A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Formatting Style (7th Edition)

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A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Formatting Style (7th Edition)

Introduction:
The APA 7th edition formatting style is used by students, researchers, and professionals to structure academic papers in fields like psychology, sociology, and education. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through the basics of APA formatting, from setting up your title page to referencing sources correctly.

1. Setting Up Your Paper in APA Format:

  • Font and Size: Use a 12-point Times New Roman font.

  • Spacing: The entire paper, including the reference list, should be double-spaced.

  • Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.

  • Paragraphs: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.

2. Title Page in APA Format:

  • Include the title of the paper, your name, your institutional affiliation, and the course name and number. Center all text in the upper half of the page.

  • Example:

    • Title: The Effect of Social Media on Teenagers

    • Author: Jane Doe

    • Institutional Affiliation: University of California

    • Course Name and Number: Psychology 101

3. In-Text Citations in APA:

  • Include the author’s last name and publication year in parentheses.

  • Example: (Smith, 2020).

  • For direct quotes, include the page number: (Smith, 2020, p. 45).

4. References Page in APA Format:

  • Start the reference list on a new page, titled “References” (centered, bold).

  • List sources alphabetically by author’s last name, using hanging indentations for each entry.

Conclusion:
Following APA 7th edition formatting ensures that your academic papers are professional and meet the standards required in the social sciences. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to format your paper correctly and make a strong impression in your academic work.

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