APA Headings
What are two basic formatting rules that apply to all APA headings?
Double-space all headings and use the same font as the body text
How should the main text of an APA 7th edition paper be spaced, and what should one avoid doing in spacing?
The main text should be double-spaced, and one should not add extra spacing around headings or between paragraphs
The first time you use “response time,” how should it appear in the narrative?
response time (RT): write the full term, then the abbreviation in parentheses
Should you cite the authors again in the discussion?
Yes! Still need to cite!
How would you rewrite “the elderly” in bias-free terms?
older adults (or older people, older persons)
Which heading level is centered, bold, and written in Title Case?
Level 1
How should the first line of an abstract be formatted, and how should the first line of a regular main-text paragraph be formatted?
The abstract has no first-line indent, while a regular main-text paragraph uses a 0.5-inch first-line indent
Fix this: “...as shown in prior work (response time (RT))”
(response time [RT]): inside parentheses, the abbreviation goes in square brackets
In the same paragraph, do you have to site every new sentence with same authors?
No! Just make sure it's clear you're on the same subject, with one citation!
How would you rewrite "wheelchair bound"?
wheelchair user (or person who uses a wheelchair)
A Methods section contains two subsections: Sampling Method and Data Analysis. What heading level should the two subsections use?
Level 2, because they are subsections under the Level 1 heading Methods
Your professor asks you to format your References page. What are three key formatting rules you must follow?
Start on a new page, center and bold the “References” heading, and double-space all entries using a 0.5-inch hanging indent
If you only use a term once or twice in your paper, should you abbreviate it?
No. Generally use an abbreviation at least three times, otherwise write it out
What inch margins does APA require?
1-inch!
How would you rewrite “substance abusers” using person-first language?
people with substance use disorders
A paper has a Results section with only one subsection, Data Analysis. According to APA heading guidelines, what should the writer do?
Remove the lone subsection heading and keep Results as the main heading. APA recommends using at least two subheadings at the same level or none
A student includes a table in the middle of the main text. How should the table number, title, and notes be formatted, and what spacing should separate the table from the surrounding text?
The figure number is bold and flush left, the title is italicized and flush left, and notes are flush left. Leave a double-spaced blank line between the text and the figure
Fix this: “Participants walked 90 ms.” (the writer meant 90 meters)
90 m. Unit abbreviations are never made plural, and “ms” means milliseconds
What spacing does APA require?
double spacing! 2.0!
How would you make this more specific: “Participants were young adults.”?
“Participants were 18–27 years old.” (any exact age range works)
A student begins the main text with an Introduction heading, numbers all headings (e.g., 1. Methods), and adds extra blank lines around headings. Identify three APA 7 corrections
Remove the Introduction heading, do not number headings with letters or numbers, and remove extra blank lines around headings
What is the correct order of the main sections of an APA 7th edition paper, starting with the title page?
Title page → Abstract (if required) → Main text → References → Appendices
You abbreviated the American Psychological Association as APA in your text. How does it appear in your reference list?
Written out in full. Group authors are never abbreviated in references
What % of APA papers are NOT properly formatted?
How would you rewrite “sexual preference”?
sexual orientation