what is a thesis in apa format

APA Style 6th Edition: Citing Your Sources

Basics of APA Formatting
In Text Quick View
Block Quotes
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Thesis/Dissertation

Standard Format

Various examples.

Conference Presentations
Course Documents
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Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
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Sample Reference Page

Dissertation or thesis available from a database service:

Author Surname, First Initial. Second Initial. (year of publication). Title of dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis). Retrieved from Name of database. (Accession or Order No.)

For an unpublished dissertation or thesis:

Author Surname, First Initial. Second Initial. (year of creation). Title of dissertation or thesis (Unpublished doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis). Name of Institution, Location.

Thesis, from a commercial database	Nicometo, D. N. (2015). (Order No. 1597712). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1717577238).
Dissertation, from an institutional database	Andrea, H. (2014). (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://etd.ohiolink.edu/
Unpublished master’s thesis	Curry, J. (2016). (Unpublished master’s thesis). Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, CA.

See Ch 7 pp. 207-208 APA Manual for more examples and formatting rules

Formatting:

Italicize the title
Identify whether source is doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis in parentheses after the title
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APA Formatting and Style (7th ed.)

What's New in the 7th ed.?
Principles of Plagiarism: An Overview
Basic Paper Formatting
Basic Paper Elements
Punctuation, Capitalization, Abbreviations, Apostrophes, Numbers, Plurals
Tables and Figures
Powerpoint Presentations
Reference Page Format
Periodicals (Journals, Magazines, Newspapers)
Books and Reference Works
Webpage on a Website
Discussion Post
Company Information & SWOT Analyses
Dissertations or Theses
ChatGPT and other AI Large Language Models
Online Images
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Missing Information
Two Authors
Three or More Authors
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Missing Author
Chat GPT and other AI Large Language Models
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APA Style 7th ed. Tutorials
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Reference Page Examples - Dissertations or Theses

Published Dissertation or Thesis
Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis

A dissertation or thesis is considered published when it is available from a database such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

If the database or archive requires users to log in before they can view the dissertation or thesis, meaning the url will not work for readers, end the reference with the database name., author, a. a. (year). title of dissertation (publication no. xxxxxxxxx). [doctoral dissertation or masters thesis, name of, institution that awarded the degree]. name of source i.e. proquest dissertations and theses global. url for, the dissertation or thesis., d'arcangelis, g. s. (2009). the bio scare: anthrax, smallpox, sars, flu and post-9/11 u.s. empire (order no., 3388146). [doctoral dissertation, university of california los angeles]. proquest dissertations and theses, global. , * ** remember: each source listed on the reference page must correspond to at least one in-text citation in the body of the paper; each in-text citation must correspond to a source listed on the reference page., when a dissertation or thesis is unpublished, include the description “[unpublished doctoral dissertation]” or “[unpublished master’s thesis]” in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title., in the source element of the reference, provide the name of the institution that awarded the degree., author, a. a. (year). title of dissertation [unpublished doctoral dissertation or unpublished, masters thesis], name of institution that awarded the degree. , johnson, b. (2005). balanced scorecard applications [unpublished master's thesis]. worthington university..

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Citation Help for APA, 7th Edition: Master's Thesis, Dissertation, or Capstone Project

Books & Ebooks
Book Chapter & Ebook Chapter
Conference Presentations
Course Resources (PowerPoint, Handouts, etc.)
Encyclopedia
Journal Article
Legal Materials
Magazine Article
Master's Thesis, Dissertation, or Capstone Project
Movies & Streaming Video
Newspaper Article
Personal Communication (email, interviews, lectures, course materials, etc.)
Webpages & Websites
Formatting Your Paper
In-text Citations
Ethically Use Sources

Introduction

In most cases, unpublished projects are those that are in print and available only from the degree-granting institution. On the other hand, published projects are those that are available in a database, a university archive, or a personal website.

Variations - URLs?

Some URLs may be long and complicated. APA 7th edition allows the use of shorter URLs. Shortened URLs can be created using any URL shortener service; however, if you choose to shorten the URL, you must double-check that the URL is functioning and brings the reader to the correct website.

Common URL Shortner websites include:

More Information

For more information about URLs, see Section 9.36 on page 300 of APA Manual, 7th edition.

NOTE: Check your instructor's preference about using short URLs. Some instructors may want the full URL.

Variations - DOIs?

Some DOIs may be long and complicated. APA 7th edition allows the use of shorter DOI numbers. Shortened DOIs can be located at the International DOI Foundations, shortDOI Service .

More Information:

For more information about DOIs, see Section 9.36 on page 300 of APA Manual, 7th edition.

NOTE: Check your instructor's preference for using short DOIs. Some instructors may want the full DOI.

Variations - Live Hyperlinks?

Should my urls be live.

It depends. When adding URLs to a paper or other work, first, be sure to include the full hyperlink. This includes the http:// or the https://. Additionally, consider where and how the paper or work will be published or read. If the work will only be read in print or as a Word doc or Google Doc, then the URLs should not be live (i.e., they are not blue or underlined). However, if the work will be published or read online, then APA advises to include live URLs. This would allow the reader to click on a link and go to the source.

For more information, see Section 9.35 on pages 299-300 of the APA Manual, 7th edition.

NOTE: Check your instructor's preference about using live URLs. Some instructors may not want you to use live URLs.

Print Master's Thesis, Dissertation, or Project

When creating references for dissertations, theses, and projects, you will need to determine the correct reference type to follow. Dissertations, theses, and projects are generally divided into two separate groups; those that are published and those that are unpublished. In most cases, unpublished projects are those that are in print and available only from the degree-granting institution.

Panasuk, K. N. (2008). What variables appear to work in stress management programs in the workplace and how effective are

these programs [Unpublished master’s final project]? The College of St. Scholastica.

Author: Panasuk, K. N.

Begin the reference with the author's last name first. then, add the initials for the first and middle names (if the middle name or middle initial is provided). add a period after each initial, and if there is a middle initial, add a space between the initials., year of publication: (2008)..

Next, in parentheses, list the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title verso page (back side of title page). Follow the parentheses with a period.

Title & Subtitle of the Book: What variables appear to work in stress management programs in the workplace and how effective are these programs [Unpublished master's final project]?

Next, add the title and subtitle of the master's thesis, dissertation, final applied project, or capstone. The title and subtitle are separated by a colon. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle and all proper nouns. Italicize the title and subtitle. Do not add a period immediately after the title. Instead, add brackets with the type of project (Master's project, doctoral dissertation, etc.) you are referencing. Before the type of project add "Unpublished". When choosing wording to describe the project, use the language the degree-granting institution uses to describe the project (e.g., Master's thesis, Doctoral dissertation, Final Applied Project, Capstone Project, Clinical Project, etc.). Add a period after the brackets. If the title has a question mark or exclamation mark, replace the period after the brackets with the proper punctuation mark used in the title.

Source Information: The College of St. Scholastica.

Complete the reference with the source information, which is the full name of the college or university awarding the degree. add a period after the institution's name. more information:.

For more information about master's theses, dissertations, or capstone projects, Section 10.6 on pages 333-334 in the APA Manual, 7th edition.

Parenthetical Citation Example:

(Panasuk, 2008)

Narrative Citation Example:

Panasuk (2008) identified ...

For more information about author format within parenthetical and narrative citations, see Section 8.17 and Table 8.1 on page 266 of the APA Manual, 7th edition.

Master's Thesis Published in a Commercial Database (like ProQuest Dissertations & Theses)

When creating references for dissertations, theses, and projects, you will need to determine the correct reference type to follow. Dissertations, theses, and projects are generally divided into two separate groups; those that are published and those that are unpublished. In most cases, published projects are those that are available in a database, a university archive, or a personal website.

Skallet, S. (2016). Environmental approval duration estimating model for improved linear energy construction project schedules (Publication No.

10125148) [Master's capstone project, The College of St. Scholastica]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.

Author: Skallet, S.

Begin the reference with the author's last name first. then, add the initials for the author's first and middle names (if a middle name or middle initial is provided). add a period after each initial, and if there is a middle initial, add a space between the initials. year of publication: (2016)..

Next, in parentheses, add the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title page verso (back side of title page). Follow the parentheses with a period.

Title & Subtitle of the Book: Environmental approval duration estimating model for improved linear energy construction project schedules (Publication No. 10125148) [Master's capstone project, The College of St. Scholastica].

Next, add the title and subtitle (if there is a subtitle) of the capstone, final applied project, thesis, or dissertation. Separate the title and subtitle with a colon. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle and all proper nouns. Italicize the title. Do NOT add a period after the title.

After the title, in parentheses, add the publication number (normally found in the record of the project within ProQuest). Before the publication number put "Publication No." Do NOT add a period after the parentheses.

After the publication number, add brackets with the type of project (Master's thesis, Master's capstone project, doctoral dissertation, etc.) you are referencing. Use the language described by the degree-granting institution to describe the project. Then, add a comma and the name of the institution. Add a period after the brackets.

Source Information: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Complete the reference with the commercial database where you found the masters thesis/project. end with a period. more information: .

For more information on Master's Theses/Projects, see Section 10.6 on pages 333-334 in the APA Manual, 7th edition.

(Skallet, 2016)

Skallet (2016) argued ...

Dissertation Published Online

Adame, A. (2019). Fully immersed, fully present: Examining the user experience through the multimodal presence scale and virtual reality gaming

variables [Master's thesis, California State University San Bernardino]. CSUSB ScholarWorks Electronic Theses, Projects, &

Dissertations. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/918/

Author: Adame, A.

Begin the reference with the author's last name first. Then, add the initials of the author's first and middle names (if a middle name or middle initial is provided). Add a period after each initial, and if there is a middle initial, add a space between the initials.

Year of Publication: (2019).

Next, in parentheses, add the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title verso page (back side of the title page). Follow the parentheses with a period.

Title & Subtitle of the Book: Fully immersed, fully present: Examining the user experience through the multimodal presence scale and virtual reality gaming variables [Master's thesis, California State University San Bernardino].

Next, add the title and subtitle (if there a subtitle present) of the thesis or project. Separate the title and subtitle with a colon. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle as well as proper nouns. Italicize the title and subtitle. Do NOT add a period after the title. Instead, after the title, add brackets with the type of project (Master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, etc.) you are referencing. Use the language described by the degree-granting institution to describe the project. Then, add a comma and the name of the institution. Add a period after the brackets.

Source Information: CSUSB ScholarWorks Electronic Theses, Projects, & Dissertations. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/918/

Complete the reference with the name of the website or archive where you found the project. After the name of the website or archive, add a period. Then, add the URL to the project.

For more information about Master's Theses or Projects, see Section 10.6 on page 333 and example 66 on page 334 in the APA Manual, 7th edition.

(Adame, 2019)

Adame (2019) distinguished between ...

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format

What is apa format, apa essay format basics.

Steps to Follow

Frequently Asked Questions

If your instructor has asked you to write an APA format essay, it might at first seem like a daunting task, especially if you are accustomed to using another style such as MLA or Chicago. But you can master the rules of APA essay format, too.

An essay is one type of paper that can be written in APA format; others include lab reports, experimental reports, and case studies. Before you begin, familiarize yourself with some of the basic guidelines for writing a paper in APA format. Of course, it will also be important to follow any other formatting instructions that are part of your assignment.

How do you write an essay in APA format? The basic elements you need to include are:

A title page
An abstract
An introduction, main body, and conclusion
A reference section
Proper APA formatting with regard to margins, layout, spacing, titles, and indentations

This article discusses how to write an essay in APA format, including the basic steps you should follow and tips for how to get started.

Whether you’re taking an introductory or graduate-level psychology class, chances are strong that you will have to write at least one paper during the course of the semester. In almost every case, you will need to write your paper in APA format, the official publication style of the American Psychological Association . It is also used for academic journals.

Such rules are generally the same whether you are writing a high school essay, college essay, or professional essay for publication.

APA format is used in a range of disciplines including psychology , education, and other social sciences. The format dictates presentation elements of your paper including spacing, margins, and how the content is structured.

Most instructors and publication editors have strict guidelines when it comes to how your format your writing. Not only does adhering to APA format allow readers to know what to expect from your paper, but it also means that your work will not lose critical points over minor formatting errors.

While the formatting requirements for your paper might vary depending on your instructor's directions, writing APA essay format means you will most likely need to include a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference sections.

Your APA format essay should have a title page . This title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school affiliation. In some instances, your teacher might require additional information such as the course title, instructor name, and the date.

The title of your paper should be concise and clearly describe what your paper is about.
Your title can extend to two lines, but it should be no longer than 12 words.

An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that immediately follows the title page. It is not required for student papers, according to APA style. However, your instructor may request one.

If you include an abstract , it should be no more than 100 to 200 words, although this may vary depending upon the instructor requirements.

Your essay should also include a reference list with all of the sources that were cited in your essay,

The reference section is located at the end of your paper.
References should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the author.
References should be double-spaced.
Any source that is cited in your paper should be included in your reference section.

When writing in APA essay format, the text will include the actual essay itself: The introduction, body, and conclusion.

There should be uniform margins of at least one inch at the top, bottom, left, and right sides of your essay.
The text should be in Times New Roman size 12 font or another serif typeface that is easily readable.
Your paper should be double-spaced.
Every page should include a page number in the top right corner.
The first word of each paragraph in your paper should be indented one-half inch.

For professional papers (usually not student papers), every page of the essay also includes a running head at the top left. The running head is a shortened form of the title, often the first few words, and should be no more than 50 characters (including spaces).

Steps to a Successful APA Format Essay

In addition to ensuring that you cite your sources properly and present information according to the rules of APA style, there are a number of things you can do to make the writing process a little bit easier.

Choose a Topic

Start by choosing a good topic to write about. Ideally, you want to select a subject that is specific enough to let you fully research and explore the topic, but not so specific that you have a hard time finding sources of information.

If you choose something too specific, you may find yourself with not enough to write about. If you choose something too general, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information.

Research Your Topic

Start doing research as early as possible. Begin by looking at some basic books and articles on your topic to help develop it further. What is the question you are going to answer with your essay? What approach will you take to the topic?

Once you are more familiar with the subject, create a preliminary source list of potential books, articles, essays, and studies that you may end up using in your essay.

Remember, any source used in your essay must be included in your reference section. Conversely, any source listed in your references must be cited somewhere in the body of your paper.

Write Your Rough Draft

With research in hand, you are ready to begin. Some people like to create an outline to organize their argument prior to drafting. You may want to start with a very rough outline, and then add details.

Once you have a detailed outline, the next step is to translate it from notes to complete sentences and paragraphs. Remember, this is a first draft. It doesn't have to be perfect.

As you write your paper in APA essay format, be sure to keep careful track of the sources that you cite.

How do you start an APA paper? Your paper should begin with an introduction that includes a thesis statement that presents your main ideas, points, or arguments. Your introduction should start on the third page of your paper (after the title page and abstract). The title of your paper should be centered, bolded, and typed in title case at the top of the page.

Review and Revise

After you have prepared a rough draft of your essay, it's time to revise, review, and prepare your final draft. In addition to making sure that your writing is cohesive and supported by your sources, you should also check carefully for typos, grammar errors, and possible formatting mistakes.

When citing information or quotations taken from an interview, APA format requires that you cite the source, how the information was collected, and the date of the interview. They should not be included in the reference section, however, because they are not something that can be located by a reader in any published source or searchable database.

Instead, the information should be cited parenthetically in the main body of the text. For example: “There was an increase in the number of college students who screened positive for depression/anxiety” (R. Heathfield, personal communication, May 9, 2021).

If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems , editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

According to APA format, a two-part essay is formatted the same as an essay, however, you'll need to create two title pages.

If you're including a short direct quote in your APA-format essay, you will need to cite the author, year of publication, and page number (p.) or page number span (pp.). Quotations longer than 40 words should omit the quotation marks and be put in the text using block quotation formatting, on its own line and indented 1/2 inch from the left margin.

The cover page or "title page" in APA essay format should always include the title of your paper, your name, and school affiliation as well as the course title, instructor name, and date, if requested by your teacher.

Nagda S. How to write a scientific abstract. J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2013;13(3):382-383. doi:10.1007/s13191-013-0299-x

American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

Explain the analysis of the college admission process
Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Knowledge Base
Dissertation
What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

Download Word template Download Google Docs template

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

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Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

Academic style
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See an example

The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

Your discipline
Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section , results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

Example thesis #1: “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

Your full title
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2024, April 16). What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis/

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APA Thesis Statement

Ai generator.

Crafting a compelling thesis statement is at the heart of any impactful research. When adhering to APA guidelines, striking the right balance between clarity, precision, and engagement becomes paramount. Delve into a curated collection of APA thesis statement examples, gain insights from a structured guide on how to write them, and arm yourself with practical tips to refine your craft. Embark on this academic journey, and elevate the essence of your research.

What is the APA Thesis Statement? – Definition

The APA thesis statement refers to a clear, concise sentence or two in an academic paper that presents the main point or argument of the paper. Though the American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for the entire paper, it doesn’t specify a unique format for the concise thesis statement . However, the thesis in an APA-style paper should follow standard conventions: be specific, assertive, and positioned at the end of the introduction section.

What is an Example of an APA Thesis Statement?

“In examining the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance, this study demonstrates that reduced hours of sleep lead to significant declines in attention span and memory recall among college students.”

This example follows APA conventions in its clarity and specificity, positioning the reader for the detailed research that follows.

100 APA Thesis Statement Examples

Size: 207 KB

An APA thesis statement succinctly encapsulates the main idea or argument in a research paper. Following APA guidelines, it is typically located at the end of the introductory section and should be clear, concise, and specific. To help you understand the diverse ways a specific thesis statement can be presented, here are 100 unique examples, categorized by their respective research topics.

Mental Health : “The study aims to explore the correlation between social media usage and increased levels of anxiety among teenagers.”
Climate Change : “This research investigates the direct impact of carbon emissions on global warming trends over the last two decades.”
Child Development : “Attachment styles in early childhood have significant long-term impacts on social and emotional well-being.”
Technology in Education : “The incorporation of digital tools in classrooms enhances interactive learning but also poses distractions.”
Corporate Social Responsibility : “Companies with robust CSR programs witness higher employee satisfaction and increased brand loyalty.”
Healthcare Policy : “Universal healthcare, while costly, is essential for creating a more equitable society.”
Artificial Intelligence : “The growing integration of AI in healthcare promises efficiency but also raises ethical concerns.”
Nutrition : “Plant-based diets contribute to higher energy levels and lower rates of chronic disease.”
Online Privacy : “The erosion of online privacy is directly correlated with the rise in identity theft cases.”
Immigration : “The economic contributions of immigrants outweigh the initial costs of their integration into American society.”
Cybersecurity : “Small businesses are disproportionately affected by cyberattacks due to a lack of robust security measures.”
Gun Control : “Stricter gun control laws have a direct impact on reducing instances of mass shootings.”
Telemedicine : “The rise of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has improved healthcare accessibility but exposed digital divide issues.”
Animal Rights : “Animal testing for cosmetics is both ethically and scientifically outdated.”
Literature and Gender : “The portrayal of women in 19th-century literature reflects the societal norms of their time, not their actual potential.”
Urban Planning : “Green spaces in urban settings contribute to improved mental health among residents.”
Political Polarization : “Social media algorithms contribute to the deepening of political polarization in America.”
Renewable Energy : “Investment in renewable energy sources is more cost-effective in the long run than continuing to rely on fossil fuels.”
Obesity : “The rise in childhood obesity is strongly linked with the decline in physical activity in schools.”
Feminism : “Third-wave feminism has broadened the scope of feminist discourse but also led to internal divisions.
Virtual Reality : “The adoption of virtual reality in education increases engagement, but questions of equitable access remain.”
Space Exploration : “The quest for Mars colonization reveals more about humanity’s survival instincts than our desire for discovery.”
Gig Economy : “While the gig economy offers flexibility, it often sacrifices workers’ rights and benefits.”
Bioethics : “CRISPR gene editing, while revolutionary, raises profound ethical issues about human evolution.”
Cultural Appropriation : “Borrowing elements from cultures, without understanding or respect, contributes to societal division.”
Ancient Civilizations : “The fall of the Roman Empire can be attributed as much to internal corruption as to external invasion.”
Modern Architecture : “Sustainable architectural practices are not just environmentally responsible but also cost-efficient in the long run.”
Euthanasia : “The right to die, with dignity, should be considered a fundamental human right, albeit with strong safeguards.”
Organic Farming : “Organic farming, while more labor-intensive, yields healthier produce and sustains soil health.”
Financial Literacy : “Introducing financial literacy in school curricula can significantly reduce future personal debt crises.”
Quantum Computing : “The advent of quantum computing promises to revolutionize industries but also threatens current cryptographic methods.”
Colonial Histories : “The lasting impacts of British colonialism are evident in modern-day economic and cultural disparities across former colonies.”
Meditation and Health : “Regular meditation not only reduces stress but can significantly improve cognitive abilities.”
Consumer Behavior : “Brands promoting sustainable practices witness a rise in millennial and Gen Z patronage.”
Performance Arts : “Modern theatre, in its digital adaptations, maintains its essence but risks losing intimate audience connection.”
Language Evolution : “The growth of internet slang accelerates the evolution of languages, but at the cost of linguistic purity.”
Antibiotic Resistance : “Overprescription of antibiotics in healthcare has accelerated the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.”
Holocaust Studies : “Denial of the Holocaust not only distorts history but also fuels hate ideologies.”
Dystopian Literature : “Dystopian novels of the 21st century reflect growing societal concerns about technology overpowering humanity.”
Ocean Pollution : “Plastic pollution in the oceans is not only a marine life hazard but also enters the human food chain through seafood.”
Digital Currencies : “Cryptocurrencies, while volatile, represent a significant shift in financial systems and decentralization.”
Aging Population : “An aging global population presents challenges in healthcare provision but also offers economic opportunities.”
Youth Activism : “Modern youth activism, amplified by social media, has reshaped political discourse but also confronts online polarization.”
E-learning : “E-learning offers accessibility and customization in education, but the lack of social interaction is a significant drawback.”
Museum Studies : “Digital exhibits in museums enhance reach but challenge traditional conceptions of artifact authenticity.”
Terrorism : “The root causes of global terrorism are as much socio-economic as they are religious or political.”
Wearable Tech : “Wearable health tech promises better patient monitoring but also raises concerns about data privacy.”
Human Rights : “The global rise in authoritarian regimes challenges the universality of human rights principles.”
Robotics : “The integration of robotics in industries increases efficiency but also exacerbates unemployment concerns.”
Fashion Industry : “The fashion industry’s shift towards sustainability is driven by consumer demand more than environmental concerns.”
Tourism : “Ecotourism, while beneficial for local economies, requires strict regulation to prevent ecosystem damage.”
Public Transportation : “Investments in public transportation not only reduce urban congestion but also contribute to a decline in carbon emissions.”
Alternative Medicine : “Alternative medicine practices, when integrated with conventional treatment, can lead to holistic patient care.”
Biodiversity : “The loss of biodiversity due to human activities threatens not just ecosystems but also global food security.”
Blockchain : “The blockchain, beyond cryptocurrencies, has the potential to revolutionize supply chains and voting systems.”
Mental Wellness : “Workplace environments that prioritize mental wellness report higher productivity and lower attrition rates.”
Video Gaming : “Video gaming can enhance cognitive abilities but can also lead to addictive behaviors if unchecked.”
Astronomy : “The study of exoplanets not only fuels interstellar travel ambitions but also broadens our understanding of life.”
Public Health : “Vaccination, beyond preventing diseases, plays a crucial role in maintaining global health security.”
Music Therapy : “Music therapy offers significant benefits in treating anxiety and depression without relying on medication.”
Animal Behavior : “Observing animal behavior in the wild, as opposed to captivity, offers more authentic insights into species characteristics.”
Nanotechnology : “The application of nanotechnology in medicine can revolutionize drug delivery and tissue repair.”
Gender Studies : “Gender fluidity challenges traditional binaries and requires a rethinking of societal norms and structures.”
Urban Farming : “Urban farming initiatives not only address food security but also enhance community bonding.”
Space Tourism : “While space tourism promises a new frontier for the wealthy, it poses significant ethical and environmental challenges.”
Child Psychology : “Exposure to screen time at early ages can affect cognitive development and attention spans in children.”
Modern Sculpture : “Sculpture in the digital age challenges traditional materials and embraces transient, dynamic forms.”
Neuroscience : “Neuroplasticity studies reveal the brain’s capacity for change and adaptation at any age.”
Historiography : “Post-colonial historiography is essential in challenging and rectifying biased historical narratives.”
Cyberbullying : “Cyberbullying has psychological impacts as severe as traditional bullying and requires comprehensive educational interventions.”
Astrophysics : “Dark matter, while elusive, plays a pivotal role in the universe’s structure and expansion.”
Sociolinguistics : “Regional dialects and accents play a significant role in shaping individual identities and cultural affiliations.”
Clean Energy : “Transitioning to clean energy not only addresses climate change but also promises economic opportunities in green sectors.”
Photojournalism : “Modern photojournalism, in the age of deep fakes, requires stringent verification processes to maintain credibility.”
Marine Biology : “Coral reef degradation has cascading impacts on marine biodiversity and human livelihoods.”
Financial Markets : “Global financial market stability is increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical events and requires multi-lateral safeguarding mechanisms.”
Zoology : “Cross-species disease transmission, such as in the case of zoonotic diseases, emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation.”
Social Media Trends : “Viral challenges on social media, while popular, often sideline concerns of safety and mental well-being.”
Cosmology : “Understanding the Big Bang Theory is fundamental to exploring the universe’s origins and its eventual fate.”
Criminal Psychology : “Profiling serial offenders relies heavily on understanding patterns and the psychological triggers of criminal behavior.”
Classical Music : “The revival of classical music in modern culture is driven by digital access and evolving interpretations.”
Forensic Science : “DNA evidence, while revolutionary, requires stringent collection and preservation protocols to prevent miscarriages of justice.”
Sports Medicine : “Concussions in contact sports have long-term neurological impacts that require comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.”
Veterinary Medicine : “The rise of pet-specific therapies reflects the evolving understanding of animal emotions and needs.”
Epidemiology : “Pandemic preparedness, beyond medical interventions, requires global cooperation and information transparency.”
Dance Therapy : “Dance therapy offers unique pathways to physical and emotional healing by bridging movement and emotion.”
Archaeology : “Recent underwater archaeological discoveries challenge traditional timelines of ancient civilizations.”
Behavioral Economics : “Consumer decisions are influenced more by emotional factors than rational cost-benefit analyses.”
Environmental Law : “Enforcing stringent environmental laws is imperative in the face of corporate pushback and lobbying.”
Bioinformatics : “Bioinformatics tools have accelerated drug discovery processes, making personalized medicine a tangible reality.”
Endangered Languages : “Preserving endangered languages is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity and global heritage.”
Paleontology : “Recent dinosaur fossil discoveries challenge traditional classifications and evolutionary timelines.”
Ornithology : “Urban bird species demonstrate remarkable adaptability and play a crucial role in local ecosystems.”
Entomology : “The decline in global bee populations threatens food security and underscores the importance of insect conservation.”
Data Privacy : “As smart home devices proliferate, concerns about data privacy and security become paramount.”
Digital Marketing : “Consumer trust in brands is heavily influenced by transparent and ethical digital marketing practices.”
Philanthropy : “Modern philanthropy is shifting towards sustainable community-building rather than mere monetary donations.”
Ethnography : “Modern ethnographic studies emphasize participatory observation to gain authentic cultural insights.”
Pharmacology : “The opioid crisis highlights the need for balanced pharmacological interventions and patient education.”
Aerodynamics : “The shift towards electric aircraft demands innovations in aerodynamic designs to ensure energy efficiency.

APA Thesis Statement Examples for Annotated Bibliography

Annotated bibliographies offer a synthesis of sources, and the thesis statement helps anchor the main theme being explored. These examples encapsulate focused arguments for diverse annotated bibliographies.

Evolution Theories : “This annotated bibliography delves into various theories of evolution, highlighting contrasting viewpoints and supporting evidence.”
Modern Poetry : “The compilation reviews poets of the 21st century, exploring themes of identity, politics, and nature in their works.”
Nuclear Energy : “This bibliography examines the pros and cons of nuclear energy, focusing on its environmental impacts and potential as an alternative fuel source.”
Child Nutrition : “Exploring global perspectives on child nutrition, this bibliography evaluates the influence of cultural, economic, and social factors.”
Elderly Care Models : “This collection provides insights into various elderly care models, highlighting their effectiveness and areas of improvement.”
Quantum Physics Discoveries : “The bibliography collates groundbreaking studies in quantum physics, detailing their implications on our understanding of the universe.”
Postmodern Literature : “This annotated list delves into the characteristics and major works of postmodern literature, exploring its departure from traditional narratives.”
Human-AI Interaction : “The bibliography evaluates the rapidly evolving dynamics of human-AI interactions, focusing on ethical, practical, and psychological aspects.”
Sustainable Farming : “This collection assesses sustainable farming techniques worldwide, emphasizing their environmental and economic impacts.”
Space Exploration Milestones : “The bibliography chronicles major milestones in space exploration, shedding light on achievements, challenges, and future prospects.”

APA Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

These necessitate a clear and focused thesis statement for research paper to guide the direction of study. These examples showcase distinct arguments suited for comprehensive exploration.

VR in Healthcare : “Virtual reality’s integration in healthcare settings has revolutionized patient therapy and medical training.”
Microplastics Impact : “Microplastics in our oceans pose a substantial threat to marine life and subsequently human health.”
Teacher Burnout : “The increasing rates of teacher burnout demand systemic educational reforms and enhanced institutional support.”
Economic Inequality : “Rising economic inequality in developed nations has roots in policy decisions, technological shifts, and globalization.”
Solar Power Advancements : “Recent advancements in solar power technology position it as a front-runner in sustainable energy solutions.”
Genetic Memory : “Exploring the concept of genetic memory challenges traditional understandings of inheritance and human experience.”
Telecommuting Trends : “The rise of telecommuting reshapes urban planning needs, corporate structures, and work-life balances.”
Bilingualism Benefits : “Bilingualism, beyond linguistic advantages, offers cognitive, social, and cultural benefits.”
Artificial Meat : “The development of lab-grown meat could revolutionize the food industry, offering environmental and ethical solutions.”
Psychedelic Therapy : “The controlled use of psychedelics holds promising potential for treating various mental health disorders.”

APA Style Thesis Statement Examples

APA style thesis statements emphasize clarity, precision, and a formal tone. These examples embody these principles while presenting a clear argument.

Mental Health Apps : “Mobile applications dedicated to mental health offer potential benefits but raise concerns regarding data privacy and efficacy.”
Urban Green Spaces : “Urban green spaces are not mere aesthetic additions; they significantly contribute to community well-being and environmental health.”
E-sports Popularity : “The exponential growth of e-sports hinges on technological advancements, cultural shifts, and its commercial viability.”
Language Acquisition : “The critical period hypothesis in language acquisition highlights the innate human capacity for linguistic adaptability.”
Antibiotic Resistance : “The global health threat of antibiotic resistance mandates urgent research into alternative treatment modalities.”
Blockchain in Banking : “The integration of blockchain in banking could redefine transparency, security, and transaction efficiency.”
Cognitive Load Theory : “Cognitive Load Theory offers vital insights for educational strategies, emphasizing the optimization of working memory.”
Exoplanet Exploration : “The search for exoplanets illuminates possibilities of extraterrestrial life and potential future human colonization.”
Gender Representation in Media : “Media’s gender representation shapes societal norms, perpetuating stereotypes or driving progressive change.”
Plant-Based Diets : “Adopting plant-based diets can significantly reduce carbon footprints and address pressing environmental concerns.”

APA Thesis Statement Examples for Assignment

Assignments, whether academic or professional, require concise and pointed thesis statements. These examples exemplify clarity and specificity for a range of topics.

5G Technology : “5G technology, while promising unprecedented connectivity speeds, brings forth challenges in infrastructure and health concerns.”
Migration Patterns : “Modern global migration patterns are influenced by geopolitical conflicts, economic disparities, and environmental challenges.”
Fintech Innovations : “Financial technology innovations are reshaping banking experiences, prioritizing user-centric design and real-time solutions.”
Ocean Acidification : “Ocean acidification, a lesser-known consequence of climate change, poses grave threats to marine biodiversity.”
Holistic Education : “Holistic education approaches prioritize the integration of emotional, social, and academic development.”
Nano-robotics in Medicine : “The frontier of nano-robotics in medicine promises targeted drug delivery but raises bioethical concerns.”
Urbanization Challenges : “Rapid urbanization in emerging economies necessitates sustainable infrastructure planning and social inclusivity.”
Minimalist Lifestyle : “The minimalist lifestyle movement counters consumerism, advocating for simplicity and intentionality in choices.”
Drones in Agriculture : “Drones are revolutionizing agriculture, enabling precision farming, and efficient resource management.”
Ancient Mathematics : “Ancient civilizations’ mathematical systems lay the groundwork for contemporary mathematical thought and practice.

APA 7th Edition Style Thesis Statement Examples

The 7th edition of the APA style emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and inclusivity. Crafting thesis statements under this guideline necessitates precision in language and a keen awareness of updated citation protocols. Here are 10 distinct examples, each tailored to demonstrate the characteristics of the APA 7th edition style.

Sustainable Fashion : “As the global fashion industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation, a shift towards sustainable practices becomes imperative for ecological preservation.”
Digital Humanities : “Exploring digital humanities reveals how technology is reshaping the interpretation and presentation of cultural artifacts.”
Geriatric Care : “The increasing global geriatric population necessitates reformed healthcare models that prioritize aging-related ailments and mental well-being.”
Microfinance : “Microfinance initiatives, while aiming to empower marginalized communities economically, must address inherent interest rate challenges to ensure genuine upliftment.”
Exoplanetary Science : “Research into exoplanetary atmospheres offers potential insights into the viability of extraterrestrial life.”
Culinary Arts and Culture : “The evolution of culinary arts reflects deep-rooted cultural narratives, revealing historical migrations and societal amalgamations.”
Quantum Teleportation : “Current advancements in quantum teleportation challenge traditional conceptions of information transfer, presenting revolutionary implications for secure communications.”
Oceanic Acoustics : “The study of acoustics in oceanic environments provides crucial insights into marine life communication and the potential impacts of human-made noise pollution.”
Intercultural Communication : “Effective intercultural communication in an increasingly globalized world requires comprehensive understanding and respect for diverse sociolinguistic cues.”
Pedagogical Innovations : “In the digital age, pedagogical innovations that incorporate experiential learning promote higher student engagement and retention.

Does APA have a thesis statement?

Yes, the APA (American Psychological Association) format does include guidelines for writing a thesis statement. However, the APA guidelines are more concerned with citation and formatting rather than content specifics like the formation of a thesis statement. Nevertheless, thesis statements are fundamental components of any academic work, and papers following APA guidelines are no exception. Within the context of the APA style, a thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, aligning with the style’s emphasis on straightforwardness and precision. Our MLA thesis statement is also worth a look at

What are the APA Guidelines for Writing a Thesis Statement?

While the APA (American Psychological Association) style primarily focuses on the formatting of documents and citations, it does provide some implicit guidance on crafting content, including thesis statements. The essence of the APA style revolves around clarity, precision, and a focus on evidence-based claims. Drawing from these general principles, here are some guidelines for writing a thesis statement in APA style:

Clarity and Conciseness : APA style emphasizes clear and concise communication. Your thesis statement should, therefore, get straight to the point without being wrapped in excessive verbiage or complex sentence structures.
Evidence-based Claims : APA style is rooted in empirical research. When making a claim in your thesis statement, it’s essential that the claim can be backed up with empirical evidence. If your statement alludes to specific research or data, be prepared to provide citations for that information in the body of your work.
Maintain Objectivity : The tone of your thesis statement should be objective. Avoid subjective language or first-person pronouns like “I believe” or “In my opinion.” Instead, present the statement as a factual, research-backed claim.
Specificity : A thesis statement should be specific, providing a clear direction for your paper. Avoid broad or overly general statements. Instead, hone in on a particular aspect of your topic that you plan to explore or argue.
Positioning : While this isn’t a strict APA rule, traditionally, in many academic papers, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction. This allows readers to grasp the context before being presented with the central claim.
Refrain from Questions : A thesis statement should be declarative, not interrogative. Instead of posing a question, your statement should assert a stance or claim.
Alignment with Research : Ensure that your thesis statement aligns with the research you present in your paper. There should be a clear thread connecting your statement to the evidence you provide in the body of your work.
Revision : Writing is a process. After crafting your thesis statement, be prepared to return to it after completing your paper to ensure that it still aligns with the content and provides a clear and concise summary of your research.

How do you write a thesis statement in APA format? – Step by Step Guide

Identify Your Research Topic : Before drafting your thesis statement, be clear about the main topic of your research. Understand the scope and relevance of your subject.
Formulate a Preliminary Question : Start by forming a question related to your topic. This helps to narrow down the focus and set the stage for your statement. For instance, if you’re researching sustainable fashion, a question might be, “How does sustainable fashion impact the environment?”
Write a Clear and Concise Statement : Convert your question into a clear and concise statement. Example: “Sustainable fashion significantly reduces environmental degradation.”
Position Your Statement : In APA papers, especially longer essays or dissertations, the thesis statement typically appears at the end of the introduction section. However, for shorter papers, it can directly follow the introduction sentence.
Ensure Specificity : An APA thesis statement should be specific. Avoid vague or overly broad statements. Instead of saying, “Food is crucial for health,” specify the type of food and its health benefits.
Revise and Refine : Once your statement is written, revisit it to ensure clarity, precision, and alignment with your research data. It’s common for a thesis statement to undergo several revisions before the final draft.
Cite Supporting Research : If your thesis statement is based on specific research or data, ensure you properly cite these sources in APA format. This adds credibility to your statement and adheres to the integrity standards of APA.

Tips for Crafting an APA Thesis Statement

Avoid Assumptions : Ensure your statement doesn’t assume information that isn’t yet established in the paper. Introduce and then assert.
Limit Ambiguity : Choose words that have precise meanings relevant to your topic. Avoid words that might have multiple interpretations.
Maintain Parallel Structure : This helps in readability and clarity. If you’re listing multiple ideas or claims, use a consistent grammatical form.
Stay Relevant to the Audience : Remember the intended readership of your paper. Frame your thesis in terms they would find clear and relevant.
Iterative Approach : As you dive deeper into your research, your understanding of the topic might evolve. Don’t hesitate to tweak the thesis to better encapsulate your findings.
Seek Peer Reviews : Sometimes, an outside perspective can help identify areas of improvement or clarity in your thesis statement.
Avoid Absolutes : Words like “always” or “never” can be hard to prove and may weaken your statement. Instead, opt for terms that suggest strong evidence without asserting absolute truths, unless you’re certain.
Use Action Words : Making your thesis statement dynamic can help draw the reader in. Use verbs that convey a sense of movement or transformation related to your research.
Limit Length : Even for complex topics, try to keep your thesis statement to one or two sentences. This ensures it remains punchy and easy to understand.
Stay Updated on APA Changes : While your main focus is content, it’s still essential to keep an eye on any updates or changes to the APA style guidelines to ensure your work remains compliant.

By incorporating these tips, you can enhance the effectiveness and clarity of your thesis statement, ensuring it aligns well with both your research and APA guidelines.

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APA Format for Students & Researchers

In this guide, students and researchers can learn the basics of creating a properly formatted research paper according to APA guidelines.

It includes information on how to conceptualize, outline, and format the basic structure of your paper, as well as practical tips on spelling, abbreviation, punctuation, and more. The guide concludes with a complete sample paper as well as a final checklist that writers can use to prepare their work for submission.

APA Paper Formatting Basics

All text should be double-spaced
Use one-inch margins on all sides
All paragraphs in the body are indented
Make sure that the title is centered on the page with your name and school/institution underneath
Use 12-point font throughout
All pages should be numbered in the upper right hand corner
The manual recommends using one space after most punctuation marks
A shortened version of the title (“running head”) should be placed in the upper left hand corner

Here’s a quick rundown of the contents of this guide on how to do APA format.

Information related to writing and organizing your paper:

Paper and essay categories

General paper length

Margin sizes
Title pages
Running Heads
APA Outline
APA Abstract
The body of papers
APA headings and subheadings
Use of graphics (tables and figures)

Writing style tips:

Proper tone.

Reducing bias and labels
Abbreviation do’s and don’ts
Punctuation
Number rules

Citing Your Sources:

Citing Sources
In-text Citations
Reference Page

Proofing Your Paper:

Final checklist
Submitting your project

APA Information:

What is APA
APA 7 Updates

What you won’t find in this guide: This guide provides information related to the formatting of your paper, as in guidelines related to spacing, margins, word choice, etc. While it provides a general overview of APA references, it does not provide instructions for how to cite in APA format.

For step-by-step instructions for citing books, journals, how to cite a website in APA format, information on an APA format bibliography, and more, refer to these other EasyBib guides:

APA citation (general reference guide)
APA In-text citation
APA article citation
APA book citation
APA citation website

Or, you can use our automatic generator. Our APA formatter helps to build your references for you. Yep, you read that correctly.

Writing and Organizing Your APA Paper in an Effective Way

This section of our guide focuses on proper paper length, how to format headings, spacing, and more! This information can be found in Chapter 2 of the official manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, pp. 29-67).

Categories of papers

Before getting into the nitty-gritty details related to APA research paper format, first determine the type of paper you’re about to embark on creating:

Empirical studies

Empirical studies take data from observations and experiments to generate research reports. It is different from other types of studies in that it isn’t based on theories or ideas, but on actual data.

Literature reviews

These papers analyze another individual’s work or a group of works. The purpose is to gather information about a current issue or problem and to communicate where we are today. It sheds light on issues and attempts to fill those gaps with suggestions for future research and methods.

Theoretical articles

These papers are somewhat similar to a literature reviews in that the author collects, examines, and shares information about a current issue or problem, by using others’ research. It is different from literature reviews in that it attempts to explain or solve a problem by coming up with a new theory. This theory is justified with valid evidence.

Methodological articles

These articles showcase new advances, or modifications to an existing practice, in a scientific method or procedure. The author has data or documentation to prove that their new method, or improvement to a method, is valid. Plenty of evidence is included in this type of article. In addition, the author explains the current method being used in addition to their own findings, in order to allow the reader to understand and modify their own current practices.

Case studies

Case studies present information related an individual, group, or larger set of individuals. These subjects are analyzed for a specific reason and the author reports on the method and conclusions from their study. The author may also make suggestions for future research, create possible theories, and/or determine a solution to a problem.

Since APA style format is used often in science fields, the belief is “less is more.” Make sure you’re able to get your points across in a clear and brief way. Be direct, clear, and professional. Try not to add fluff and unnecessary details into your paper or writing. This will keep the paper length shorter and more concise.

Margin sizes in APA Format

When it comes to margins, keep them consistent across the left, right, top, and bottom of the page. All four sides should be the same distance from the edge of the paper. It’s recommended to use at least one-inch margins around each side. It’s acceptable to use larger margins, but the margins should never be smaller than an inch.

Title pages in APA Format

The title page, or APA format cover page, is the first page of a paper or essay. Some teachers and professors do not require a title page, but some do. If you’re not sure if you should include one or not, ask your teacher. Some appreciate the page, which clearly displays the writer’s name and the title of the paper.

The APA format title page for student papers includes six main components:

the title of the APA format paper
names of all authors
institutional affiliation
course number and title
instructor’s name

Title pages for professional papers also require a running head; student papers do not.

Some instructors and professional publications also ask for an author’s note. If you’re required or would like to include an author’s note, place it below the institutional affiliation. Examples of information included in an author’s note include an ORCID iD number, a disclosure, and an acknowledgement.

Here are key guidelines to developing your title page:

The title of the paper should capture the main idea of the essay, but should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose. For example, instead of using the title “A Look at Amphibians From the Past,” title the paper “Amphibians From the Past.” Delete the unnecessary fluff!
Center the title on the page and place it about 3-4 lines from the top.
The title should be bolded, in title case, and the same font size as your other page text. Do not underline or italicize the title. Other text on the page should be plain (not bolded , underlined, or italicized ).
All text on the title page should be double-spaced. The APA format examples paper below displays proper spacing, so go take a look!
Do not include any titles in the author’s name such as Dr. or Ms. In contrast, for your instructor’s name, use the form they prefer (e.g., Sagar Parekh, PhD; Dr. Minako Asato; Professor Nathan Ian Brown; etc.).
The institutional affiliation is the school the author attends or the location where the author conducted the research.

In a hurry? Try the EasyBib title page maker to easily create a title page for free.

Sample of an APA format title page for a student paper:

Sample of title page for a professional paper:

Running heads in APA Format

The 7th edition of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (p. 37) states that running heads are not required for student papers unless requested by the instructor. Student papers still need a page number included in the upper right-hand corner of every page. The 6th edition required a running head for student papers, so be sure to confirm with your instructor which edition you should follow. Of note, this guide follows the 7th edition.

Running heads are required for professional papers (e.g., manuscripts submitted for publication). Read on for instructions on how to create them.

Are you wondering what is a “running head”? It’s basically a page header at the top of every page. To make this process easier, set your word processor to automatically add these components onto each page. You may want to look for “Header” in the features.

A running head/page header includes two pieces:

the title of the paper
page numbers.

Insert page numbers justified to the right-hand side of the APA format paper (do not put p. or pg. in front of the page numbers).

For all pages of the paper, including the APA format title page, include the “TITLE OF YOUR PAPER” justified to the left in capital letters (i.e., the running head). If your full title is long (over 50 characters), the running head title should be a shortened version.

Preparing outlines in APA Format

Outlines are extremely beneficial as they help writers stay organized, determine the scope of the research that needs to be included, and establish headings and subheadings.

There isn’t an official or recommended “APA format for outline” structure. It is up to the writer (if they choose to make use of an outline) to determine how to organize it and the characters to include. Some writers use a mix of roman numerals, numbers, and uppercase and lowercase letters.

Even though there isn’t a required or recommended APA format for an outline, we encourage writers to make use of one. Who wouldn’t want to put together a rough outline of their project? We promise you, an outline will help you stay on track.

Here’s our version of how APA format for outlines could look:

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for information on APA citation format and other related topics, check out our other comprehensive guides.

How to form an abstract in APA

An APA format abstract (p. 38) is a summary of a scholarly article or scientific study. Scholarly articles and studies are rather lengthy documents, and abstracts allow readers to first determine if they’d like to read an article in its entirety or not.

You may come across abstracts while researching a topic. Many databases display abstracts in the search results and often display them before showing the full text of an article or scientific study. It is important to create a high quality abstract that accurately communicates the purpose and goal of your paper, as readers will determine if it is worthy to continue reading or not.

Are you wondering if you need to create an abstract for your assignment? Usually, student papers do not require an abstract. Abstracts are not typically seen in class assignments, and are usually only included when submitting a paper for publication. Unless your teacher or professor asked for it, you probably don’t need to have one for your class assignment.

If you’re planning on submitting your paper to a journal for publication, first check the journal’s website to learn about abstract and APA paper format requirements.

Here are some helpful suggestions to create a dynamic abstract:

Abstracts are found on their own page, directly after the title or cover page.
Professional papers only (not student papers): Include the running head on the top of the page.
On the first line of the page, center the word “Abstract” (but do not include quotation marks).
On the following line, write a summary of the key points of your research. Your abstract summary is a way to introduce readers to your research topic, the questions that will be answered, the process you took, and any findings or conclusions you drew. Use concise, brief, informative language. You only have a few sentences to share the summary of your entire document, so be direct with your wording.
This summary should not be indented, but should be double-spaced and less than 250 words.
If applicable, help researchers find your work in databases by listing keywords from your paper after your summary. To do this, indent and type Keywords : in italics. Then list your keywords that stand out in your research. You can also include keyword strings that you think readers will type into the search box.
Active voice: The subjects reacted to the medication.
Passive voice: There was a reaction from the subjects taking the medication.
Instead of evaluating your project in the abstract, simply report what it contains.
If a large portion of your work includes the extension of someone else’s research, share this in the abstract and include the author’s last name and the year their work was released.

APA format example page:

Here’s an example of an abstract:

Visual design is a critical aspect of any web page or user interface, and its impact on a user’s experience has been studied extensively. Research has shown a positive correlation between a user’s perceived usability and a user’s assessment of visual design. Additionally, perceived web quality, which encompasses visual design, has a positive relationship with both initial and continued consumer purchase intention. However, visual design is often assessed using self-report scale, which are vulnerable to a few pitfalls. Because self-report questionnaires are often reliant on introspection and honesty, it is difficult to confidently rely on self-report questionnaires to make important decisions. This study aims to ensure the validity of a visual design assessment instrument (Visual Aesthetics of Websites Inventory: Short version) by examining its relationship with biometric (variables), like galvanic skin response, pupillometry, and fixation information. Our study looked at participants assessment of a webpage’s visual design, and compared it to their biometric responses while viewing the webpage. Overall, we found that both average fixation duration and pupil dilation differed when participants viewed web pages with lower visual design ratings compared to web pages with a higher visual design rating.

Keywords : usability, visual design, websites, eye tracking, pupillometry, self-report, VisAWI

The body of an APA paper

On the page after the title page (if a student paper) or the abstract (if a professional paper), begin with the body of the paper.

Most papers follow this format:

At the top of the page, add the page number in the upper right corner of all pages, including the title page.
On the next line write the title in bold font and center it. Do not underline or italicize it.
Begin with the introduction and indent the first line of the paragraph. All paragraphs in the body are indented.

Sample body for a student paper:

Most scientific or professional papers have additional sections and guidelines:

Start with the running head (title + page number). The heading title should be in capital letters. The abstract page should be page 2.
The introduction presents the problem and premise upon which the research was based. It goes into more detail about this problem than the abstract.
Begin a new section with the Method and use this word as the subtitle. Bold and center this subtitle. The Method section shows how the study was run and conducted. Be sure to describe the methods through which data was collected.
Begin a new section with the Results . Bold and center this subtitle. The Results section summarizes your data. Use charts and graphs to display this data.
Draw conclusions and support how your data led to these conclusions.
Discuss whether or not your hypothesis was confirmed or not supported by your results.
Determine the limitations of the study and next steps to improve research for future studies.

Sample body for a professional paper:

example apa format professional paper body

Keep in mind, APA citation format is much easier than you think, thanks to EasyBib.com. Try our automatic generator and watch how we create APA citation format references for you in just a few clicks. While you’re at it, take a peek at our other helpful guides, such as our APA reference page guide, to make sure you’re on track with your research papers.

Proper usage of headings & subheadings in APA Format

Headings (p. 47) serve an important purpose in research papers — they organize your paper and make it simple to locate different pieces of information. In addition, headings provide readers with a glimpse to the main idea, or content, they are about to read.

In APA format, there are five levels of headings, each with a different formatting:

This is the title of your paper
The title should be centered in the middle of the page
The title should be bolded
Use uppercase and lowercase letters where necessary (called title capitalization)
Place this heading against the left margin
Use bold letters
Use uppercase and lowercase letters where necessary
Place this heading against the left side margin
End the heading with a period
Indented in from the left margin

Following general formatting rules, all headings are double spaced and there are no extra lines or spaces between sections.

Here is a visual APA format template for levels of headings:

Use of graphics (tables and figures) in APA Format

If you’re looking to jazz up your project with any charts, tables, drawings, or images, there are certain APA format rules (pp. 195-250) to follow.

First and foremost, the only reason why any graphics should be added is to provide the reader with an easier way to see or read information, rather than typing it all out in the text.

Lots of numbers to discuss? Try organizing your information into a chart or table. Pie charts, bar graphs, coordinate planes, and line graphs are just a few ways to show numerical data, relationships between numbers, and many other types of information.

Instead of typing out long, drawn out descriptions, create a drawing or image. Many visual learners would appreciate the ability to look at an image to make sense of information.

Before you go ahead and place that graphic in your paper, here are a few key guidelines:

Follow them in the appropriate numerical order in which they appear in the text of your paper. Example : Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, Figure 3.
Example: Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, Figure 3
Only use graphics if they will supplement the material in your text. If they reinstate what you already have in your text, then it is not necessary to include a graphic.
Include enough wording in the graphic so that the reader is able to understand its meaning, even if it is isolated from the corresponding text. However, do not go overboard with adding a ton of wording in your graphic.
Left align tables and figures

In our APA format sample paper , you’ll find examples of tables after the references. You may also place tables and figures within the text just after it is mentioned.

Is there anything better than seeing a neatly organized data table? We think not! If you have tons of numbers or data to share, consider creating a table instead of typing out a wordy paragraph. Tables are pretty easy to whip up on Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

General format of a table should be:

Table number
Choose to type out your data OR create a table. As stated above, in APA format, you shouldn’t have the information typed out in your paper and also have a table showing the same exact information. Choose one or the other.
If you choose to create a table, discuss it very briefly in the text. Say something along the lines of, “Table 1 displays the amount of money used towards fighting Malaria.” Or, “Stomach cancer rates are displayed in Table 4.”
If you’re submitting your project for a class, place your table close to the text where it’s mentioned. If you’re submitting it to be published in a journal, most publishers prefer tables to be placed in the back. If you’re unsure where to place your tables, ask!
Include the table number first and at the top. Table 1 is the first table discussed in the paper. Table 2 is the next table mentioned, and so on. This should be in bold.
Add a title under the number. Create a brief, descriptive title. Capitalize the first letter for each important word. Italicize the title and place it under the table number.
Only use horizontal lines.
Limit use of cell shading.
Keep the font at 12-point size and use single or double spacing. If you use single spacing in one table, make sure all of the others use single spaces as well. Keep it consistent.
All headings should be centered.
In the first column (called the stub), center the heading, left-align the information underneath it (indent 0.15 inches if info is more than one line).
Information in other columns should be centered.
General . Information about the whole table.
Specific . Information targeted for a specific column, row, or cell.
Probability . Explains what certain table symbols mean. For example, asterisks, p values, etc.

Here’s an APA format example of a table:

We know putting together a table is pretty tricky. That’s why we’ve included not one, but a few tables on this page. Scroll down and look at the additional tables in the essay in APA format example found below.

Figures represent information in a visual way. They differ from tables in that they are visually appealing. Sure, tables, like the one above, can be visually appealing, but it’s the color, circles, arrows, boxes, or icons included that make a figure a “figure.”

There are many commonly used figures in papers. Examples APA Format:

Photographs
Hierarchy charts

General format of a figure is the same as tables. This means each should include:

Figure number

Use the same formatting tables use for the number, title, and note.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind when it comes to APA format for figures:

Only include a figure if it adds value to your paper. If it will truly help with understanding, include it!
Either include a figure OR write it all out in the text. Do not include the same information twice.
If a note is added, it should clearly explain the content of the figure. Include any reference information if it’s reproduced or adapted.

APA format sample of a figure:

Photographs:

We live in a world where we have tons of photographs available at our fingertips.

Photographs found through Google Images, social media, stock photos made available from subscription sites, and tons of other various online sources make obtaining photographs a breeze. We can even pull out our cell phones, and in just a few seconds, take pictures with our cameras.

Photographs are simple to find, and because of this, many students enjoy using them in their papers.

If you have a photograph you would like to include in your project, here are some guidelines from the American Psychological Association.

Create a reference for the photograph. Follow the guidelines under the table and figure sections above.
Do not use color photos. It is recommended to use black and white. Colors can change depending on the reader’s screen resolution. Using black and white ensures the reader will be able to view the image clearly. The only time it is recommended to use color photos is if you’re writing about color-specific things. For example, if you’re discussing the various shades of leaf coloration, you may want to include a few photographs of colorful leaves.
If there are sections of the photograph that are not related to your work, it is acceptable to crop them out. Cropping is also beneficial in that it helps the reader focus on the main item you’re discussing.
If you choose to include an image of a person you know, it would be respectful if you ask their permission before automatically including their photo in your paper. Some schools and universities post research papers online and some people prefer that their photos and information stay off the Internet.

B. Writing Style Tips

Writing a paper for scientific topics is much different than writing for English, literature, and other composition classes. Science papers are much more direct, clear, and concise. This section includes key suggestions, explains how to write in APA format, and includes other tidbits to keep in mind while formulating your research paper.

Verb usage in APA

Research experiments and observations rely on the creation and analysis of data to test hypotheses and come to conclusions. While sharing and explaining the methods and results of studies, science writers often use verbs.

When using verbs in writing, make sure that you continue to use them in the same tense throughout the section you’re writing. Further details are in the publication manual (p. 117).

Here’s an APA format example:

We tested the solution to identify the possible contaminants.

It wouldn’t make sense to add this sentence after the one above:

We tested the solution to identify the possible contaminants. Researchers often test solutions by placing them under a microscope.

Notice that the first sentence is in the past tense while the second sentence is in the present tense. This can be confusing for readers.

For verbs in scientific papers, the APA manual recommends using:

Past tense or present perfect tense for the explantation of the procedure
Past tense for the explanation of the results
Present tense for the explanation of the conclusion and future implications

If this is all a bit much, and you’re simply looking for help with your references, try the EasyBib.com APA format generator . Our APA formatter creates your references in just a few clicks. APA citation format is easier than you think thanks to our innovative, automatic tool.

Even though your writing will not have the same fluff and detail as other forms of writing, it should not be boring or dull to read. The Publication Manual suggests thinking about who will be the main reader of your work and to write in a way that educates them.

How to reduce bias & labels

The American Psychological Association strongly objects to any bias towards gender, racial groups, ages of individuals or subjects, disabilities, and sexual orientation (pp. 131-149). If you’re unsure whether your writing is free of bias and labels or not, have a few individuals read your work to determine if it’s acceptable.

Here are a few guidelines that the American Psychological Association suggests :

Only include information about an individual’s orientation or characteristic if it is important to the topic or study. Do not include information about individuals or labels if it is not necessary.
If writing about an individual’s characteristic or orientation, for essay APA format, make sure to put the person first. Instead of saying, “Diabetic patients,” say, “Patients who are diabetic.”
Instead of using narrow terms such as, “adolescents,” or “the elderly,” try to use broader terms such as, “participants,” and “subjects.”
“They” or “their” are acceptable gender-neutral pronouns to use.
Be mindful when using terms that end with “man” or “men” if they involve subjects who are female. For example, instead of using “Firemen,” use the term, “Firefighter.” In general, avoid ambiguity.
When referring to someone’s racial or ethnic identity, use the census category terms and capitalize the first letter. Also, avoid using the word, “minority,” as it can be interpreted as meaning less than or deficient. Instead, say “people of color” or “underrepresented groups.”
When describing subjects in APA format, use the words “girls” and “boys” for children who are under the age of 12. The terms, “young woman,” “young man,” “female adolescent,” and “male adolescent” are appropriate for subjects between 13-17 years old; “Men,” and “women,” for those older than 18. Use the term, “older adults.” for individuals who are older. “Elderly,” and “senior,” are not acceptable if used only as nouns. It is acceptable to use these terms if they’re used as adjectives.

Read through our example essay in APA format, found in section D, to see how we’ve reduced bias and labels.

Spelling in APA Format

In APA formatting, use the same spelling as words found in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (American English) (p. 161).
If the word you’re trying to spell is not found in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, a second resource is Webster’s Third New International Dictionary .
If attempting to properly spell words in the psychology field, consult the American Psychological Association’s Dictionary of Psychology

Thanks to helpful tools and features, such as the spell checker, in word processing programs, most of us think we have everything we need right in our document. However, quite a few helpful features are found elsewhere.

Where can you find a full grammar editor? Right here, on EasyBib.com. The EasyBib Plus paper checker scans your paper for spelling, but also for any conjunction , determiner, or adverb out of place. Try it out and unlock the magic of an edited paper.

Abbreviation do’s and don’ts in APA Format

Abbreviations can be tricky. You may be asking yourself, “Do I include periods between the letters?” “Are all letters capitalized?” “Do I need to write out the full name each and every time?” Not to worry, we’re breaking down the publication manual’s abbreviations (p. 172) for you here.

First and foremost, use abbreviations sparingly.

Too many and you’re left with a paper littered with capital letters mashed together. Plus, they don’t lend themselves to smooth and easy reading. Readers need to pause and comprehend the meaning of abbreviations and quite often stumble over them.

If the abbreviation is used less than three times in the paper, type it out each time. It would be pretty difficult to remember what an abbreviation or acronym stands for if you’re writing a lengthy paper.
If you decide to sprinkle in abbreviations, it is not necessary to include periods between the letters.
Example: While it may not affect a patient’s short-term memory (STM), it may affect their ability to comprehend new terms. Patients who experience STM loss while using the medication should discuss it with their doctor.
Example : AIDS
The weight in pounds exceeded what we previously thought.

Punctuation in APA Format

One space after most punctuation marks.

The manual recommends using one space after most punctuation marks, including punctuation at the end of a sentence (p. 154). It doesn’t hurt to double check with your teacher or professor to ask their preference since this rule was changed recently (in 2020).

The official APA format book was primarily created to aid individuals with submitting their paper for publication in a professional journal. Many schools adopt certain parts of the handbook and modify sections to match their preference. To see an example of an APA format research paper, with the spacing we believe is most commonly and acceptable to use, scroll down and see section D.

For more information related to the handbook, including frequently asked questions, and more, here’s further reading on the style

It’s often a heated debate among writers whether or not to use an Oxford comma (p. 155), but for this style, always use an Oxford comma. This type of comma is placed before the words AND and OR or in a series of three items.

Example of APA format for commas: The medication caused drowsiness, upset stomach, and fatigue.

Here’s another example: The subjects chose between cold, room temperature, or warm water.

Apostrophes

When writing a possessive singular noun, you should place the apostrophe before the s. For possessive plural nouns, the apostrophe is placed after the s.

Singular : Linda Morris’s jacket
Plural : The Morris’ house

Em dashes (long dash) are used to bring focus to a particular point or an aside. There are no spaces after these dashes (p. 157).

Use en dashes (short dash) in compound adjectives. Do not place a space before or after the dash. Here are a few examples:

custom-built
12-year-old

Number rules in APA Format

Science papers often include the use of numbers, usually displayed in data, tables, and experiment information. The golden rule to keep in mind is that numbers less than 10 are written out in text. If the number is more than 10, use numerals.

APA format examples:

14 kilograms
seven individuals
83 years old
Fourth grade

The golden rule for numbers has exceptions.

In APA formatting, use numerals if you are:

Showing numbers in a table or graph
4 divided by 2
6-month-olds

Use numbers written out as words if you are:

Ninety-two percent of teachers feel as though….
Hundred Years’ War
One-sixth of the students

Other APA formatting number rules to keep in mind:

World War II
Super Bowl LII
It’s 1980s, not 1980’s!

Additional number rules can be found in the publication manual (p. 178)

Need help with other writing topics? Our plagiarism checker is a great resource for anyone looking for writing help. Say goodbye to an out of place noun , preposition , or adjective, and hello to a fully edited paper.

Overview of APA references

While writing a research paper, it is always important to give credit and cite your sources; this lets you acknowledge others’ ideas and research you’ve used in your own work. Not doing so can be considered plagiarism , possibly leading to a failed grade or loss of a job.

APA style is one of the most commonly used citation styles used to prevent plagiarism. Here’s more on crediting sources . Let’s get this statement out of the way before you become confused: An APA format reference and an APA format citation are two different things! We understand that many teachers and professors use the terms as if they’re synonyms, but according to this specific style, they are two separate things, with different purposes, and styled differently.

A reference displays all of the information about the source — the title, the author’s name, the year it was published, the URL, all of it! References are placed on the final page of a research project.

Here’s an example of a reference:

Wynne-Jones, T. (2015). The emperor of any place . Candlewick Press.

An APA format citation is an APA format in-text citation. These are found within your paper, anytime a quote or paraphrase is included. They usually only include the name of the author and the date the source was published.

Here’s an example of one:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is even discussed in the book, The Emperor of Any Place . The main character, Evan, finds a mysterious diary on his father’s desk (the same desk his father died on, after suffering from a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy attack). Evan unlocks the truth to his father and grandfather’s past (Wynne-Jones, 2015).

Both of the ways to credit another individual’s work — in the text of a paper and also on the final page — are key to preventing plagiarism. A writer must use both types in a paper. If you cite something in the text, it must have a full reference on the final page of the project. Where there is one, there must be the other!

Now that you understand that, here’s some basic info regarding APA format references (pp. 281-309).

Each reference is organized, or structured, differently. It all depends on the source type. A book reference is structured one way, an APA journal is structured a different way, a newspaper article is another way. Yes, it’s probably frustrating that not all references are created equal and set up the same way. MLA works cited pages are unique in that every source type is formatted the same way. Unfortunately, this style is quite different.
Most references follow this general format:

Author’s Last name, First initial. Middle initial. (Year published). Title of source . URL.

Again, as stated in the above paragraph, you must look up the specific source type you’re using to find out the placement of the title, author’s name, year published, etc.

For more information on APA format for sources and how to reference specific types of sources, use the other guides on EasyBib.com. Here’s another useful site .

Looking for a full visual of a page of references? Scroll down and take a peek at our APA format essay example towards the bottom of this page. You’ll see a list of references and you can gain a sense of how they look.

Bonus: here’s a link to more about the fundamentals related to this particular style. If you want to brush up or catch up on the Modern Language Association’s style, here’s a great resource on how to cite websites in MLA .

In-text APA citation format

Did you find the perfect quote or piece of information to include in your project? Way to go! It’s always a nice feeling when we find that magical piece of data or info to include in our writing. You probably already know that you can’t just copy and paste it into your project, or type it in, without also providing credit to the original author.

Displaying where the original information came from is much easier than you think.Directly next to the quote or information you included, place the author’s name and the year nearby. This allows the reader of your work to see where the information originated.

APA allows for the use of two different forms of in-text citation, parenthetical and narrative Both forms of citation require two elements:

author’s name
year of publication

The only difference is the way that this information is presented to the reader.

Parenthetical citations are the more commonly seen form of in-text citations for academic work, in which both required reference elements are presented at the end of the sentence in parentheses. Example:

Harlem had many artists and musicians in the late 1920s (Belafonte, 2008).

Narrative citations allow the author to present one or both of the required reference elements inside of the running sentence, which prevents the text from being too repetitive or burdensome. When only one of the two reference elements is included in the sentence, the other is provided parenthetically. Example:

According to Belafonte (2008), Harlem was full of artists and musicians in the late 1920s.

If there are two authors listed in the source entry, then the parenthetical reference must list them both:

(Smith & Belafonte, 2008)

If there are three or more authors listed in the source entry, then the parenthetical reference can abbreviate with “et al.”, the latin abbreviation for “and others”:

(Smith et al., 2008)

The author’s names are structured differently if there is more than one author. Things will also look different if there isn’t an author at all (which is sometimes the case with website pages). For more information on APA citation format, check out this page on the topic: APA parenthetical citation and APA in-text citation . There is also more information in the official manual in chapter 8.

If it’s MLA in-text and parenthetical citations you’re looking for, we’ve got your covered there too! You might want to also check out his guide on parenthetical citing .

Would you benefit from having a tool that helps you easily generate citations that are in the text? Check out EasyBib Plus!

References page in APA Format

An APA format reference page is easier to create than you probably think. We go into detail on how to create this page on our APA reference page . We also have a guide for how to create an annotated bibliography in APA . But, if you’re simply looking for a brief overview of the reference page, we’ve got you covered here.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind when it comes to the references page in APA format:

This VIP page has its very own page. Start on a fresh, clean document (p. 303).
Center and bold the title “References” (do not include quotation marks, underline, or italicize this title).
Alphabetize and double-space ALL entries.
Use a readable font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Lucida (p. 44).
Every quote or piece of outside information included in the paper should be referenced and have an entry.
Even though it’s called a “reference page,” it can be longer than one page. If your references flow onto the next page, then that’s a-okay.
Only include the running head if it is required by your teacher or you’re writing a professional paper.

Sample reference page for a student paper:

Here’s another friendly reminder to use the EasyBib APA format generator (that comes with EasyBib Plus) to quickly and easily develop every single one of your references for you. Try it out! Our APA formatter is easy to use and ready to use 24/7.

Final APA Format Checklist

Prior to submitting your paper, check to make sure you have everything you need and everything in its place:

Did you credit all of the information and quotes you used in the body of your paper and show a matching full reference at the end of the paper? Remember, you need both! Need more information on how to credit other authors and sources? Check out our other guides, or use the EasyBib APA format generator to credit your sources quickly and easily. EasyBib.com also has more styles than just the one this page focuses on.
12-pt. Times New Roman
11-pt. Calibri, Arial, Georgia
10-pt. Lucida, Sans Unicode, Computer Modern
If you created an abstract, is it directly after the title page? Some teachers and professors do not require an abstract, so before you go ahead and include it, make sure it’s something he or she is expecting.
Professional paper — Did you include a running head on every single page of your project?
Student paper — Did you include page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of all your pages?
Are all headings, as in section or chapter titles, properly formatted? If you’re not sure, check section number 9.
Are all tables and figures aligned properly? Did you include notes and other important information directly below the table or figure? Include any information that will help the reader completely understand everything in the table or figure if it were to stand alone.
Are abbreviations used sparingly? Did you format them properly?
Is the entire document double spaced?
Are all numbers formatted properly? Check section 17, which is APA writing format for numbers.
Did you glance at the sample paper? Is your assignment structured similarly? Are all of the margins uniform?

Submitting Your APA Paper

Congratulations for making it this far! You’ve put a lot of effort into writing your paper and making sure the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. If you’re planning to submit your paper for a school assignment, make sure you review your teacher or professor’s procedures.

If you’re submitting your paper to a journal, you probably need to include a cover letter.

Most cover letters ask you to include:

The author’s contact information.
A statement to the editor that the paper is original.
If a similar paper exists elsewhere, notify the editor in the cover letter.

Once again, review the specific journal’s website for exact specifications for submission.

Okay, so you’re probably thinking you’re ready to hit send or print and submit your assignment. Can we offer one last suggestion? We promise it will only take a minute.

Consider running your paper through our handy dandy paper checker. It’s pretty simple.

Copy and paste or upload your paper into our checker. Within a minute, we’ll provide feedback on your spelling and grammar. If there’s a pronoun , interjection , or verb out of place, we’ll highlight it and offer suggestions for improvement. We’ll even take it a step further and point out any instances of possible plagiarism.

If it sounds too good to be true, then head on over to our innovative tool and give it a whirl. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

What is APA Format?

APA stands for the American Psychological Association . In this guide, you’ll find information related to “What is APA format?” in relation to writing and organizing your paper according to the American Psychological Association’s standards. Information on how to cite sources can be found on our APA citation page. The official American Psychological Association handbook was used as a reference for our guide and we’ve included page numbers from the manual throughout. However, this page is not associated with the association.

You’ll most likely use APA format if your paper is on a scientific topic. Many behavioral and social sciences use this organization’s standards and guidelines.

What are behavioral sciences? Behavioral sciences study human and animal behavior. They can include:

Cognitive Science
Neuroscience

What are social sciences? Social sciences focus on one specific aspect of human behavior, specifically social and cultural relationships. Social sciences can include:

Anthropology
Political Science
Human Geography
Archaeology
Linguistics

What’s New in the 7th Edition?

This citation style was created by the American Psychological Association. Its rules and guidelines can be found in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association . The information provided in the guide above follows the 6th edition (2009) of the manual. The 7th edition was published in 2020 and is the most recent version.

The 7th edition of the Publication Manual is in full color and includes 12 sections (compared to 8 sections in the 6th edition). In general, this new edition differentiates between professional and student papers, includes guidance with accessibility in mind, provides new examples to follow, and has updated guidelines.We’ve selected a few notable updates below, but for a full view of all of the 7th edition changes visit the style’s website linked here .

Paper title
Student name
Affiliation (e.g., school, department, etc.)
Course number and title
Course instructor
6th edition – Running head: SMARTPHONE EFFECTS ON ADOLESCENT SOCIALIZATION
7th edition – SMARTPHONE EFFECTS ON ADOLESCENT SOCIALIZATION
Pronouns . “They” can be used as a gender-neutral pronoun.
Bias-free language guidelines . There are updated and new sections on guidelines for this section. New sections address participation in research, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality.
Spacing after sentences. Add only a single space after end punctuation.
Tables and figures . The citing format is now streamlined so that both tables and figures should include a name and number above the table/figure, and a note underneath the table/figure.
6th ed. – (Ikemoto, Richardson, Murphy, Yoshida 2016)
7th ed. – (Ikemoto et al., 2016)
Citing books. The location of the publisher can be omitted. Also, e-books no longer need to mention the format (e.g., Kindle, etc.)
Example: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-019-0153-5
Using URLs. URLs no longer need to be prefaced by the words “Retrieved from.”

New citing information . There is new guidance on citing classroom or intranet resources, and oral traditions or traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples.

Visit our EasyBib Twitter feed to discover more citing tips, fun grammar facts, and the latest product updates.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) (2020). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

Published October 31, 2011. Updated May 14, 2020.

Written and edited by Michele Kirschenbaum and Elise Barbeau. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist and the in-house librarian at EasyBib.com. Elise Barbeau is the Citation Specialist at Chegg. She has worked in digital marketing, libraries, and publishing.

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

Annotated Bibliography
Block Quotes
et al Usage
Multiple Authors
Paraphrasing
Page Numbers
Parenthetical Citations
Sample Paper
View APA Guide

Citation Examples

Book Chapter
Journal Article
Magazine Article
Newspaper Article
Website (no author)
View all APA Examples

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We should not use “et al.” in APA reference list entries. If the number of authors in the source is up to and including 20, list all author names and use an ampersand (&) before the final author’s name. If the number of authors is more than 20, list the first 19 authors’ names followed by an ellipsis (but no ampersand), and then add the final author’s name. An example of author names in a reference entry having more than 20 authors is given below:

Author Surname1, F. M., Author Surname2, F. M., Author Surname3, F. M., Author Surname4, F. M., Author Surname5, F. M., Author Surname6, F. M., Author Surname7, F. M., Author Surname8, F. M., Author Surname9, F. M., Author Surname10, F. M., Author Surname11, F. M., Author Surname12, F. M., Author Surname13, F. M., Author Surname14, F. M., Author Surname15, F. M., Author Surname16, F. M., Author Surname17, F. M., Author Surname18, F. M., Author Surname19, F. M., . . . Last Author Surname, F. M. (Publication Year).

Alvarez, L. D., Peach, J. L., Rodriguez, J. F., Donald, L., Thomas, M., Aruck, A., Samy, K., Anthony, K., Ajey, M., Rodriguez, K. L., Katherine, K., Vincent, A., Pater, F., Somu, P., Pander, L., Berd, R., Fox, L., Anders, A., Kamala, W., . . . Nicole Jones, K. (2019).

Note that, unlike references with 2 to 20 author names, the symbol “&” is not used here before the last author’s name.

APA 7, released in October 2019, has some new updates. Here is a brief description of the updates made in APA 7.

Different types of papers and best practices are given in detail in Chapter 1.

How to format a student title page is explained in Chapter 2. Examples of a professional paper and a student paper are included.

Chapter 3 provides additional information on qualitative and mixed methods of research.

An update on writing style is included in Chapter 4.

In chapter 5, some best practices for writing with bias-free language are included.

Chapter 6 gives some updates on style elements including using a single space after a period, including a citation with an abbreviation, the treatment of numbers in abstracts, treatment for different types of lists, and the formatting of gene and protein names.

In Chapter 7, additional examples are given for tables and figures for different types of publications.

In Chapter 8, how to format quotations and how to paraphrase text are covered with additional examples. A simplified version of in-text citations is clearly illustrated.

Chapter 9 has many updates: listing all author names up to 20 authors, standardizing DOIs and URLs, and the formatting of an annotated bibliography.

Chapter 10 includes many examples with templates for all reference types. New rules covering the inclusion of the issue number for journals and the omission of publisher location from book references are provided. Explanations of how to cite YouTube videos, power point slides, and TED talks are included.

Chapter 11 includes many legal references for easy understanding.

Chapter 12 provides advice for authors on how to promote their papers.

For more information on some of the changes found in APA 7, check out this EasyBib article .

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How Should the Thesis Statement Appear in an APA-Style Paper?

Kenneth w. michael wills.

A thesis statement is the most important few sentences you will write in a thesis, research paper or any other essay that adheres to APA (American Psychological Association) format. In order to come up with your thesis statement and position it correctly in your paper, you will first need to settle on a topic and determine what kind of paper you are writing; then you will formulate the question that your paper addresses, prepare your thesis statement and position it in your paper in the appropriate format.

Explore this article

Select a Subject
Determine the Type of Paper You Will Write
Settle on a Question
Write and Position Your Thesis Statement
Positioning Your Thesis Statement

1 Select a Subject

You may have a topic assigned or you may find yourself responsible for coming up with your own topic for your paper; either way, you will need to narrow that topic down for your discussion. For example, if you need to write a thesis on “How the Home Environment Affects Child Development,” rather than trying to broadly cover such a large topic, you'll want to narrow that topic down to a particular aspect of the subject, such as the physical environment of the home.

2 Determine the Type of Paper You Will Write

There are three types of papers you can write for a thesis: analytical, expository and argumentative. An analytical paper evaluates a position or idea by analyzing it in parts or in whole; an expository paper seeks to explain a topic or educate an audience and an argumentative paper will take a position on a particular subject and back it up with evidence. Select the type of paper appropriate for your approach to the topic; for example, you may chose to write an expository paper on the physical environment of the home and its consequences on child development to introduce the concepts involved to an audience unfamiliar with the subject.

3 Settle on a Question

You will need to ask, and answer, a specific question in order to write your thesis statement. In order to do this, you need to either come up with a question you can answer, or one which you can demonstrate does not yet have an answer and why. In the example of a paper on the implications of the physical environment on child development, you might ask a question such as: “Which features of the physical environment in a home have negative consequences on child development?” Depending on your survey of the literature available on the subject, you may either answer this question directly with your thesis statement or explain why this question does not yet have a scientifically valid answer.

4 Write and Position Your Thesis Statement

The most important aspects of your thesis statement are clearly and succinctly stating the question that guided your paper, giving your audience a precise answer to this question and briefly outlining the scope of the paper. Your thesis statement will need to follow a format specific to the type of paper you are writing; for example, an analytical paper, your statement might read as follows:

“An analysis of available research on the physical environment identifies three factors that should concern parents and the physical environment to which they expose their children: noise levels, crowding and neighborhood quality.”

5 Positioning Your Thesis Statement

Once you compose your thesis statement, place the statement in the first paragraph of your paper; this to make your objective clear and well-defined. The thesis statement can either be the first few sentences of the paper or included as the final sentences in the first paragraph of your introduction. In APA format, this will be the first paragraph of your abstract.

1 Purdue Owl: Creating a Thesis Statement
2 Indiana University: Thesis Statements
3 Seton Hill University: Thesis Statements and How to Write Them
4 Halifx Regional School Board: Understanding and Writing Thesis Statements

About the Author

Kenneth W. Michael Wills is a writer on culture, society and business. With more than 15 years of experience in sales, public relations and written communications, Wills' passion is delighting audiences with invigorating perspectives and refreshing ideas. He has ghostwritten articles on a diverse range of topics for corporate websites and composed proposals for organizations seeking growth opportunities.

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Whether you're thinking about pursuing an advanced degree in education or are already in such a program, one thing you will need to be prepared for...

Writing a winning thesis or dissertation: guidance for an education graduate student.

Posted on July 31, 2024 on Graduate School , Seahawk Nation

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Whether you’re thinking about pursuing an advanced degree in education or are already in such a program, one thing you will need to be prepared for is writing a thesis or dissertation. In most graduate-level education programs, a thesis or dissertation is the culmination of years of challenging work, serving as your own independent research that marks the final step before earning your graduate degree.

If writing a dissertation or thesis sounds like a daunting task, it does not have to be. With a little preparation and some best practices in mind, you can approach writing a thesis or dissertation with confidence.

Understanding the Thesis and Dissertation Process

Before writing a thesis or dissertation, it’s important to understand their general scope and purpose, along with some key differences between a thesis and a dissertation. After all, while there are some similarities between the two, a dissertation and a thesis are not the same thing.

Defining the Scope and Purpose

The primary purpose of a thesis or dissertation in an education graduate program is for students to demonstrate what they have learned in their respective programs while applying their own research, theory, analysis and synthesis. Ultimately, the author of a thesis or dissertation should successfully contribute something new to the existing topic. In dissertations specifically, students may also be required to articulate, discuss and defend their research orally in front of professors or other faculty members. This oral defense is not required for a master’s thesis.

Differences Between Thesis and Dissertation

When it comes to writing a thesis or a dissertation, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are sometimes used interchangeably. That said, it is crucial to understand that these are two different things. Generally, a dissertation is primarily focused on filling a gap in existing literature or extending upon current research regarding a specific topic. The goal is to analyze literature to the point of saturation and determine where there is a need for further research. In a dissertation, a doctoral student will then explain where the problem exists given current research and develop a research study to explore or evaluate the problem, thus filling the gap and contributing meaningfully to the field.

On the other hand, a thesis is more of a presentation of information that’s already out there with no obligation to conduct additional research.

Choosing the Right Topic

One of the most important aspects of drafting a great thesis or dissertation begins with choosing the right topic. Here, it is paramount to select a topic that not only interests you but is relevant to your future professional goals and aspirations. After all, there’s a good chance you may use your thesis or dissertation as a basis for future work or further research.

Considering Current Research Trends

In selecting a topic, you will also want to consider current research trends in your field. What is trending in the realm of education and what could you contribute to existing research? There are research gaps or questions that remain unanswered about certain educational topics that could be addressed through your research.

Research and Proposal Development

In most graduate programs, you will need to write and present a research proposal before you can really get started on your thesis or dissertation. Most research proposals are reviewed and approved by a professor or other faculty.

Conducting a Literature Review

A literature review is to discover the research available on your research topic. This review should detail each source you plan to use in your own research with plenty of detail. More specifically, a literature review is a comprehensive summary of the current literature on a given topic that demonstrates the need for additional research to be conducted. Literature reviews comprise a major portion of a proposal, including a summary of each source as it relates to the need for additional research.

Finding Reliable Sources

Quality is vital when it comes to selecting literature for your research or literature review. Ideally, your literature review should include plenty of recent and reputable sources that come from academic journals, books, articles and even other dissertations.

Developing a Research Proposal

Once you have a better understanding for what is already out there, you can craft a research proposal that discusses your specific research topic, the current problem, the purpose behind your research, the methodology you plan to use and the relevant literature that further defends a need for your topic to be investigated.

Methodology Selection

An important part of your research proposal will be your methodology selection, which will explain exactly how you plan to go about your research. For example, will your research be qualitative, quantitative or a mix of both and why? How will the methodology you choose answer your research questions?

Writing and Structuring Your Thesis or Dissertation

After your research proposal is approved, you will have the green light to begin working on your thesis or dissertation. You will receive feedback or thesis guidance from the faculty member who reviewed your proposal. It is important to reflect on the feedback and make revisions as needed.

Creating an Outline

One of the most helpful things you can do as you get started with your dissertation or thesis is to create an outline. This allows you to develop the most critical aspects of your final project that include your thesis, your main points and other key details to ensure that they flow logically.

For reference, an outline for a dissertation will typically include the following:

Introduction of existing research
Review of literature
Conceptual framework
Methodology
Results or findings
Interpretations, conclusions or recommendations for future research

Structuring Arguments

In creating an outline, include designated sections for each of your main points with specific research, statistics, or other data to support it. This will ensure that your arguments are made clearly and that your thought process is clear.

Writing Tips and Strategies

Even if writing is not necessarily your strong suit, you will need to be able to put together a cohesive document for your thesis or dissertation. There are some basic strategies worth keeping in mind to help you get started.

First, it can be helpful to write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs last once you have completed all your research. While it might seem counterintuitive to do it this way, it can help set the tone for the rest of your writing. Likewise, this strategy ensures that you include your main points while preparing your readers for the information to come.

Additionally, meet with your advisor or faculty sponsor regularly to gain valuable feedback and keep your project on track.

Data Collection and Analysis

Whether you are writing a thesis or dissertation, you will need to do a fair amount of your own qualitative or quantitative research. It’s important to understand the various data collection methods available to you, plus the best practices for analyzing and interpreting data.

Choosing Data Collection Methods

There are two main types of data collection:

Quantitative data  - Refers to hard data that is numerical in nature, such as statistics and percentages.
Qualitative data  - Refers to information that is non-numerical, such as interviews and focus groups.
Mixed methods – Refer to a combination of both quantitative and qualitative data.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Once you have all the data you need to write your thesis or dissertation, the challenging part is often analyzing and interpreting the data to apply to your own research. The most important thing to keep in mind when looking at hard data is how it relates back to your research and specific research questions.

When working with quantitative data, it can also be helpful to look for specific trends and correlations that you can share in your research.

Reviewing and Editing Your Work

Once you have completed the first draft of your thesis or dissertation, the process of reviewing, revising and editing your work before submission is important to ensure that the document is free of errors and that it effectively communicates your main points to the reader.

Peer Review and Feedback

One of the best ways to improve upon the first draft of your dissertation or thesis is through peer review and feedback. By having others read your draft and provide feedback, you can gain some valuable insights into how your arguments are being interpreted. Even if the person you ask to read your draft is not familiar with the subject matter, they can still provide useful feedback on the organization of the information, structure and grammar/spelling.

Proofreading and Final Edits

It may take several rounds of revisions before your dissertation or thesis is approved. Even when you feel like the entire thing is ready to submit, it is important to complete another round of proofreading and editing to be sure that the entire document is polished and in the best shape possible. This includes not just running a basic spell check but taking the time to read your paper word for word.

Formatting Guidelines

In most education programs, you will be instructed to use the  American Psychological Association (APA) style when writing and formatting your thesis or dissertation. It is important to follow all formatting guidelines here, especially as they relate to citations or references.

Preparing for the Defense

In many doctorate programs and some graduate programs, students will also be expected to defend their dissertations in front of other scholars, usually professors or other faculty from the department. This process can be daunting, even for those who know their research well and have crafted thoughtful dissertations.

Crafting Your Presentation

In preparing for a dissertation defense, it is imperative to craft a presentation that covers the basics of your dissertation topic, how you researched it and what your findings were. Following your presentation, you can expect to be asked questions by those in attendance about your topic and other aspects of your research.

Practicing Your Defense

The best way to prepare for a dissertation defense is to practice as much as possible. This way, you will be prepared for the kinds of questions that may be asked, and you will feel a little more confident when completing your defense.

Mock Sessions

Mock defense sessions can be especially helpful for practicing your presentation and answering questions from a real crowd. Do not hesitate to ask your fellow students or even some trusted professors to practice with you to provide feedback or ask questions.

Handling Questions

One of the most difficult aspects of defending a dissertation is often answering questions from the audience. One important tip to keep in mind here is to prepare some answers in advance to some of the questions you think might be asked during your dissertation defense. This way, you will be completely prepared to knock these out of the park.

Ready to Pursue an Advanced Degree?

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into writing a dissertation or thesis as part of your graduate education program. With this dissertation guidance in mind, you will be prepared to craft and even defend your thesis or dissertation with success.

Still looking for the right graduate education program to suit your interests and professional goals? Keiser University is proud to offer a number of advanced degrees in education, including our  Master of Science in Education, Teaching and Learning  program. If you’re interested in earning your doctorate degree, we also offer a  Doctor of Education  and a  Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership .

Learn more about any of the graduate programs offered at Keiser University by  contacting a graduate admissions counselor today, or get started with your online application  for enrollment.

Diagnostic Skills for FNPs: Assessing and Diagnosing Common Conditions

Jessica Kircher

Sample Papers

This page contains sample papers formatted in seventh edition APA Style. The sample papers show the format that authors should use to submit a manuscript for publication in a professional journal and that students should use to submit a paper to an instructor for a course assignment. You can download the Word files to use as templates and edit them as needed for the purposes of your own papers.

Most guidelines in the Publication Manual apply to both professional manuscripts and student papers. However, there are specific guidelines for professional papers versus student papers, including professional and student title page formats. All authors should check with the person or entity to whom they are submitting their paper (e.g., publisher or instructor) for guidelines that are different from or in addition to those specified by APA Style.

Sample papers from the Publication Manual

The following two sample papers were published in annotated form in the Publication Manual and are reproduced here as PDFs for your ease of use. The annotations draw attention to content and formatting and provide the relevant sections of the Publication Manual (7th ed.) to consult for more information.

Student sample paper with annotations (PDF, 5MB)
Professional sample paper with annotations (PDF, 2.7MB)

We also offer these sample papers in Microsoft Word (.docx) format with the annotations as comments to the text.

Student sample paper with annotations as comments (DOCX, 42KB)
Professional sample paper with annotations as comments (DOCX, 103KB)

Finally, we offer these sample papers in Microsoft Word (.docx) format without the annotations.

Student sample paper without annotations (DOCX, 36KB)
Professional sample paper without annotations (DOCX, 96KB)

Sample professional paper templates by paper type

These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different professional paper types. Professional papers can contain many different elements depending on the nature of the work. Authors seeking publication should refer to the journal’s instructions for authors or manuscript submission guidelines for specific requirements and/or sections to include.

Literature review professional paper template (DOCX, 47KB)
Mixed methods professional paper template (DOCX, 68KB)
Qualitative professional paper template (DOCX, 72KB)
Quantitative professional paper template (DOCX, 77KB)
Review professional paper template (DOCX, 112KB)

Sample papers are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 2 and the Concise Guide Chapter 1

Related handouts

Heading Levels Template: Student Paper (PDF, 257KB)
Heading Levels Template: Professional Paper (PDF, 213KB)

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Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS)
APA Style Tutorials and Webinars
Handouts and Guides
Paper Format

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Sample student paper templates by paper type

These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different student paper types. Students may write the same types of papers as professional authors (e.g., quantitative studies, literature reviews) or other types of papers for course assignments (e.g., reaction or response papers, discussion posts), dissertations, and theses.

APA does not set formal requirements for the nature or contents of an APA Style student paper. Students should follow the guidelines and requirements of their instructor, department, and/or institution when writing papers. For instance, an abstract and keywords are not required for APA Style student papers, although an instructor may request them in student papers that are longer or more complex. Specific questions about a paper being written for a course assignment should be directed to the instructor or institution assigning the paper.

Discussion post student paper template (DOCX, 31KB)
Literature review student paper template (DOCX, 37KB)
Quantitative study student paper template (DOCX, 53KB)

Sample papers in real life

Although published articles differ in format from manuscripts submitted for publication or student papers (e.g., different line spacing, font, margins, and column format), articles published in APA journals provide excellent demonstrations of APA Style in action.

APA journals began publishing papers in seventh edition APA Style in 2020. Professional authors should check the author submission guidelines for the journal to which they want to submit their paper for any journal-specific style requirements.

Credits for sample professional paper templates

Quantitative professional paper template: Adapted from “Fake News, Fast and Slow: Deliberation Reduces Belief in False (but Not True) News Headlines,” by B. Bago, D. G. Rand, and G. Pennycook, 2020, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , 149 (8), pp. 1608–1613 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000729 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Qualitative professional paper template: Adapted from “‘My Smartphone Is an Extension of Myself’: A Holistic Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Using a Smartphone,” by L. J. Harkin and D. Kuss, 2020, Psychology of Popular Media , 10 (1), pp. 28–38 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000278 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Mixed methods professional paper template: Adapted from “‘I Am a Change Agent’: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Students’ Social Justice Value Orientation in an Undergraduate Community Psychology Course,” by D. X. Henderson, A. T. Majors, and M. Wright, 2019, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology , 7 (1), 68–80. ( https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000171 ). Copyright 2019 by the American Psychological Association.

Literature review professional paper template: Adapted from “Rethinking Emotions in the Context of Infants’ Prosocial Behavior: The Role of Interest and Positive Emotions,” by S. I. Hammond and J. K. Drummond, 2019, Developmental Psychology , 55 (9), pp. 1882–1888 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000685 ). Copyright 2019 by the American Psychological Association.

Review professional paper template: Adapted from “Joining the Conversation: Teaching Students to Think and Communicate Like Scholars,” by E. L. Parks, 2022, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology , 8 (1), pp. 70–78 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000193 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Credits for sample student paper templates

These papers came from real students who gave their permission to have them edited and posted by APA.

IMAGES

Apa Format Thesis Paper Sample
APA Formatting Guide for Essays and Dissertations
APA Citations for a Thesis or Dissertation
College essay: Apa thesis example
Apa format research paper guidelines
How to Write a Research Paper in APA Format

COMMENTS

Thesis/Dissertation
A guide to educating single mothers about early gang intervention and prevention (Unpublished master's thesis). Pacific Oaks College. Pacific Oaks College. See Ch. 10 pp. 313-352 of APA Manual for more examples and formatting rules
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Step 1: Start with a question. You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis, early in the writing process. As soon as you've decided on your essay topic, you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.
PDF APA Style Dissertation Guidelines: Formatting Your Dissertation
es. Keep all tables and figures within the margins of the page. If it is not possible to keep the table or figure within the margins, then place the table or figure on a separate page after the. and change the orientation of the page to landscape.AppendicesAppendices are always placed on separate pages at the very en.
APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)
Basic guidelines for formatting the reference list at the end of a standard APA research paper Author/Authors Rules for handling works by a single author or multiple authors that apply to all APA-style references in your reference list, regardless of the type of work (book, article, electronic resource, etc.)
Paper format
To format a paper in APA Style, writers can typically use the default settings and automatic formatting tools of their word-processing program or make only minor adjustments. Consistency in the order, structure, and format of a paper allows readers to focus on a paper's content rather than its presentation. To format a paper in APA Style ...
How to Cite a Dissertation in APA Style
In the square brackets, specify the type of dissertation or thesis and the university. As with other database sources, no URL or DOI is included. APA format. Author last name, Initials. ( Year ). Dissertation title (Publication No. Number) [ Type of dissertation/thesis, University Name ]. Database Name.
PDF How to Prepare your Dissertation in APA Style
In APA Style, you can use up to five . levels of headings, each with its own formatting style. In the table of contents, you should include all level 1 and 2 headings, left-aligned and formatted as plain text. Level 2 headings are indented. Including lower-level headings in the table of contents is optional. Add an additional indent for each level.
PDF Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition
Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5 in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. Page numbers: Put a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page or cover page, which is page 1. Student papers do not require a running head on any page.
PDF Publication Manual, 7th Edition Student Paper Checklist
This checklist corresponds to the writing and formatting guidelines described in full in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Refer to the following chapters for specific information: paper elements and format in Chapter 2. writing style and grammar in Chapter 4. bias-free language in Chapter 5.
Thesis/Dissertation
Provide guidance on the APA format style based on the 6th edition of the APA Publication Manual. Basics of APA Formatting; In Text Citations Toggle Dropdown. In Text Quick View ; Block Quotes ; ... Dissertation or thesis available from a database service: Author Surname, First Initial. Second Initial. (year of publication).
APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.)
Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr. Throughout your paper, you need to apply the following APA format guidelines: Set page margins to 1 inch on all sides. Double-space all text, including headings. Indent the first line of every paragraph 0.5 inches.
Dissertations or Theses
When a dissertation or thesis is unpublished, include the description "[Unpublished doctoral dissertation]" or "[Unpublished master's thesis]" in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title. In the source element of the reference, provide the name of the institution that awarded the degree. Pattern: Author, A. A. (year).
How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in APA
Citing a published dissertation or thesis from a database. If a thesis or dissertation has been published and is found on a database, then follow the structure below. It's similar to the format for an unpublished dissertation/thesis, but with a few differences: Structure: Author's last name, F. M. (Year published).
Citation Help for APA, 7th Edition: Master's Thesis, Dissertation, or
For more information about author format within parenthetical and narrative citations, see Section 8.17 and Table 8.1 on page 266 of the APA Manual, 7th edition. Master's Thesis Published in a Commercial Database (like ProQuest Dissertations & Theses)
APA Citations for a Thesis or Dissertation
How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in APA 7th Edition. The APA dissertation or thesis citation isn't a one size fits all type of citation. The reason behind this is because APA offers a different format for a published and unpublished thesis or dissertation. However, you'll need to include information like: Author, A. A. (Year).
APA Essay Format: How to Write a Successful APA Essay
If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems, editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.
Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips
An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an ...
What Is a Thesis?
Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
APA Style
The authority on APA Style and the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. Find tutorials, the APA Style Blog, how to format papers in APA Style, and other resources to help you improve your writing, master APA Style, and learn the conventions of scholarly publishing.
APA Thesis Statement
Though the American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for the entire paper, it doesn't specify a unique format for the concise thesis statement. However, the thesis in an APA-style paper should follow standard conventions: be specific, assertive, and positioned at the end of the introduction section.
APA Format: Everything You Need to Know Here
APA 7, released in October 2019, has some new updates. Here is a brief description of the updates made in APA 7. Different types of papers and best practices are given in detail in Chapter 1. How to format a student title page is explained in Chapter 2. Examples of a professional paper and a student paper are included.
How Should the Thesis Statement Appear in an APA-Style Paper?
A thesis statement is the most important few sentences you will write in a thesis, research paper or any other essay that adheres to APA (American Psychological Association) format. In order to come up with your thesis statement and position it correctly in your paper, you will first need to settle on a topic and ...
Writing a Winning Thesis or Dissertation: Guidance for an Education
Formatting Guidelines. In most education programs, you will be instructed to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style when writing and formatting your thesis or dissertation. It is important to follow all formatting guidelines here, especially as they relate to citations or references. Preparing for the Defense
Published Dissertation or Thesis References
The same format can be adapted for other published theses, including undergraduate theses, by changing the wording of the bracketed description as appropriate (e.g., "Undergraduate honors thesis"). Include a URL for the dissertation or thesis if the URL will resolve for readers (as shown in the Miranda and Zambrano-Vazquez examples).
Full article: What makes a Thesis by Publication? An international
Introduction. The thesis by publication format has grown in popularity across disciplines and institutions globally in recent years (Peacock, Citation 2017; Solli & Nygaard, Citation 2023).As a result, universities have increasingly introduced policies that attempt to clarify the expectations in terms of what can and cannot be included in doctoral theses (Mason et al., Citation 2024).
Sample papers
These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different student paper types. Students may write the same types of papers as professional authors (e.g., quantitative studies, literature reviews) or other types of papers for course assignments (e.g., reaction or response papers, discussion posts), dissertations, and theses.