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APA 7th Edition Student Paper Guidelines

Oct 31, 2024

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APA 7th Edition Formatting Guidelines for Student Papers

Introduction

  • APA format is essential for academic papers.
  • This guide focuses on the 7th edition for student papers in Google Docs, with similarities to Microsoft Word.
  • Note differences between student papers and professional papers.

General Formatting

  • Page Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
    • Go to File > Page Setup to adjust.
  • Line Spacing: Double space all text, including headings.
  • Font: Use accessible fonts like Times New Roman 12 or Arial 11.

Page Header

  • Student Paper Header: Only includes the page number.
    • Access by clicking on top of the page, then Insert > Page Numbers > Write a Line.
  • Professional Paper Header: Also includes a running head (paper title in all caps).

Title Page

  • Elements to include:
    • Paper title in bold.
    • Author's name, university, department, course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date.
  • Format:
    • Center aligned.
    • Title case capitalization.
    • Positioned 3-4 enters down from the start of the page.

Abstract

  • Purpose: 150-250 word summary of the paper.
    • Typically required for professional papers, not student papers, except theses/dissertations.
  • Format:
    • Section label "Abstract" in bold and centered.
    • Contents follow immediately; first line not indented.
    • Single paragraph without headings or blank lines.
    • Keywords: Indented line, italicized label "Keywords:" followed by three to five keywords in lowercase, separated by commas.

Body Text

  • Paragraph Indentation: First sentence indented by half an inch.

Headings

  • Level 1: Centered, bold (e.g., Methods, Results).
  • Level 2: Left aligned, bold.
  • Level 3: Left aligned, bold, italicized.
  • Level 4: Indented, bold, final period, text follows immediately.
  • Level 5: Same as level 4, but also in italics.

In-text Citations

  • Properly cite sources throughout the body text using APA in-text citation style.

Reference Page

  • Location: After body text, before appendices.
  • Format:
    • New page, section label "References" centered and bold.
    • Entries directly below the label.
    • Use hanging indents: Pull the arrow on the ruler to half an inch and the rectangle back to zero.
  • Tools: Use Scribbr citation generator to create and alphabetize references easily.

Additional Resources

  • Explore more in-depth videos on the 7th edition APA Style.

These notes summarize the essential formatting guidelines for student papers in APA 7th edition style, focusing on the structure and formatting aspects necessary for a well-organized academic paper.

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