1

Using APA Format for Research

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research is for us to know the standards and key
guidelines in writing a research paper using the APA format. APA (American
Psychological Association) format is the format required in our university and
thus it is very important to understand and know how to use it. This paper is
more focused on the important guidelines in providing references and giving
proper

citations.

Knowing

how

to

give

proper

remarks

and

acknowledgements on the information we get and/or adopted from different

sources.

This paper contains guidelines on giving citations in APA format on

any references whether it is from books, articles, websites, etc. This paper
also gives insights on why following the APA format is important and not to
commit plagiarism. To have more deeper understanding on to how we can
properly give citations on our sources, examples of these guidelines as well
as sample research papers are also included.

APA Documentation in Research Papers (2015-2016)

Using APA Format for Research

The Purpose of Referencing/Documentation

A. to identify (cite) other peoples ideas and information used within
your essay or term paper, and
B. to indicate the sources of these citations in the References list at the
end of your paper.

APA Format
The APA format is only one of many methods of documentation. Details
about the format are found in

the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th

ed.) (at MRU Bookstore and MRU Library)

the APA Style Guide to Electronic References (6th ed.) (referred to in
this handout as Electronic Guide)
the APA website at http://apastyle.apa.org/ (including Frequently Asked
Questions [FAQ]) and the APA Style Blog

Avoiding Plagiarism Citation Principles for Essays and Term Papers

Within essays, term papers, and any other written assignments (as in all
academic work), you must identify (i.e., reference, document, cite) all

Using APA Format for Research

quotations, paraphrases, ideas, and images from someone elses work. You
must name the original author or source and surround quoted material with
quotation marks or set it in a block format as described in this handout (p.
2). Copying any material and submitting it as your own (plagiarism) is an
academic offence. Plagiarism may result in failure on the assignment and, in
some cases, expulsion from a course. For more information, see the Guide to
Avoiding Plagiarism and the section on Plagiarism & Cheating on p. 14 of
the MRU Student Conduct Guide at www.mtroyal.ca/codeofstudentconduct.

Referencing/Citing Sources Within Your Paper

Whenever you use a quotation from an author or summarize or paraphrase a
persons ideas or research, you must identify(reference/cite) the source. This
in-text citation is formatted with parentheses and shows

the last name of the author(s) of the work, unless already stated [APA
p. 174] or the first few words of the References list entry (usually the

title) if the author is not known [APA p. 176]

the year of publication or n.d. (no date) if the year is not known [APA

p. 185]

page number(s) if available (if not available, refer to p. 2 of this

handout) [APA pp. 170172]

Citing Short Quotations (fewer than 40 words)

Using APA Format for Research

Lee (2007) stated, The ability to think critically is

Authors name in your
needed in this revolutionary age of
text
technological change (p. 82).
OR
One researcher emphasized that the ability to think
Authors name in
critically is needed in this revolutionary age
parentheses ( )
of technological change (Lee, 2007, p. 82).

When you incorporate a direct quotation into a sentence, you must cite its
source.

NOTE: You must blend quotations into your own sentences. Begin with your
own words or start with the author/date and follow with the quoted material
(see examples above). When using the author said/stated format without the
word that, start the quotation with a capital letter.

Citing Long Quotations (40 or more words) [APA pp. 92, 170172]

Use a block format in which all lines of the quotation are indented
approximately inch from the margin.
Do not use quotation marks.

Using APA Format for Research

Wang, Johnston, Juarez, and Marks (2010) described effective time management as an
ongoing process:
Time management is not a skill that can be achieved at once; it takes self-awareness,
planning, execution, and reflection. The perception about time management is that
the work is done once a schedule is created. In reality, that is only the first step.
Successful students are adaptable and flexible; they are able to make changes to a
schedule because they can purposefully and proactively move tasks around to adjust
to new situations. (p. 27)
*period before the parentheses for long quotations

Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence and a colon.

Citing Summaries or Paraphrases [APA pp. 171, 174]

When you put information in your own words by summarizing or
paraphrasing, you must cite the original author. APA (2010) also recommends
you include a page or paragraph number to help an interested reader locate
the relevant passage (p. 171).
One researcher emphasized the necessity of flexibly applied thinking to cope with
rapidly changing technology (Lee, 2007, p. 82).
OR Lee (2007) emphasized that flexibly applied thinking is vital to cope with rapidly
changing technology (p. 82).

Citing Information If No Page Numbers Are Available [APA pp.

171172;

FAQ]

Using APA Format for Research

Electronic sources such as websites commonly have no page numbers, so

you cannot put a page number in the in-text citation. PDFs, however,
normally show original page numbers.

If the source has no page numbers but explicitly numbers the

paragraphs, you can include the paragraph number (s), preceded by the
abbreviation para. in the citation parentheses.

If the document has no page or paragraph numbers but does have

headings, use the heading (with capitals and no quotation marks) of
the section you are taking information from and then give the number
of the paragraph under it that contains the information you are
incorporating in your essay. The example below includes the complete
heading: Fostering Health Security.
According to the World Health Organization (2010), one of the greatest threats to
international health security arises from outbreaks of emerging and epidemic-prone
diseases (Fostering Health Security, para. 1).

If the heading is long, shorten it, keep capital letters, and put quotation
marks around it. The heading What is the Burden of
Alzheimers Disease in the United States? has been shortened to What
is the Burden? in the example below.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010) have pointed out that
Alzheimers disease is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United
States (What is the Burden?, para. 1).

Using APA Format for Research

If the source has no headings, count the paragraphs and include the
paragraph number in parentheses, e.g., (para. 7).
Citing a Source Found/Cited in Another Source [APA p. 178]
Often an author writes about research that someone else has done, but you
are unable to track down the original research report. For example, in your
paper you might include research described in your course textbook. In the
A 2000 review by Pithers found little empirical research on students critical
thinking (as cited in Lee, 2007, p. 83).

sample below, research done by Pithers is discussed in a journal article

written by Lee. Include only Lees article in your References list.

Citing References within Your Paper

The following examples demonstrate APA formatting for either

quotations or paraphrased information taken from a reference.

Type of
citation

1st time citing

a reference,
using
parentheses
format at the
end of your
sentence

2nd+
citation of a
reference,
using
parentheses
format at the
end of your
sentence

1st time citing

a reference
when authors
are named in
your sentence

2nd+
citation of
the
reference in
another
paragraph
with authors
named in your
sentence

Using APA Format for Research

One
author

Two
authors
Three to
five
authors
(All
subsequent
citations
use et al.)

-------- (Lee,
2007,
p. 82).
------- (Smith &
Jones, 2004, p.
93). (use &
between
names)

same format
as 1 st time

same format
as 1st time

Lee (2007)
stated, -------------- (p. 82).
Smith and Jones
(2004) found
that ----- (p.
93). (use and
between names)

same format
as 1st time

same format
as 1st time

---- (Simpson,
Stahl, & Francis,
2004, p. 10).

----------(Simpson et
al., 2004, p.
18). (uses et
al. format)

Simpson, Stahl,
and Francis
(2004) argued
that ----------- (p.
10).

As well,
Simpson et al.
(2004) found
------- (p. 18).
(uses et al.
format)

Six or more
authors

------------- (Kallai
et al., 2011, p.
121).

same format
as 1st time

Kallai et al.
(2011) said that
---------- (p.
121).

same format
as 1st time

Organizati
ons,
institution
s, etc. as
group
author

--------(TransCanada,
2006, p. 11).

same format
as 1st time

TransCanada
(2006) reported
that ------ (p. 11).

same format
as 1st time

Group
author, no
page
numbers
(use web
page
headings
and
paragraph
numbers)

-----------------(World Health
Organization
[WHO], 2010,
Fostering Health
Security, para.
1).
(Name of group
author and its
acronym are
written)

---------------(WHO, 2010,
Fostering
Health
Security,
para. 8).
(World
Health
Organization
is written as
an acronym
in
subsequent
citations)

World Health
Organization
(WHO, 2010)
found that
--------- (Fostering
Health Security,
para. 1).
(Name of group
author and its
acronym are
written)

WHO (2010)
reported on
the problem,
saying that
--------(Fostering
Health
Security, para.
8).
(World Health
Organization
is written as
an acronym in
subsequent
citations)

Using APA Format for Research

--------As well,
(Ancient
*The article
Ancient Tool
Tool, 2009,
Ancient Tool
Makers
p. 6). (Full
Makers
Discovered
title is
same format
Discovered Fire
Fire
Ancient Tool
as 1st time
Treatment
Treatment
Makers
(2009)
(2009)
Discovered
summarized ----- included
Fire
(p. 6).
discussion
Treatment)
of----- (p. 8).
*NOTE: When using the shortened title first in the citation, include the appropriate
capitalization, and use quotation marks for articles, chapters, or web page titles
and italics for books, reports, or brochures.
Buzan (n.d.)
No date
----------------same format
explained that
same format
available (use
(Buzan, n.d.,
as 1st time
-------------- (p.
as 1st time
n.d.)
p. 23).
23).
No author article (use
shortened title of
article in
quotation marks
in place of
authors last
name)

Sample Research Paper Paragraph with Citations

10

Using APA Format for Research

Integrating Research into Your Writing

Citing a quotation
and then
continuing with a
paraphrase from
the same source
later in the
sentence

Citing a quotation
used at the start
of a sentence, and
then continuing
with your own
words/ideas/
comments

The professors study explained that students who use

active listening techniques to stay engaged in a class lecture
demonstrated better marks on exams (Velasquez, 2011, p.
72); her report described the various strategies that
successful students use to mentally participate in the
learning process (p. 81).
OR
Velasquez (2011) explained that students who use active
listening techniques to stay engaged in a class lecture
demonstrated better marks on exams (p. 72); her report
described the various strategies that successful students use
to mentally participate in the learning process (p. 81).
He found that the results demonstrated that the first
variable (persistence) had the most effect on the outcome of
an exam (Twoyoungmen, 2010, p. 96), but the study lacked
sufficient detail.
OR
Twoyoungmen (2010) found that the results demonstrated
that the first variable (persistence) had the most effect on
the outcome of an exam (p. 96), but the study lacked
sufficient detail.

Creating Your Reference List

Start the references list on a separate page at the end of your paper
[APA p. 37]
Include only those sources you have cited in your paper [APA p. 180]
Exceptions are personal communications, classical religious works such
as the Bible or the Quran, and classical works. These do not appear in

the References list. [APA pp. 174, 178179]

Double-space the entire References list. Do not add an extra blank line
after the title. [APA p. 180]

11

Using APA Format for Research

Position the first line of each reference flush left, with subsequent lines

wrapping with a -inch (hanging) indent. [APA p. 180]

Organize the list in alphabetical order according to the first letter
beginning each entry. Usually, the authors last name is the first piece
of information in each entry. Use initials for the authors first/middle
names. [APA pp. 181183]

Explanation of References Listings: Pieces of the Puzzle

Accuracy is important! It helps the reader quickly find or get to a

particular source of information.

For references, determine the combination of formatting from one or
more examples on pages 710

that are the best fit. For example, you

might need to combine one author edition stated example (A2) with
book with 2 to 7 authors (A3). Work left to right through the sample

reference(s) to reproduce formatting details.

Retrieval dates for website information are only required if material
may be revised. For example, a website that is periodically updated
would require a retrieval date whereas a PDF document or newspaper
article would not. [APA p. 192]

The Parts of a Reference

12

Using APA Format for Research

Start your
reference list
on a new page
(no extra space
after title)
[APA p. 37]
Double-space
between lines
[APA p. 180]
Start each new
reference at
the left margin
[APA p. 180]
Put references
in alphabetical
order,
according to
the first letter
of the
reference
[APA pp.
181183]

Use a inch
hanging indent
for subsequent
lines of a
reference
Include only
the sources
cited in your
paper
[APA pp.
178180]

Use publisher
name only:
MacMillan
Publishers Ltd.
[APA p.187]
Break website
URL before
punctuation
such as / or [APA p. 192]

Reference Examples

13

Using APA Format for Research

Alberta Social Services and Community Health. (2005). Breaking the

pattern: Understanding wife abuse. Edmonton, Canada: Author.
Ancient tool makers discovered fire treatment. (2009, August 13). The
Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Arnold, A. (1985). Afghanistan: The Soviet invasion in perspective (Rev. ed.).
Retrieved from http://books.google.com/
Bennett, J. D., & Briggs, W. L. (n.d.). Statistical reasoning. In Scientific and
mathematical literacy for the modern world (2nd Custom ed., pp. 69132).

Toronto, Canada: Pearson Custom.

Brandt, F. (Producer), & Messina, P. F. (Director). (1995). Too smart for
strangers [Motion picture]. Burbank, CA:Walt Disney Home Video.
Buzan, T. (n.d.). Mind maps. Retrieved September 3, 2009, from
http://www.buzanworld.com/Mind_Maps.htm
Cell division. (2008). In E. Martin & R. Hine (Eds.), Dictionary of biology.
Retrieved from http://www.oxfordreference.com
Downing, L., Carter, J. C., & McManus, T. (2007). Students in our midst.
Toronto, Canada: Doubleday.
Family Counselling Centre. (2003). Dealing with a delinquent student
[Brochure]. Calgary, Canada: Author.

14

Using APA Format for Research

Fung, M. (2006, December 12). Asthma rates increasing. Winnipeg Free

Press, pp. C4, C7C8.

How to study effectively 8 concentration strategies. (2007). Retrieved

September 10, 2009, from http://studenthacks.org /2007/10/12/studyeffectively/
Kallai, J., Makany, T., Csatho, A., Karadi, K., Horvath, D., Kovacs-Labadi,
B., . . . Jacobs, J. W. (2007). Cognitive and affective aspects of thigmotaxis
strategy in humans. Behavioral Neuroscience, 121, 2130.

http://dx.doi.org /
10.1037/0735-7044.121.1.21
Klein, N. (2002). The new apartheid [Review of the book We are the poors:
Community struggles in post-apartheid South Africa, by A. Desai]. Nation,
275, 2528.

Lannon, J. M., & Klepp, D. (2008). Technical communication (4th Canadian

ed.). Toronto, Canada: Pearson Education.
Lee, K. (2007). Online collaborative case study learning. Journal of College
Reading and Learning, 37, 82100.

OBrien-Pallas, L., Hiroz, J., Cook, A., & Mildon, B. (2005). Nurse-physician
relationships: Solutions and recommendations for change. Retrieved from
http://www.ebrary.com

15

Using APA Format for Research

Simpson, M. L., Stahl, N. A., & Francis, M. A. (2004). Reading and learning
strategies: Recommendations for the 21st century. Journal of Developmental
Education, 28(2), 215,

32.
Smith, F. M., & Jones, W. (2004). The college student. In C. Wood & M. Meyer
(Eds.), Cross-cultural education (pp. 75-105). London, Canada: MacMillan.
Smith, G. (2012). Barthes on Jamie: Myth and the TV revolutionary. Journal
of Media Practice, 13,317.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1386/jmpr.13.1.3_1
TransCanada. (2006). Annual report. Retrieved from
http://www.transcanada.com/investor/annual_reports/2006/media/pdf/TransC
anada_2006_Annual_Report.pdf
Webber, S. (2007, July 11). Survey of plagiarism penalties [Blog post].
Retrieved from http://information-literacy.blogspot.com/2007/07/this-waspublished-last-month-tennant-p.html

16

Using APA Format for Research

Reference
Internet/Electronic Sources
MRUs Student Learning Services and Library. (2015-2016). APA
Documentation in Research Papers (2015-2016). Retrieved from
http://www.mtroyal.ca/library/files/citation/apa.pdf

17

Using APA Format for Research

Write-ups
There is more to APA format than just works cited. APA format, more officially
known as American Psychological Association, is one of two main
documentation styles used in the United States. This format is traditionally
used when writing natural or social sciences research papers. Since our
University, University of the Cordilleras requires us to use this format, it is
indeed necessary for us to learn these guidelines for it guides style, voice
and references for your paper.
APA format is used in research and / or thesis papers to organize contents,
achieve an active, first-person writing style and format in-text citations,
endnotes, footnotes and reference pages. General APA guidelines
recommend using 12 pt. Times New Roman font, including a page header at
the top of every page and including four main sections in your paper: the
title page, abstract, main body and references.
By using APA format in our paper, we provide readers with cues that allow
them to follow our ideas more efficiently. Using this standard format allows
your readers to focus on our ideas instead being distracted by unfamiliar text
and formats. The APA format shows that we are aware of our audience and
helps establish our credibility.

18

Using APA Format for Research

When writing in an APA format, we should use a certain style in our writing.
The APA format explains what point of view and voice to write from, how to
address clarity and conciseness and how to select certain words and terms.
Clarity and conciseness are essential for conveying research. It helps you
provide adequate information to our readers for following the development of
our study. APA format recommends that we use simple, plain language to
avoid confusing our meaning. Also, minimize figurative language and avoid
using rhyming schemes or poetic devices.
After spending hours, even days, researching and writing a paper, the last
thing we want is to be accused of plagiarism. The key to avoiding this is
giving credit where it is due. Any word or idea that originated from
somewhere else should be documented in yoour text following APA format.
This includes information we gain through an interview, copying a unique
phrase, using diagrams, charts or pictures or reusing media, audio, video or
images.