Lecture Notes: Research Article Critique in APA Format

Overview

• Focus on critiquing a psychologically-based research article relevant to your field.
• Key goals include understanding APA formatting and improving grammar, not just content.

APA Formatting Guidelines

Cover Page:

• Running Head:
  • Include a running head at the top of the page.
  • Use an abbreviated title in all caps as the running head.
  • Include your name, date, and class on the cover page.

Second Page (Content Page):

• Top Left:
  • Repeat the abbreviated title, without the running head.
• Sections to Include:
  • Purpose: Clearly state the aim of the research.
  • Methods: Describe the methodology used in the study.
  • Results: Summarize key findings.
  • Takeaway: Provide your personal critique:
    • Did you like the article? Why or why not?
    • Could this information be useful in your future career?
    • Would you have conducted the research differently?
  • Ensure sections have headers and are not just one long paragraph.

Formatting Tips:

• Each section should contain a few sentences.
• Align section headers to the left or center them.

Additional Formatting Instructions

• If content expands to a third page:
  • Continue using the abbreviated running head at the top.
• References:
  • Format correctly in APA style.
  • Include a hanging indent.
  • Journal titles should be italicized.
  • Only include the year of publication, not the full date.
  • Keep the reference intact on one page.

Submission and Support

• Examples and templates will be uploaded to D2L for guidance.
• For issues or queries, email for assistance.
• Ensure your formatting matches the provided example.

Closing

• Reach out for any additional help.
• Have a wonderful day!