10+ Apa Style Secrets For Perfect Research Papers

When it comes to writing research papers, the American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used formatting styles. APA style provides a set of guidelines for formatting, citing, and referencing sources in research papers. In this article, we will explore 10+ APA style secrets for perfect research papers, including tips and tricks for formatting, citing, and referencing sources.

Understanding APA Style Basics

Before we dive into the secrets of APA style, it’s essential to understand the basics. APA style is used in social sciences, education, business, and healthcare fields. The APA Publication Manual is the official guide to APA style, and it provides detailed guidelines for formatting, citing, and referencing sources. The latest edition of the APA Publication Manual is the 7th edition, which was published in 2020.

Key elements of APA style include a clear and concise writing style, proper citation and referencing of sources, and a consistent format throughout the paper. APA style also requires the use of headers, footers, and margins to ensure that the paper is well-organized and easy to read.

APA Style Secrets for Formatting

One of the most critical aspects of APA style is formatting. Here are some secrets for perfect formatting:

• Use a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman, and double-space the text.
• Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
• Use headers and footers to provide information about the paper, such as the title, author's name, and page numbers.
• Use section headings to organize the paper and provide a clear structure.

Here is an example of how to format a paper in APA style:

APA Style Secrets for Citing Sources

Citing sources is an essential part of APA style. Here are some secrets for perfect citing:

In-text citations are used to credit the original author of an idea or quote. In APA style, in-text citations include the author's last name, year of publication, and page number(s) if applicable. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 12).

Reference lists are used to provide a complete list of sources cited in the paper. In APA style, reference lists are formatted with a hanging indent and include the author's last name, first initial, year of publication, title of the source, and publication information.

APA Style Secrets for Referencing Sources

Referencing sources is critical in APA style. Here are some secrets for perfect referencing:

• Use a consistent format for referencing sources, such as author-date format.
• Include all necessary information for each source, such as author's name, year of publication, title of the source, and publication information.
• Use DOIs (digital object identifiers) for online sources, if available.

Here is an example of how to reference a source in APA style:

Smith, J. (2020). The effects of climate change on mental health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(1), 12-20. doi: 10.1037/env0000321

Additional APA Style Secrets

Here are some additional secrets for perfect APA style:

• Use active voice instead of passive voice, whenever possible.
• Avoid biased language and use inclusive language instead.
• Use clear and concise headings to organize the paper and provide a clear structure.

By following these APA style secrets, you can ensure that your research paper is well-formatted, well-cited, and well-referenced. Remember to always consult the APA Publication Manual for the most up-to-date guidelines and to use citation management tools to help format citations and references correctly.