The American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition citation style is a widely used format for citing sources in academic and professional writing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to use APA 7 citation style, including the basics of APA formatting, in-text citations, reference lists, and examples of different types of sources.
Introduction to APA 7 Citation Style
The APA 7th edition citation style is designed to provide a clear and consistent way of citing sources in academic and professional writing. The style guide provides guidelines for formatting papers, citing sources, and creating reference lists. The APA style is commonly used in social sciences, education, business, and healthcare fields.
Basic Principles of APA Formatting
APA formatting requires a specific set of guidelines for font, margins, spacing, and indentation. The following are the basic principles of APA formatting:
- Font: Use a clear, legible font, such as Times New Roman, in size 12 points.
- Margins: Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
- Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, and reference list.
- Indentation: Use a half-inch indentation for the first line of each paragraph.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to credit the original authors of an idea, quote, or piece of information. The APA 7th edition style requires the use of author-date citations, which include the author’s last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma.
For example: (Smith, 2020) or (Johnson et al., 2019)
If the source has no author, use the title and year: (“APA Style Guide,” 2020)
Reference List
The reference list is a separate page that lists all the sources cited in the paper. The reference list should be formatted with the following guidelines:
- Alphabetical order: List the sources in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
- Spacing: Double-space the reference list.
- Indentation: Use a half-inch indentation for the first line of each reference.
Examples of Different Types of Sources
The following are examples of different types of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more:
| Source Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Smith, J. (2020). The APA style guide. New York: Routledge. |
| Journal Article | Johnson, K. (2019). The effects of climate change. Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 12-20. |
| Website | American Psychological Association. (2020). APA style guide. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org |
Citing Different Types of Sources
The following are examples of how to cite different types of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more:
- Book with one author: Smith, J. (2020). The APA style guide. New York: Routledge.
- Book with multiple authors: Johnson, K., & Thompson, R. (2019). The effects of climate change. New York: Cambridge University Press.
- Journal article: Johnson, K. (2019). The effects of climate change. Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 12-20.
- Website: American Psychological Association. (2020). APA style guide. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
Conclusion
In conclusion, the APA 7th edition citation style is a widely used format for citing sources in academic and professional writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted and that you are giving credit to the original authors of an idea or piece of information.
What is the purpose of APA citation style?
+The purpose of APA citation style is to provide a clear and consistent way of citing sources in academic and professional writing, and to give credit to the original authors of an idea or piece of information.
How do I format my paper in APA style?
+To format your paper in APA style, use a clear, legible font, such as Times New Roman, in size 12 points, and set the margins to 1 inch on all sides. Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, and reference list.
What is the difference between a reference list and a bibliography?
+A reference list is a list of sources that are cited in the paper, while a bibliography is a list of all sources that were used in the research, whether they are cited in the paper or not.
