Writing an APA paper can be a daunting task for many students, especially those who are new to the style. The APA (American Psychological Association) style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed., 2nd printing).

When writing an APA paper, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth in the APA manual. The first step is to create a title page, which should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the institutional affiliation. Next, the abstract should be written, which is a brief summary of the paper. The body of the paper should follow the introduction, which should include a brief description of the paper’s purpose and main points. The body should include the main ideas and arguments of the paper, as well as any relevant evidence to support the argument. Finally, the conclusion should be written, which should summarize the main points of the paper.

In addition to the structure of the paper, it is also important to follow APA formatting guidelines. This includes double-spacing the entire paper, using 12-point Times New Roman font, and including a running head at the top of each page. Additionally, all sources used in the paper should be cited and listed on the reference page.

By following the guidelines of the APA manual, students can ensure that their paper is properly formatted and meets the standards of the APA style. With a little practice, writing an APA paper can become easier and less intimidating.