The American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition style is a widely used formatting guide in social sciences, education, and business. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a trusted resource for students, researchers, and writers seeking guidance on APA style. In this article, we will delve into 12+ secrets from Purdue OWL experts to help you master APA 7th edition style.
Introduction to APA 7th Edition Style
The APA 7th edition style was published in 2019, and it includes several changes and updates from the previous edition. The Purdue OWL provides comprehensive resources and guides to help writers navigate these changes. According to the Purdue OWL, the APA 7th edition style emphasizes clarity, concision, and readability. To achieve this, writers should focus on using active voice, clear headings, and consistent formatting.
Secret 1: Understanding APA 7th Edition Header and Footer Guidelines
The Purdue OWL experts recommend using a running head with a page number in the upper right corner of each page. The running head should be a shortened version of the title, typically no more than 50 characters. In addition, the header should include the page number, and the footer should be blank.
| Header Element | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Running Head | Shortened title, no more than 50 characters |
| Page Number | Upper right corner of each page |
| Footer | Blank |
Secret 2: Mastering In-Text Citations and References
The Purdue OWL experts emphasize the importance of accurate in-text citations and references. According to APA 7th edition style, in-text citations should include the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable). The reference list should be alphabetized and include all sources cited in the paper.
Secret 3: Using Headings and Subheadings Effectively
The Purdue OWL experts recommend using clear and concise headings to organize and structure the paper. According to APA 7th edition style, headings should be centered and bolded, and subheadings should be left-justified and italicized.
Secret 4: Formatting Tables and Figures
The Purdue OWL experts provide guidelines for formatting tables and figures in APA 7th edition style. According to the guidelines, tables should be numbered and titled, and figures should be numbered and captioned.
| Table Element | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Table Number | Arabic numeral, followed by a period |
| Table Title | Centered, in title case |
| Figure Number | Arabic numeral, followed by a period |
| Figure Caption | Below the figure, in title case |
Secret 5: Understanding APA 7th Edition Style for Digital Sources
The Purdue OWL experts provide guidance on citing digital sources, including websites, social media, and online articles. According to APA 7th edition style, digital sources should be cited with the author’s last name, publication date, and URL or DOI.
Secret 6: Using Bias-Free Language
The Purdue OWL experts emphasize the importance of using bias-free language in APA 7th edition style. According to the guidelines, writers should avoid using sexist, racist, and ableist language, and instead use
Secret 7: Mastering APA 7th Edition Style for Statistics and Research
The Purdue OWL experts provide guidance on presenting statistics and research findings in APA 7th edition style. According to the guidelines, writers should use clear and concise language when describing statistical results, and include confidence intervals and effect sizes when reporting research findings.
Secret 8: Using APA 7th Edition Style for Academic and Professional Writing
The Purdue OWL experts recommend using APA 7th edition style for academic and professional writing. According to the guidelines, APA 7th edition style is suitable for a wide range of fields, including psychology, education, business, and social sciences.
Secret 9: Creating an APA 7th Edition Style Annotated Bibliography
The Purdue OWL experts provide guidance on creating an annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition style. According to the guidelines, an annotated bibliography should include a summary and evaluation of each source, as well as an explanation of how the source contributes to the research.
Secret 10: Understanding APA 7th Edition Style for Thesis and Dissertation Writing
The Purdue OWL experts recommend using APA 7th edition style for thesis and dissertation writing. According to the guidelines, APA 7th edition style provides a consistent and clear format for presenting research findings and scholarly work.
Secret 11: Mastering APA 7th Edition Style for Conference Presentations
The Purdue OWL experts provide guidance on using APA 7th edition style for conference presentations. According to the guidelines, conference presentations should include clear and concise language, visual aids, and proper citation of sources.
Secret 12: Using APA 7th Edition Style for Grant Writing
The Purdue OWL experts recommend using APA 7th edition style for grant writing. According to the guidelines, APA 7th edition style provides a consistent and clear format for presenting research proposals and grant applications.
What is the main difference between APA 6th and 7th edition style?
+The main difference between APA 6th and 7th edition style is the formatting of in-text citations and references. APA 7th edition style includes more detailed guidelines for citing digital sources and provides a more comprehensive guide for formatting tables and figures.
How do I cite a source with no author in APA 7th edition style?
+In APA 7th edition style, a source with no author should be cited with the title in the in-text citation and reference list. For example, (“Title of Source,” 2020) or Title of Source. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.url.com
What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition style?
+The purpose of an annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition style is to provide a summary and evaluation of each source, as well as an explanation of how the source contributes to the research. An annotated bibliography helps to demonstrate the researcher’s understanding of the topic and provides a clear overview of the sources used in the research.
