APA Citation Guide

• Introduction and Resources
• Formatting the Title Page
• FAQ
• Headings
• Annotated Bibliographies
• Figures and Images
• Appendices

If your paper will follow strict APA formatting, follow the steps below. Your paper should have three major sections: the title page, main body, and references list. The Publication Manual covers these guidelines in Chapter 2.

These guidelines will cover how to set up a student paper in APA format. The 7th edition now has specific formatting for student papers versus a professional paper (i.e. one being submitted for publication). If your instructor has requested a different format or additional elements, use your instructor's preferences.

Official Resources

The references list should be on a new page, and should be the last section of your paper. You can press the Control key along with the Enter key to create a new page in Word.

Heading of Reference List

Hanging Indent

Spacing

Alphabetizing

For more information on creating and formatting references, go to the Reference Components page.

Source: Publication Manual, 2.12; 9.44-9.49; Creating an APA Style Reference List Guide [APA Style]

What Font Do I Use?

Do I Need a Running Head?

When writing your paper, you may want to use headings to organize specific sections and improve readability. Headings help guide the reader by clearly indicating different topics and subtopics within your paper. Each level of heading follows a specific formatting style and should be used in order without skipping levels. For example, if you have a Level 1 heading followed by a Level 2 heading, the next subheading should be Level 3, not Level 4. Think of heading levels like an outline, where each subheading further divides the section above it, making your paper easier to follow.

Heading Formats

Level 1 Headings are Centered, Bold, and Title Case

Level 2 Headings are Left Aligned, Bold, and Title Case

Level 3 Headings are Left Aligned, Bold, Italicized, and Title Case

Level 4 Headings Are Indented a Half Inch, Bold, Title Case, and End with a Period. Text continues on the same line.

Level 5 Headings Are Indented a Half Inch, Bold, Italicized, Title Case, and End with a Period. Text continues on the same line.

The APA Style website has an example student paper template with headings.

Sample Headings

Here is an example of how headings can help organize a paper's content. Major sections, such as the Abstract, Literature Review, and References, always use Level 1 headings. However, you do not need to use every level of heading in every paper. Only use the levels necessary to clearly structure your content.

Here's how these headings would look in an outline format:

1. The Impact of Various Factors on Student Achievement in College
   1. Academic Preparation and College Success
      1. The Role of High School Curriculum
         1. Advanced Placement
         2. Dual Enrollment Programs
   2. Motivation and Self-Regulation in College Learning
      1. Goal-Setting Strategies
      2. Time Management Techniques
   3. Institutional Support and Student Achievement
      1. Tutoring and Academic Assistance
      2. Mental Health Resources

When creating an annotated bibliography, the annotation is a new paragraph directly below the reference, with the entire annotation indented 0.5" from the left. Retain the double-spacing.

If you are using an image that does not require attribution, such as images in the public domain or that you created yourself, you may provide a figure number and title prior to the image.

If your image requires attribution, such as those with Creative Commons licenses, include the attribution below the image. You will also need to cite the image in your references list.

Animal Diversity Web. (n.d.). Sciurus carolinensis (eastern gray squirrel) [Photograph]. Creative Commons. https://ccsearch.creativecommons.org/photos/4556e4bd-fba4-4b54-b967-3bc912695df4

Source: Clip Art or Stock Image References [APA Style]

An appendix (the plural is appendices) is where authors provide supplementary content for a reader that help explain or support the study. Examples include survey questions, detailed data tables, interview questions, or examples of study materials used in the research. The appendix is ordered after the References list.

Each appendix begins on its own page, and the heading is bold, centered, and in title case. The heading consists of two lines: the label on the first line and the title on the second line. If there is only one appendix, the label is Appendix. If there is more than one appendix, label them Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on in the order that they are mentioned in the text. The title describes the contents of the appendix.

Example Appendix Titles

• Detailed Demographics of First-Generation College Students
• Sample Course Syllabi Used in Study on Teaching Styles
• Table of Common Citation Errors in Student Papers
• Experiment Instructions for Cognitive Load Research

Source: Appendices Setup [APA Style]