Writing in APA

Writing Your ResearchWriting Your Research
or Scholarly Paperor Scholarly Paper
Research MethodsResearch Methods
MBA 5652MBA 5652

Topics Covered in this PresentationTopics Covered in this Presentation
 Research/Scholarly Paper FormatResearch/Scholarly Paper Format
 APA RequirementsAPA Requirements
• FormatFormat
• In-text CitationsIn-text Citations
• Reference ListReference List
 The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing yourThe Do’s and Don’ts of Writing your
PaperPaper

Paper FormatPaper Format
Following APA GuidelinesFollowing APA Guidelines

Basic Outline of a Short ResearchBasic Outline of a Short Research
Research PaperResearch Paper
 Title PageTitle Page
 AbstractAbstract
 IntroductionIntroduction
• Statement of PurposeStatement of Purpose
or Thesis Statementor Thesis Statement
• Research questionsResearch questions
 Literature ReviewLiterature Review
 MethodologyMethodology
 Findings & Analysis ofFindings & Analysis of
FindingsFindings
 Conclusions &Conclusions &
RecommendationsRecommendations
 References CitedReferences Cited
 Appendices (ifAppendices (if
Scholarly PaperScholarly Paper
• Statement ofStatement of
Purpose or ThesisPurpose or Thesis
StatementStatement

Title PageTitle Page
•Font Size 12
•Centered Text
•All caps for title

Abstract: Usually Only Needed forAbstract: Usually Only Needed for
Longer (10+ Pages) PapersLonger (10+ Pages) Papers
•Font Size 12
•Double Spacing
•Single Paragraph
•Do not indent first line
•Short summary of the project

IntroductionIntroduction
•Font Size 12.
•Double Spacing.
•Indent Paragraphs
0.5”.
•Paper Title at the Top.
•Page Numbering in
Header.

AA Statement of PurposeStatement of Purpose OR aOR a ThesisThesis
StatementStatement should follow at the end of theshould follow at the end of the
Introduction SectionIntroduction Section
OR

Research Questions (ResearchResearch Questions (Research
Paper)Paper)
•Numbered Format.
•Phrased in the form of a question.
•Double-spaced with hanging indent.
•Follow the purpose or thesis statement.

Literature ReviewLiterature Review
•Properly cite all sources.
•Almost all sentences
should be referenced.
•Follow APA guidelines for
in-text citations.

Methodology (Research Paper)Methodology (Research Paper)
•Describe how you
conducted your
investigation.
•Describe the tools
(constructs) used during
the investigation.

Findings of the InvestigationFindings of the Investigation
(Research Paper)(Research Paper)
•Objectively state
the findings from
your study.
•Organize your
findings in the same
sequence of your
research questions.
•Use tables and
figures to more
clearly present your
data.

Analysis of Results (ResearchAnalysis of Results (Research
Paper)Paper)
•Objectively
interpret your
results.
•What do you think
your findings
mean?
•Did you discover
something new?
•Did your project
meet its stated
objectives?

ConclusionsConclusions
•Briefly restate your
purpose or thesis
statement.
•Briefly restate your
methodology.
•Briefly summarize
your key findings.
•Relate your
findings with the
literature.
•Provide your own
views of the
information.

Recommendations (If Any)Recommendations (If Any)
•Use numbered or
bullet format.
•Discuss future
research needs.
•Proffer how you
would make the
current situation
better based on
your results.
•Be creative!

List of ReferencesList of References
•Follow APA
guidelines for
format.
•Alphabetical
listing.
•0.5” hanging
indent.

Appendices (If Used)Appendices (If Used)
•Separate title
page for each
appendix.
•Center your
title on the
page.
•Number your
appendices A,
B, C, etc.

Components of a Short ResearchComponents of a Short Research
Research PaperResearch Paper
 AbstractAbstract
• Statement of PurposeStatement of Purpose
or Thesis Statementor Thesis Statement
• Research questionsResearch questions
 MethodologyMethodology
 Findings & Analysis ofFindings & Analysis of
FindingsFindings
 Appendices (ifAppendices (if
Scholarly PaperScholarly Paper
• Statement ofStatement of
Purpose or ThesisPurpose or Thesis
StatementStatement

Following APAFollowing APA
GuidelinesGuidelines
Format, In-text Citations,Format, In-text Citations,
Reference ListReference List

APA Format (1 of 2)APA Format (1 of 2)
 Double-space.Double-space.
 Paragraph indent 0.5 inches.Paragraph indent 0.5 inches.
 Do not add extra line betweenDo not add extra line between
paragraphs.paragraphs.
 Center your major headings.Center your major headings.
 Left margin your subordinateLeft margin your subordinate
headings.headings.
 Number your pages in the headerNumber your pages in the header
(right side).(right side).

APA Format (2 of 2)APA Format (2 of 2)
 Use Arial, Times Roman, Courier orUse Arial, Times Roman, Courier or
Century Gothic fonts.Century Gothic fonts.
 Font size 12 throughout the paper.Font size 12 throughout the paper.
 UseUse italicsitalics instead ofinstead of underlining.underlining.
 1 inch margins (top/bottom/sides).1 inch margins (top/bottom/sides).
 Use left margin justification.Use left margin justification.
 Use quotations ( “ “ ) for shortUse quotations ( “ “ ) for short
quotations (< 40 words).quotations (< 40 words).
 Use indented paragraphs without “ “Use indented paragraphs without “ “
for longer quotations (> 40 words).for longer quotations (> 40 words).

APA In-text CitationsAPA In-text Citations
 Jones (2003) reported that….Jones (2003) reported that….
 A recent study showed that…. (Jones, 2003).A recent study showed that…. (Jones, 2003).
 Smith and Harvey (2002) found that….Smith and Harvey (2002) found that….
 Other authors also reported that…. (Smith &Other authors also reported that…. (Smith &
Harvey, 2002).Harvey, 2002).
 Lee, Edwards, and Williams (2002) found that….Lee, Edwards, and Williams (2002) found that….
Lee et al. also reported that…. The authorsLee et al. also reported that…. The authors
recommended that…. (Lee et al., 2002).recommended that…. (Lee et al., 2002).
 Hardy (2001) stated, “The primary reason… “ (p.Hardy (2001) stated, “The primary reason… “ (p.
57).57).

An APA Reference ListAn APA Reference List
 The reference list provides readers the basicThe reference list provides readers the basic
information to access the sources you used toinformation to access the sources you used to
write your paper. Examples of common referencewrite your paper. Examples of common reference
types are given below. To view additionaltypes are given below. To view additional
reference guidelines and a sample reference list,reference guidelines and a sample reference list,
visitvisit
http://www.nutsandboltsguide.com/apa.html#referenhttp://www.nutsandboltsguide.com/apa.html#referen
..
 The reference list begins with the titleThe reference list begins with the title
“Reference” centered at the top of the page.“Reference” centered at the top of the page.
Sources are listed alphabetically by the author’sSources are listed alphabetically by the author’s
surname. The reference list also uses hangingsurname. The reference list also uses hanging
indents: the first line of each reference has noindents: the first line of each reference has no
indentation, and subsequent lines are indented aindentation, and subsequent lines are indented a
half-inch.half-inch.

APA Reference List: BooksAPA Reference List: Books
 Book (single author)Book (single author)
Smith, G. A. (2001).Smith, G. A. (2001). ISO 9000ISO 9000
standardsstandards. New York: Random. New York: Random
House.House.
 Book (two authors)Book (two authors)
Williams, B. A. & Jones, M. J.Williams, B. A. & Jones, M. J.
(2002).(2002). Meeting ISO 9000Meeting ISO 9000
guidelinesguidelines. Boulder, CO:. Boulder, CO:
WestviewWestview..

APA Reference List: JournalAPA Reference List: Journal
ArticlesArticles
 Journal article (single author)Journal article (single author)
Hardy, K. C. (2004). Finding the middleHardy, K. C. (2004). Finding the middle
ground in ISO 9000 compliance issues.ground in ISO 9000 compliance issues.
Journal of Quality ManagementJournal of Quality Management, 9(4),, 9(4),
8-10.8-10.
 Journal article (two authors)Journal article (two authors)
White, B. D., & Brown, A. K. (2004).White, B. D., & Brown, A. K. (2004).
TQM explained: A practical guide forTQM explained: A practical guide for
managers.managers. Journal of ManagementJournal of Management,,
23(3), 14-23.23(3), 14-23.

APA Reference List for InternetAPA Reference List for Internet
SourcesSources
Bachmann, J. (2002). Competitive strategy: its O.K. to beBachmann, J. (2002). Competitive strategy: its O.K. to be
different.different. Academy of Management Executive,Academy of Management Executive, 16 (2), 61-16 (2), 61-
65. Retrieved March 21, 2003, from WilsonSelect65. Retrieved March 21, 2003, from WilsonSelect
Database.Database.
Imperato, G. (1996). Gene Pool, Talent Pool: Hiring is all inImperato, G. (1996). Gene Pool, Talent Pool: Hiring is all in
the family.the family. Fast Company.Fast Company. Retrieved March 21,2003, fromRetrieved March 21,2003, from
http://pf.fastcompany.com/online/04/hiring4.htmlhttp://pf.fastcompany.com/online/04/hiring4.html..
Labich, K. (1994). Is Herb Kelleher America’s best CEO?Labich, K. (1994). Is Herb Kelleher America’s best CEO?
Fortune Magazine.Fortune Magazine. Retrieved March 15, 2003, fromRetrieved March 15, 2003, from
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/information/permissions/pdf/hehttp://www.fortune.com/fortune/information/permissions/pdf/he
McCathy, M. (2001). Southwest ads’ quick return works.McCathy, M. (2001). Southwest ads’ quick return works. USAUSA
Today.Today. Retrieved March 8, 2003, fromRetrieved March 8, 2003, from
http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/adtrack/20http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/adtrack/20
01-11-26-ad-track-southwest.htm01-11-26-ad-track-southwest.htm

On-line Help with APAOn-line Help with APA
 The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing:The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing:
http://www.nutsandboltsguide.com/apa.htmlhttp://www.nutsandboltsguide.com/apa.html
(Excellent APA site that includes detailed examples)(Excellent APA site that includes detailed examples)
 A Sample Paper and Guidelines:A Sample Paper and Guidelines:
http://valencia.cc.fl.us/lrcwest/apapaper.htmlhttp://valencia.cc.fl.us/lrcwest/apapaper.html
 Comprehensive Writing Site by Purdue University:Comprehensive Writing Site by Purdue University:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.hthttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.ht
ml#otherml#other
 How document and site sources (including online sources):How document and site sources (including online sources):
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.htmlhttp://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html
 In-Text Citations (Parenthetical Citations):In-Text Citations (Parenthetical Citations):
http://webster.commnet.edu/apa/apa_parenthetical.htmhttp://webster.commnet.edu/apa/apa_parenthetical.htm

The Do’s and Don'ts ofThe Do’s and Don'ts of
Research and ScholarlyResearch and Scholarly
PapersPapers
Following the requirementsFollowing the requirements
and APA formatand APA format

Font SizeFont Size
 DoDo: Use 12pt font size throughout: Use 12pt font size throughout
the paperthe paper
 Don'tDon't: Change font size with: Change font size with
titles and section headerstitles and section headers
YES!
NO!

Citing SourcesCiting Sources
 DoDo: Cite all information and you write: Cite all information and you write
each paragraph.each paragraph.
 Don'tDon't: Wait until the end of the: Wait until the end of the
paragraph to cite sources.paragraph to cite sources.
YES!
NO!

Quoting SourcesQuoting Sources
 DoDo: Use a few direct quotes from: Use a few direct quotes from
sources, but only if they directly relate tosources, but only if they directly relate to
your subject.your subject.
 Don'tDon't: Fill up your paper with a series: Fill up your paper with a series
of long quotes.of long quotes.
YES!
NO!

Paragraph FormatParagraph Format
 DoDo: Indent 1: Indent 1stst
line by 0.5 inches, doubleline by 0.5 inches, double
space lines, and left justify the margins.space lines, and left justify the margins.
 Don'tDon't: Center or right justify margins.: Center or right justify margins.
YES!
NO!

Line SpacingLine Spacing
 DoDo: Double-space your lines.: Double-space your lines.
 Don'tDon't: Put an extra line between: Put an extra line between
paragraphs.paragraphs.
YES!
NO!

Table of ContentsTable of Contents
 DoDo: If used for longer papers, put in: If used for longer papers, put in
proper format.proper format.
 Don'tDon't: Use for short papers and not: Use for short papers and not
have in proper format.have in proper format.
YES!
NO!

Internet InformationInternet Information
 DoDo: Use information from the internet: Use information from the internet
that is directly related to your project.that is directly related to your project.
 Don'tDon't: Copy/paste pictures, charts,: Copy/paste pictures, charts,
logos, etc. from the internet just to filllogos, etc. from the internet just to fill
up space.up space.
YES!
NO!

In-Text Citation FormatIn-Text Citation Format
 DoDo: Use APA format for in-text citations.: Use APA format for in-text citations.
 Don'tDon't: Use footnotes or endnotes: Use footnotes or endnotes
instead of APA in-text citation format.instead of APA in-text citation format.
YES!
NO!

Reference ListReference List
 DoDo: Follow APA format for your reference: Follow APA format for your reference
list.list.
 Don'tDon't: Use other formats for the: Use other formats for the
reference list.reference list.
YES!
NO!

PlagiarismPlagiarism
A Zero Tolerance PolicyA Zero Tolerance Policy

PlagiarismPlagiarism
 Plagiarism is using someone else’s words or ideasPlagiarism is using someone else’s words or ideas
and representing them as your own withoutand representing them as your own without
giving due credit to your source of information.giving due credit to your source of information.
This includes copying word-for-word from a book,This includes copying word-for-word from a book,
magazine, newspaper, website, or any othermagazine, newspaper, website, or any other
source without giving credit to that source.source without giving credit to that source.
 If you incorporate into your paper the writings ofIf you incorporate into your paper the writings of
other author, you must put this text in quotationother author, you must put this text in quotation
marks, if directly quoted, and cite your source(s).marks, if directly quoted, and cite your source(s).
Provide citations when using the ideas of otherProvide citations when using the ideas of other
authors, even if those ideas are paraphrased orauthors, even if those ideas are paraphrased or
summarized in your own words.summarized in your own words.

Intentional PlagiarismIntentional Plagiarism
 Intentional plagiarismIntentional plagiarism is deliberateis deliberate
cheating and includes, but is notcheating and includes, but is not
limited to the below:limited to the below:
• Downloading a free research paperDownloading a free research paper
• Buying a paper from a commercialBuying a paper from a commercial
paper millpaper mill
• Faking a citation.Faking a citation.
• Submitting a paper written by someoneSubmitting a paper written by someone
else.else.

Unintentional PlagiarismUnintentional Plagiarism
 Unintentional plagiarismUnintentional plagiarism can occur when acan occur when a
writer commits the following acts:writer commits the following acts:
• Copying an article from the Web or an onlineCopying an article from the Web or an online
or electronic database without citing theor electronic database without citing the
source;source;
• Copying an article or a paper from any sourceCopying an article or a paper from any source
without citing the source;without citing the source;
• Cutting and pasting to create a paper fromCutting and pasting to create a paper from
several sources (“assembly-kit” papers)several sources (“assembly-kit” papers)
without citing them;without citing them;
• Quoting less than all the words copied from aQuoting less than all the words copied from a
source (even if you cite it).source (even if you cite it).

SummarySummary
Your Research or ScholarlyYour Research or Scholarly
PaperPaper

Summary – Writing for Success!Summary – Writing for Success!
 Follow APA format for your research or scholarlyFollow APA format for your research or scholarly
paper.paper.
 Use in-text citations to document your sources.Use in-text citations to document your sources.
 Follow APA guidelines for your citations andFollow APA guidelines for your citations and
reference list.reference list.
 Do not plagiarize material by copying informationDo not plagiarize material by copying information
for the Internet without properly citing thefor the Internet without properly citing the
source.source.
 Tell me what youTell me what you thinkthink and how youand how you interpretinterpret
the information rather than simply listing outthe information rather than simply listing out
information you found.information you found.

References UsedReferences Used
CSU APA Guidelines (posted on the CSUCSU APA Guidelines (posted on the CSU
website atwebsite at
www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/CSwww.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/CS
U_APA_Summary.doc )U_APA_Summary.doc )
Perrin, R. (2004).Perrin, R. (2004). A pocket guide to APAA pocket guide to APA
stylestyle. New York: Houghton Mifflin. New York: Houghton Mifflin
Company.Company.
American Psychological Association. (2001).American Psychological Association. (2001).
Publication manual of the AmericanPublication manual of the American
Psychological AssociationPsychological Association (5th ed.).(5th ed.).
Washington, D.C.: Author.Washington, D.C.: Author.

Writing in APA

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