This document provides guidelines for formatting a research paper according to APA style. It outlines the general structure and formatting requirements, including using standard paper size with 1-inch margins, double spacing, and Times New Roman 12-point font. The paper should include a title page with the title, author name, and university affiliation centered at the top, and a running head on every page. The main body requires the title centered at the top of the abstract page and the first line of paragraphs indented. The minimum sections are an abstract, main body, and references, though tables, figures and appendices are optional.

2. APA
Page Formatting or
Manuscript Style
Presentation by Michael Scanlon, Sheryl Scanlon,
and Kate Cottle

3. General Paper Formatting
Your paper should have the following
elements:
• Typed
• Double-spaced between lines
• Two spaces after punctuation between
sentences
( “APA Formatting and Style Guide,” 2013, slide 7)

4. General Paper Formatting
• Standard-sized paper (8.5”x11”)
• 1” margins on all sides
• 12 pt.,Times New Roman typeset and
font
( “APA Formatting and Style Guide,” 2013, slide 7)

5. General Paper Formatting
• Left justified running head on every page
• A shorted version of the title
• Right justified page number on every page
• 1st line of each paragraph indented ½” inch
• 5 to 7 spaces
( “APA Formatting and Style Guide,” 2013, slide 7)

6. AppendicesAppendices
Tables and FiguresTables and Figures
ReferencesReferences
Main BodyMain Body
AbstractAbstract
General Paper Formatting
Title pageTitle page
Your research paper should include, as
the minimum, three major sections
Abstracts,Tables, Figures, &
Appendices may be optional, BUT
check with your instructor regarding
including or excluding them
( “APA Formatting and Style Guide,”
2013, slide 8)

7. Paper Formatting:Title Page
Running head:
(InWord, use Insert Page Header or double
click in the page header area)
• Shortened title flush left
• Page number flush right
Title:
(Centered in the upper half of the page)
• Title of paper
• Author Name (no title or degree)
• University affiliation
( “APA Formatting and Style
Guide,” 2013, slide 9)

8. Paper Formatting: Abstract Page
Abstract
• Centered, at the top of the page
Brief (between 150 and 250 words)
summary of your paper in an accurate,
concise, and specific manner. Should
contain: at research topic, research
questions, participants, methods,
results, data analysis, and conclusions.
May also include possible implications
of your research and future work you
see connected with your findings. May
also include keywords.
( “APA Formatting and Style Guide,”
2013, slide 10)
• Do NOT include “Running head:”
• Just the shortened version of the
title
• Page number starts at 2

9. IfYou Have No Abstract
• Do NOT include “Running head:”
• Just the shortened version of
the title on the left
• Page number starts at 2 on the right
• With an abstract, this is page 3
Title
• Centered, at the top of the page
• Should Match theTitle Page
• First line of each paragraph is
indented
• Double spaced throughout

10. References
APA Formatting and Style Guide. (2013). [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/17/
Loren Ipsum. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.lipsum.com/feed/html