TL;DR Use standard fonts like Times New Roman, double-space your text, and set one-inch margins. Utilize templates from Word or Google Docs and refer to resources like Purdue OWL for guidance.
Basic Formatting Guidelines
APA style requires specific formatting rules that are crucial for academic writing. Use a standard font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in size 12 [1]. Double-space the entire document, including the reference list, and ensure one-inch margins on all sides
[1]. These basic guidelines help maintain consistency and readability across documents.
Structure of an APA Paper
An APA paper typically follows a structured format: Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, and References [2]. Each section serves a distinct purpose, and adhering to this structure is essential for clarity and organization. For non-empirical papers, focus on setting up the format correctly using available templates
[4:1].
Resources and Tools
Several resources can assist with APA formatting. Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer templates that simplify the process [4:1],
[5:3]. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides comprehensive guides and sample papers
[4:4],
[5:1]. Additionally, YouTube channels like SmartStudent offer visual tutorials for those who prefer learning through videos
[4:6],
[5:8].
Citation and Reference Management
Proper citation and referencing are critical components of APA style. Utilize citation generators to ensure accuracy, but always cross-check with the official APA style guide to avoid errors [4:1]. Defining terms clearly and stress-testing definitions is also important for maintaining precision in academic writing
[2:2].
Additional Tips
For those new to APA style, practice and repetition are key. Engage with writing tutors if available, as they can provide personalized feedback and support [5:4]. Familiarize yourself with the latest version of APA, as updates may introduce changes to formatting rules
[4:1].
APA style, or American Psychological Association style, is a common format used for academic writing in social sciences, education, and other related fields. Here's a quick guide to get you started:
Formatting:
Writing Style:
In-Text Citations:
Reference List:
Here are some resources for further exploration:
By following these core principles and utilizing this perfect online resource, you can effectively write in APA style and ensure your academic papers meet the expected formatting and citation standards.
Between APA and MLA i would easily write in APA and all these points are true reflections of what it is
This is very insightful, thank you for this elaborate and helpful citation and also providing me with the service that can help me out
Between APA and MLA i would easily write in APA and all these points are true reflections of what it is
Hi everyone,
I’ve supported a number of students and early-career researchers working on academic writing in psychology—from undergrad lab reports to senior theses and research papers. One common thread I’ve noticed is that while many psych students are strong on content and critical thinking, they often struggle with discipline-specific writing conventions.
Here are a few quick tips I often share with psychology students: • Follow APA structure strictly — especially for research reports (Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References). • When writing your Introduction, move from general to specific—end with your research question or hypothesis. • Keep your Results section clear and objective—don’t interpret the data here (save that for Discussion). • In the Discussion, link your findings back to previous literature and your hypotheses. • Avoid overusing jargon. Academic doesn’t mean complicated—it means precise and logical.
If you’re working on a psych assignment, research paper, or thesis section and would like structural feedback or help clarifying your arguments, I’m happy to offer advice here or through DMs. I also offer academic writing guidance services outside of Reddit if you’re looking for more hands-on support.
Feel free to drop questions in the thread—happy to help!
And always always ALWAYS remember to define your terms clearly. And for the love of god stress test those definitions too!
Going into my Fall 2025 semester of undergrad as a Freshman... saving this post hahaha
Thank you very much, I appreciate posts like these🙏
Here are mine for those interested:
I’m doing online schooling and my teacher is asking to “cite your research using APA formatting for both in-text and References.”
I’ve never done or heard of APA formatting and don’t know what it is or how to do it. I’ve tried looking it up but I just got super confused and was wondering if anyone could help explain it to me?
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Sure, I can help with that. What's thhe specific question?
Hi! i need some help doing an APA paper, non empirical. Mostly i need help with setting up the format. This is for a Psychology class level 400. I just need some tips and tricks.
Thanks!
Look at the manual.
Or the APA style blog. They have example papers.
Purdue Online Writing Lab is a great resource
Seconding, they have a sample paper you can base yours off of!
Came here to say Owl Purdue
YouTube can help with doing the heading or page numbers as some of us are more visual learners.
Word and gdocs have templates already, start with one of those and use a citation generator and it's not bad. Double check with the APA style guide to make sure you didn't miss anything.
Also make sure you use the correct version of APA, they just updated and different people might be using 6 or 7
Long story short, I'm in my first term here and I have to do a journal thingy in APA format. I've been looking at examples and watching videos for the past couple of hours and I can't seem to catch on. Anyone have any tips or tricks or know of a specific video or anything that could help?
My high school only taught us MLA format, I don't believe I ever learned APA...
If you are using word. (which you get from the school for free so there is no reason you shouldnt be using word) you click references and then APA at the drop down
I'm using word but I didn't know I got it from the school for free, I must've missed that somewhere. But thank you!
Here is a link! https://libanswers.snhu.edu/faq/141185
I’ve been using the default APA format document from Microsoft word and it’s been getting me A’s, you just need to make sure the references are formatted correctly
Use the writing tutors. They are a great resource.
Check out smartstudent YouTube channel helped me aaaa lot
Ok thank you!
I did some research but not sure am I correct. Is the APA format only related to the citation?
Thanks!!!
I’m have no idea what I’m doing. I struggle with ADD and have a IEP. I’m a hands on learner when it comes to stuff like this.
There's an APA workshop every week— Wed & Thurs 6 pm EST. It's a 15 minute presentation and Q&A afterwards. If you can't attend, click Book Now in Academic Support and you can access the recording later.
Mybib.com/tools/apa-citation-generator is a life saver. One of the teachers provided it to me. It’s a free citation generator. If I need in text, I usually take what this site gives me ask other sites how to in text citation it using this
This is what I’ve been using for all my classes and it hasn’t failed me yet.
Same!!
https://www.owl.purdue.edu/index.html
It helps you format your sources too.
The SNHU Shapiro Library has online resources as well.
The APA handbook helped me a lot. It costs a little but it’s worth it.
And if you really don’t have the money OP almost all libraries carry at least one copy
Why does it feel like every professor I have wants everything in APA format but in a different way? One wants references centered on the page, the other wants to see the title of the reference first, and the other wants nothing indented. When I do all of these things the other professors mark off points for doing things the other professors told me to do.
I know I don’t know a ton about APA format but I’m starting to get pissed cause nothing I do is right and everything is getting me marked down points.
There is only one format for APA, which one are they using? Either your are right and them wrong, or vice versa.
I know there’s only one APA format. We’re using APA 7th. I would like to think the professors are right but each one of them wants different things that the others don’t want
Hanging indent with references and such?
Ikr like this makes no sense. It's called apa FORMAT for a reason
I have the same problem! One professor wants an abstract another professor doesn’t. One wants a cover page while the other doesn’t.
I have read Purdue owl so many times I know APA format, but I just do what they ask. I don’t care enough to bring it up and make a big deal out of it.
It’s so annoying!
Before doing the assessments, ask for the formart to use. That will really help.
I’ll try this next. Just makes no sense that each professor has a different format when it’s supposed to be standardized
Send me a sample of what you submitted I tell you if you were on the right track...
Hey, guys! My first submission got returned to me because of major deviations with APA format (citations and references). I have never used APA before, so I was not surprised.
Can anyone point me to some good resources for learning how to do this? Their Writing Center hours are sadly limited and I can’t wait for the next appointment....
Another option if you’re using MS Word, they have an APA template that has all the sections and formatting set.
It took me a little while to get comfortable using it, but then I used it for the majority of papers I wrote.
How did you use the APA template on word?
Create a new document and search for the APA template to start it.
Purdue Owl is great. Some people use a program called PERRLA that does APA formatting for you. I use citation machine as others have said.
The free Grammarly Word add-on is very much worth getting. It's not for APA formatting but catches a lot of grammar and word use issues you may have overlooked.
Google "owl Purdue apa". Best reference for apa formatting
that is so true! Purdue Owl rocks!
Wow I’ve been out of school almost ten years and good to know this is still the best resource. (Sn. I doubt things like that really ever change though)
I use Word's built-in references mechanism. References -> Style -> APA, then References -> Manage Sources which prompts me for the bits (author, URL, date of publish, etc.) and organizes it nicely in a list.
For in-text citations, click to position the cursor, References -> Add Citation. Correctly formatted.
For the final references page, References -> Bibliography -> References and APA format. Done. It's not updated automatically, so you need to remember to do one last pass to update references.
Haven't had one paper rejected for APA style.
Can confirm I used word for my BS and half of my MBA so far with 0 returns for citations
Son of Citation Machine has gotten me through 3 degrees lol
Well, I'm open to a conversation about this. Of course I feel strongly, being impacted by this!
Are you just referring to how citation is formatted between APA and MLA? Each were created and used for different fields as there are inherent benefits.
MLA (Modern Language Association) is for arts and humanities. It helps you to break down citing paintings, books, and other literature. APA (American Psychological Association) is designed for technical works found in social sciences. This format makes citing journals and technical reports a breeze.
With APA, how would you reference a painting?
A great PDF with a comparison of the two: https://cms.bibliography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/APA_vs_MLA.pdf
Tangential question since your point about APA's limitations are valid - would you say that one unified citation style that would contain methods to reference anything is ideal, then?
Making a citation system that can do everything ok means it can't do anything well. A universal system would end up being longer and more cumbersome, so each field would just keep using the system it devised for it's own needs, then bodging it whenever they need to reference something outside that systems limits.
,
Technically true, but APA requires more work than mla ( title pages, longer citations, etc). For a Majors with a lot of papers to write, it can add decent bit of unnecessary work.
False. School isn’t meant to be easy and you have to write in different styles irl. Learning multiple styles helps prepare students for real world writing.
If you learn both, it isn’t an issue. You will be prepared for both.
And half the committee members will be out of a job. Also there will be a monopoly on school paper formats.
Students wouldn’t be frustrated if they just put in the work to learn both. I don’t see why this isn’t an acceptable option.
School systems are meant to educate. You will be less educated if you only learn to write in one style. You will have a worst education. Also writing APA is more work than mla depending on the type of paper/ how many you are required to write. And it uses more paper.
There are plenty of companies/ industries that have there own writing styles/ formats. for example, here is apples. If you do any sort of technical writing, or writing in general (beyond emails), you will need to learn different styles. Learning two styles in school will help you transition between styles if needed. And even in emails, you will have to write differently depending on who you are talking to.
As I said, plenty of people have jobs were they need to write a specific way. Learning multiple styles makes it easier to pick up new ones (similar to learning languages).
What if the board gets payed off by apple and soon all students are required to write APA (apple style)? Yes, this is a hypothetical, but you never know. Having competition between large controlling bodies like this ensures one can’t become corrupted, or move too far away from normal.
Writing in a different style is a part of the results. It is something you should be able to do. It is a part of writing education. Removing this to make students lives easier seems counterproductive to what schools are meant to do. Educate.
If you're retracting a point, doesn't this mean your view is at least partially changed? Even if it doesn't fully change your view you should award a delta
Confirmed: 1 delta awarded to /u/WaterboysWaterboy (28∆).
I find Chicago format the best personally. I've been a scientist for years. And the way history departments cite is so much easier to write and keep track of. BTW Chicago cites as you use it at the bottom of the page instead of a bibliography at the end. So I don't have to go searching for citations. And it's super easy to find plagiarism.
Chicago is by far the best format. Everything else is incredibly annoying to read with those dang parentheses for no good reason (Source: My inability to read sentences with random junk in the middle or end)
Deep dish citations are the only way
The APA style doesn't cover a wide enough range of topics to be used everywhere. If it did then it would be so large as to be unwieldy to learn.
No one style guide is appropriate for all topics.
How to write in APA in format
Key Considerations for Writing in APA Format
General Formatting:
Title Page:
Abstract:
Main Body:
In-Text Citations:
Reference List:
Example References:
Recommendation: Familiarize yourself with the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition) for detailed guidelines and examples. Additionally, using citation management tools like Zotero or EndNote can help streamline the process of formatting references correctly.
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