bedguide10e

APA Style for Documenting Sources

For a brief overview of APA style, see E1–E2 in the Quick Research Guide.

The American Psychological Association (APA) details the style most commonly used in the social sciences in its Publication Manual, Sixth Edition (Washington, D.C.: APA, 2010). For advice and updates, visit apastyle.apa.org, purchase the manual, or use a library copy.

APA style uses a two-part system to credit sources.

See also to the Quick Format Guide.

Briefly cite or identify the author and date of the source in your text, either by mentioning them in your discussion or by noting them in parentheses right after you refer to the information drawn from the source. In many cases, you also supply the page number or other location in the original source.
Lead from this brief identification, through the author’s name, to a full description of the source in your concluding list, called “References.”

To review how to find details about sources, turn to the Source Navigators.

Use the Take Action chart to help you figure out how to improve the APA style in your draft. Skim across the top to identify questions you might ask about your draft. When you answer a question with “Yes” or “Maybe,” move straight down the column to Locate Specifics under that question. Use these activities to identify problems. Then move straight down to Take Action. Use the advice that suits your draft as you revise.