The American Psychological Association (APA) format is a widely used style guide for academic and professional writing. When it comes to creating a cover page in APA format, there are specific guidelines to follow. The cover page, also known as the title page, is the first page of the document and serves as the introduction to the paper.
Components of an APA Format Cover Page
A typical APA format cover page includes the following components:
- Title of the paper: This should be a concise and informative title that reflects the content of the paper. It should be centered and in title case.
- Author’s name: The author’s name should be centered and in title case. If there are multiple authors, they should be listed in the order of their contribution to the paper.
- Institutional affiliation: The author’s institutional affiliation, such as the university or organization, should be centered and in title case.
- Course number and name: If the paper is for a course, the course number and name should be included, centered and in title case.
- Instructor’s name: The instructor’s name should be included, centered and in title case.
- Date: The date the paper is submitted should be included, centered and in title case.
APA Format Cover Page Example
Here is an example of what an APA format cover page might look like:
Running head: THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH
The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
John Doe
Harvard University
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
Professor Jane Smith
February 22, 2023
Formatting Guidelines
The cover page should be formatted according to the following guidelines:
- The title page should be on a separate page from the rest of the paper.
- The title should be centered and in title case.
- The author’s name and institutional affiliation should be centered and in title case.
- The course number and name, instructor’s name, and date should be centered and in title case.
- The running head should be in all capital letters and should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces.
- The margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides.
- The font should be a clear, legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When creating a cover page in APA format, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong font or font size.
- Incorrectly formatting the title or author’s name.
- Forgetting to include the running head or page number.
- Not centering the text correctly.
| Component | Example |
|---|---|
| Title | The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health |
| Author's Name | John Doe |
| Institutional Affiliation | Harvard University |
| Course Number and Name | PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology |
| Instructor's Name | Professor Jane Smith |
| Date | February 22, 2023 |
By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a professional-looking cover page in APA format that sets the tone for a well-written and well-researched paper.
What is the purpose of the cover page in APA format?
+The cover page, also known as the title page, serves as the introduction to the paper and provides essential information about the author, institution, and paper title.
What are the key components of an APA format cover page?
+The key components of an APA format cover page include the title of the paper, author’s name, institutional affiliation, course number and name, instructor’s name, and date.
How should the title be formatted on the cover page?
+The title should be centered and in title case, with major words capitalized.
