APA Style: Basics
This guide is intended to help you cite sources in APA style, avoid plagiarism, learn what APA style is and includes, find examples of APA style, lead you to campus resources that can help you cite sources in APA, and more.
What is APA Citation Style?
APA Citation Style, currently in its 7th edition This link opens in a new window, is a citation protocol established by the American Psychological Association. This style was developed to ensure consistency and to provide style rules for scientific writing.
APA is most often used in the disciplines of:
- Social Sciences (including Psychology, Education, Sociology, Economics, Criminal Justice, etc.)
- Business
- Nursing
Be sure to check with your professor as to what citation style is required for each assignment! For more information about APA Style visit the About APA Style This link opens in a new window page on their website.
What does APA Style include?
- The format & structure of your paper
- How you cite other authors within the body of your paper
- How you compile a reference list page at the end of your paper