitalization of many urban neighborhoods has
resulted in a substantial increase in property values
(Lentz, 2003).
(author, publication date - no page number)
PLAGIARISM:
Passage rewritten, but 11'il17 only afew
words changed:
Author's name used to introduce paraphrase:
Urban planner James Lentz (2003) asserts that the
revitalization of many urban neighborhoods has
resulted in a substantial increase in property values.
A serious problem often faced by employees when
thinking about changing jobs, even when the new
job is better than their current job, is whether to
risk getting different health insurance, especially
for people with pre-existing conditions (Baker,
2003 ).
introductory phrase with author name (publication date) .
(page number)
MULTIPLE AUTHORS
PARAPHRASED:
Passage rewritten to express the idea 0(117"
author, but in vour own words:
(Following examples are for citing Direct Quotes;
for Paraphrases, no page # is used)
For many employees with health problems, often
making the decision of whether or not to change jobs
is based on the need to maintain the same health
insurance coverage and not on the prospect of a
better career opportunity (Baker. 2003).
When a source has 2 authors, cite both names
(Smith and Jones, 2002, p. 3)
When a source has 3 10 5 authors. cite each author
the first lillie the citation appears;
** 3 or more consecutive words directly from ::I
source is considered a Direct Quote and must be
cited as a Direct Quote
(Jones, Smith. Collins, and Krantz. .200.2. p. 3)
in subsequent citations, cite on!v the last name of
thefirst author, followed bv "i-t of. " ­
(Jones, et al., .2002. p. J)
REMEMBER:
Direct Quotes> Quotation marks, page #
Paraphrases > No quotation marks, no page #
Afore than (; authors, ctt e onlv the last name of the
first unthoriollowed hy "et a/. " c\'e/T lime tlt«
citation appears
RULE OF THUMB for Using Sources:
(Jones. et al.. 2002, p. I )
•
Never begin a paragraph with a quote, end a
paragraph with a quote, or use back to back
quotes - OFFER YOUR ANALYSISI DON'T
LET THE QUOTE SPEAK FOR ITSELFI
For in-text citations, always use the
word "and" -- never the ampersand
symbol "S".
40
APA Style Manual,
5th Edition Quick
Reference Guide (Cont.)
~STRAYER
~UNIVERSITY
IN-TEXT CITA TION- WEBPAGES
CITING PERSONAL COMMUNICA TIONS
DIRECT QUOTES:
(author, update/copyright date, paragraph number)
For letters, memos. e-mail. interviews, cite source in
text only.
* Do not Iist on References page.
PARAPHRASES:
(author, update/copyright date)
S.U. Varnes (personal communication, May 12,
2001) acknowledges ...
1. J f no author -- gi ve shortened article title
REFERENCES LIST
If no article title -- give website name
2. If no date for website -- put n.d
A 11 research papers must contain a list of references
starting on a new page after the body of the paper.
3. Hand number paragraphs when citing
Direct Quotes
The References page should contain full publication
information (see examples below).
No paragraph number used for Paraphrases
Only sources cited in the body a/the paper should
appear on the References page.
Direct Quote - author, date given on webpage
Reference Page Format
•
Center space title - References - typed lower case.
no underline, no bold, no italics
• Page numbering should be continued in the upper
right corner of the Reference page.
• For each entry in the list the first line begins at the
left margin and all following lines are indented five
spaces.
• Lines are double-spaced.
• Alphabetize by first word of entry (authors last
name: title if no author)
• If there are two or more entries for the same author.
arrange by year of publication with the earl iest one
fi rst.
• Do not utilize any underlining or quotation marks for
titles. Book titles. magazine/journal titles and volume
(issue) number are to be in italics only.
• Websites are not to be underlined.
• Capitalizejollrna! or ll/ugu::ini' titles.
• Capital izc on Iy the first word of the titIe of a hoo]: or
artic!c, except for propel" nouns.
The use of "pizza toppings that seem bizarre to
current tastes, such as sq uid and octopus, were
common in the fishing areas of the Mediterranean
sea" (Smith, 1998, para. 5).
(author, update/copyright date, paragraph number)
Direct Quote <from article entitled
"Pizzas of the World," from website called
Pizzal.ore. no author given:
The use of "pizza toppings that seem bizarre to
current tastes. such as squid and octopus, were
common in the fishing areas of the Mediterranean
sea" ("Pizzas," 1998, para. 5)
("shortened article title", update/copyright date, para. #)
Direct Quote -- from website called Pizza Lore,
no author or article title given
Examples - Reference List Entries:
(Examples are single-spaced: actual reference list i,
dOIlN" spaced.s The following entries are examples of the
most commonly used research sources. Refer directly to
the APA Manual for additional examples of Reference list
entries.
Many culinary archaeologists have determined that
"the making of pizza was actually an accident"
(Pizza Lore. 1998. para. 5).
(website name, update/copyright date, paragraph #)
41
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APA Style Manual,
5th Edition Quick
Reference Guide (Cont.)
U N I V E R SIT Y
BOOKS
ARTICLES in PERIODICALS
Book With One Author:
Newspaper Article:
Jones, S. (2003). The Jones chronicles.
Boston: Smith Publishing Company.
Jones, S. (2003, April 12). Strayer opens new
campus. Charlotte Observer, p. A3.
[author last name, first initial. (year published). Book title.
City published, state (if applicable - see APA Style Guide,
states are notalways included) name of publisher.]
[author. (year, month day). article title. Name of
newspaper, p. or pp. page number(s).]
Note: This IS the only instance where you will use p.
or pp. in front ofthe page numbers 0/1 the
References page.
Book With Two or More Authors:
Jones, S., & Smith, J. (2000). The
history ofStrayer University. Washington,
DC: Jones and Smith Publishing.
Magazine Article:
[first author's lastname, first initial, "S" second author's
last name, first initial (year published). Book title. City
published, state (if applicable): name of publisher.]
Smith, 1. (2003, May 1). Duke Power
understates earnings. Newsweek, 5(1), 23­
24.
Book with Three to Six Authors:
[author last name, first initial. (year, month day). article
title, magazine name, volume(issue #, if applicable), page
number(s).]
Miller, 1., Kramer, P., Cane, L. & Font, M.
(2000). How to be a business partner. New
York: Harlan Publishers.
"On References page, always use the ampersand
symbol "&" - never "and" - prior to the last
author 's last name.
*If a magazine or journal article has more than two
authors, follow the rule for books reo no. ofauthors.
Book with more than Six authors:
Magazine Article With No Author:
Logan. P., Smith. U., Lenz, R.. Tome, M.. Fox,
Duke Power understates earnings. (2003. May
1). Newsweek, 5(1),23-24.
P.. Jones, M., et al. (2001). Elements ofreal
estate transactions. Boston: Ridgeworth
Publishers.
[article title. (year, month day). magazine name,
volume(issue #, if applicable), page number(s)]
Edited Book:
Jones, S.. & Smith. 1. (Eds.). (2000). The
history ofStravcr University (4 111 ed.).
Washington, DC: Jones and Smith
Publishing.
.Iournal Article:
Johnson. 1. (2002). The undergraduate student
population of Strayer University's
graduating class of 200 I. .lourtial of
Edllcalio/l Statistics, j(2).200-211.
Article/Essay in an Edited Book:
Spencer. J.
(I qcn).
The ethical basis lor
[author last name, first initial. (year) Article title. Joumal
name, volume(issue #). page number(s).]
termination. fn J. Kelp (Ed.). ElhiL's in
business (pp 282-292). New York:
Hampton Press.
[author last name, first initial. (year). Articlelessay title
Book editor's name (editor abbreviated Ed), book title.
(article pages). Place of publication publisher]
42
APA Style Manual,
5th Edition Quick
Reference Guide (Cont.)
~STRAYER
.UNIVERSITY
Journal Article Retrieved from an
Online Database:
Newspaper Article Retrieved From the
Newspaper's Website:
(An example would be an EBSCO Host database
such as Academic Search Premier)
Greenwood, L. C. (2003. May 3). Education loans at
all time [ow. The Washington Post
Retrieved May 5, 2003, from
http://www.washingtonpost.com
Johnson, 1. (2002). The undergraduate student
population of Strayer University's
graduating class of 200 1. Journal of
Education Statistics, 1(2), 200-211.
Retrieved May 20, 2003, from
Academic Search Premier database.
[author, (year, month day). Article title, Newspaper name
Retrieved (date) from (website adcressi.]
Article in an On-line Only Periodical:
Kobb, M. (2000). The New South. Lifestyles,
5(2). Retrieved June 12, 2003, from
http://www.lifestyles.com/south.html
[author last name, first initial. (year). Article title. Journal
name, volume(issue #), page number(s). Retrieved (date)
from (database).]
[author, (year). Article title. Periodical title, vol. (issue).
Retrieved (date) from (website address)]
INTERNET SOURCES
MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES
DO NOT ONLY LIST URL forWebpage sources' Must
give author's name if available, last update/
copyright date, retrieval date, complete URL
Book Review in a Periodical:
Small, S. (2001). Gone again. [Review of the
If author given:
book End ofan Era.] Solutions, 292. 12.
Grant, C. (2003). IYhy go to college? Retrieved
May 20, 2003, from http://www.college/
rev.Q&A.html
[author. (year), Title of review, [Review of the book book
title.] Periodical name, volume, page number]
Government Publication:
[author, if known. (date), Title of section, Retrieved (date)
from (website address).]
National rnstitute of Business Resources.
(2001). (Training personnel to respond in
national emergencies. DHHS Publication
No. ADM 01-1775). Washington. DC: US.
Government Printing Office.
If 110 author given, begin with article title
Shark attack summer. (2003. Januarvt.
Retrieved March 20. 2003. front
/11 tp.. /WH·W. ailaboutsharks. com/attacks
Governmental agency (year). Title of publication
(Publication number.) Place of publication: publisher
[article name, (date), Retrieved (date) from (website addressj.]
Brochure:
Small Business Center. (1999), 11'/1111
* 1(110 dale knownfor website, pu: n.d.
10
knosv about insurance
vou ncc.]
(3,,1 cd.)
[Brochure]. Orlando. FL: Author.
[agency name. (year). Title ofbrochure. (edition ofprinting.)
[Brochure]. Place of publication publisher]
43
, :. STRAYER
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Using Sources
U N I V E R SIT Y
I. Quote, Paraphrase, Summary
Quoting - using exact wording from your source
Paraphrasing - accurately restating in your own words
Summarizing - breaking down the information to its main ideas
II. When relying on information that you obtain from research sources, you must
acknowledge where the information comes from by the:
1. way you introduce the information (identifying tag word or phrase)
2. proper citation
By correctly using and documenting sources, you will:
1. provide support for your essay
2. avoid plagiarism
III. FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR THE USE OF ORIGINAL SOURCES IN YOUR PAPER:
1. Introduce your idea into a paragraph before you provide your source. This thought can be
your topic sentence.
2. Having established a context, guide the reader directly to your source using an identifying tag
word or phrase. Do not use dropped quotes.
3. Quote, paraphrase, or summarize the source.
4. Correctly cite (document) the source.
5. Effectively use the source by commenting on it, responding to it, explaining its significance.
IV. LIST OF POSSIBLE IDENTIFYING TAG WORDS/PHRASES
acknowledges
believes
declares
grants
insists
points out
According to ...
adds
claims
denies
refutes
responds
writes
admits
comments
disputes
illustrates
notes
states
agrees
compares
emphasizes
rejects
suggests
offers
argues
confirms
endorses
implies
observes
indicates
asserts
contends
reasons
reports
thinks
V. USING PUNCTUATION WITH QUOTES
"for direct quotations
'for a quotation within a quotation
* Use a period after the parentheses
* Use a comma after an identifying tag word and before the quotation marks
According to Smith (1999), "canoeing is more physically challenging than rafting" (p. 24). [APA style]
*
Use"
* Use'
Created by Lynn Wilson, Full-time faculty member at the North Charlotte Campus
44
1m STRAYER
10 Steps for Writing a
ResearchlTerm Paper
~ U N I V E R SIT Y
Prewriting, Organizing, Researching, Writing, Revising
1. BRAINSTORM: Write out questions about your chosen subject in order tonarrow your topic.
Use journalistic questions Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
Don't judge at this point whether these are the questions you will answer in your paper, this will put limitations on your
brainstorming process Just let your ideas flow.
2. PRELIMINARY OUTLINE: Organize your ideas
Put yourlist of questions in a logical order. Group questions pertaining to similar ideas together. A preliminary outline
establishes the structure for your paper byordering the subtopics in a logical progression that provides a context forthe main
topic.
3. PRELIMINARY RESEARCH: Internet Websites as a resource
Do preliminary research to learn more about your topic. At this point in your research, the Internet is an excellent tool forthe
purpose of simply increasing your knowledge of the topic.
4. THESIS STATEMENT: A complete sentence that is the paper's main idea
Choose the key question you want to focus on in your paper. The Thesis Statement is a complete sentence that essentially
becomes the "answer" to yourkey research question. At this stage, it will likely be a "working" thesis statement to focus your
topic that you will fine tune as you progress in your research.
5. FORMAL OUTLINE:
From the order of your preliminary outline, create a formal outline using the standard outline format: Roman Numerals for main
points, capital letters for subpoints supporting each main point, numbers for examples, small letters for details. The information
should be stated in the outline in the form of words and phrases (not questions or sentences).
I. Main point
A. subpoint
1. example
a. detail
The main points (Roman numerals) are your questions (restated as a word or phrase). The subpoints, examples, and details will
come from your preliminary and academic research .
•• Fillin the outline asyou continue your research.
6. PERFORM ACADEMIC RESEARCH: Use Library Online Catalogs, EBSCOHost, etc.
Research information specifically relating to your topic. Academic research includes books, articles, newspapers, credible
websites, etc
Tip Keep a log of your search terms.
7. REVIEW RESULTS OF YOUR RESEARCH
Highlight statements and sections of your research relating to your topic, as stated in your outline.
IMPORTANT Keep track of the sources from which you take your quotes/paraphrases in order to
accurately document sources using a documentation style (such asAPA Style.)
Tip. Photocopy title page of books for publication information and copies of pages you plan to quote In your paper.
Articles from EBSCOHost and the Internet should always be printed.
Tip: Create a Summary Sheet for each of your sources (article, book, webpage) so you can keep track of what you
have accumulated. This sheet should include.
Title & Author
Summary (brief - what is this source about?)
Main points (list three to five)
Relevance to topic (How can you use this source in your paper'i)
45
10 Steps for Writing a
ResearchlTerm Paper
(Continued)
mlSTRAYER
~UNIVERSITY
8. FIRST DRAFT
A meaningful First Draft should include an introduction, developed thesis statement, body paragraphs, analysis of
research, correct documentation style, transitions between paragraphs, and conclusion.
~ORMA
T: Requirements of the specific documentation style for correct paper format: title page, header & pagination,
I margins, font
• Thesis Statement:
Having broadened your understanding of your topic through research, revise the wording of your thesis statement to reflect
the idea you will actually present in your paper. (For a research paper, this central idea takes the form of a position that
you prove, For a term paper, this is a statement of the central idea but does notassert a position.)
• Introduction:
Grabs reader's attention; begins with general information pertaining to the topic; presents the "agenda;" includes thesis
statement
• Body Paragraphs:
Topic sentence that tells what paragraph is about - should always relate to the thesisl
Evidence (quotes and paraphrases from research)
Analysis of research (writer's comments, explanation of relevance or significance to the topic.) Don't letthe research speak
for itself!
);>
RULE OF THUMB: Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote or have "back to back" quotes
REMEMBER: Keep track of the sources from which you take your quotes/paraphrases in order to accurately document
sources,
•
Transitions wrap up previous paragraph or section and lead into next paragraph orsection
• Conclusion:
"Sums up" your discussion; moves out from the specific ideas presented inthe body ofthe paper to the general
understanding the reader should now have of the topic. Do not introduce a new ideal Do not repeat your thesis statement,
butdo reword it to bring the paper full circle.
9, AVOID PLAGIARISM Document your sources using proper citation style
• Use In-text citation to acknowledge your sources
• Prepare a list of cited sources using the citation style format
10. REVISION
• Do the ideas in each paragraph support your main idea?
• Are paragraphs placed in an order that flows smoothly?
• Isthe significance and purpose of the research sources explained?
• Edit forspelling, sentence structure, and transitions between paragraphs.
• Check accuracy of citations and Reference page entries to avoid plagiarism
• Re-revise and re-edit tocomplete the final paper.
Created by Lynn Wi/son, Full-time faculty member at the North Charlotte Campus
46