Welcome to the APA 7th Edition

• Accessibility

  Created by APA - learn about how to create accessible documents in APA Style
• Formatting of Abstract and Keywords

  From APA Manual. Find more information in Sect. 2.9 & Sect. 2.10, pp. 38-39.
• Formatting the Appendix

  From APA Manual. Find more information in Sect. 2.14, p. 41.
• Accessible Use of Color in Figures

  Created by APA - learn about the selecting color that is accessible to all readers.
• Figure Formatting

  Information about APA rules for setting up a figure.
• Sample Figures

  A variety of sample figures from APA.
• Table Format

  Information about APA rules for setting up a table.
• Sample Tables

  A variety of sample tables created by APA

Question Number 2:

Do I double-space my reference list, and if I do, do I add an extra space between references?

Answer

The reference list should be double spaced; however, there should not be an extra space between references.
 

More Information

For more information about formatting the reference list, see Sect. 2.12 on pages 39-40 and Section 9.43 on page 303 of the APA Manual, 7th edition.

Question Number 1:

What is APA style, and why do I need to use it?

Answer

APA style is a set of guidelines created to help writers express their ideas and researching clearly and consistently. APA style was created by the American Psychological Association and it is used in the social sciences, sciences, and health sciences. Specific programs that use APA at CSS include psychology, nursing, management, education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, project management, CIS, as well as other programs. Check with your program director or course instructor to see what citation style should be used in your courses. 

To assist you with writing in APA Style, the American Psychological Association published the APA Manual, 7th edition. This manual is available in the Library, and you can purchase it at any major bookstore and online. The manual outlines the guidelines and "rules" for writing in APA style. It also includes numerous examples, templates, and other resources to assist you in your writing.
 

 More Information

For more information about writing in APA Style, 7th edition, consult the APA Manual or contact a librarian for assistance. 

Question

What is a block quote, and how is it formatted?

Answer

A block quote is any quote that is 40 or more words. A block quote is formatted differently than a quote that is less than 40 words. 

• Begin the block quote on a new line.
• Indent the entire block quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
• If the block quote continues over several paragraphs, indent each new paragraph an additional 0.5 inches (a total of 1 inch from the left margin. 
• Do not put quotation marks around the block quote. The indentation sets the quote off and signals to the reader that it is a quote. 
• The block quote should be double spaced.
• Do not add additional spacing before or after the block quote.
• Include a narrative or parenthetical citation that includes the page or paragraph number. To include a narrative citation, begin by introducing the quote with the author's last name in the text and date in parentheses before the block quote. After the final punctuation of the block quote, include the page or paragraph number in parentheses.  To include a parenthetical citation, include the author, date, and page or paragraph number at the end of the quote after the final punctuation of the quote. 
• The ending punctuation of the quote should come immediately after the quote.
• Do not include a period after the parentheses of the page number (of the narrative citation) or the parenthetical citation. 
   

Example

Narrative Citation Example

According to Milton (2014),

The DMIS [Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity] continuum extends from ethnocentrism, the experience of one's own culture as "central to reality," to ethnorelativism, the experience of one's own and other cultures as "relative to context." Developmental movement is one way, permanent, and applicable to any defined as cultural difference, although there may be "retreats" from some positions. More or less familiarity with particular cultures does not change one's level of sensitivity, although it affects the breadth of competence on can enact. (para. 3)

Parenthetical Citation Example

The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity was summarized as follows:

The DMIS continuum extends from ethnocentrism, the experience of one's own culture as "central to reality," to ethnorelativism, the experience of one's own and other cultures as "relative to context." Developmental movement is one way, permanent, and applicable to any defined as cultural difference, although there may be "retreats" from some positions. More or less familiarity with particular cultures does not change one's level of sensitivity, although it affects the breadth of competence on can enact. (Milton, 2014, para. 3)
 

 More Information

For more information about block quotes, see Section 8.27 on pages 272-273 of the APA Manual, 7th edition.