brief directory

58 Supporting a thesis

59 Citing sources; avoiding plagiarism

60 Integrating sources

61 APA documentation style

Directory to APA in-text citation models

Directory to APA reference list models

62 APA manuscript format; sample research paper

Most instructors in the social sciences and some instructors in other disciplines will ask you to document your sources with the American Psychological Association (APA) system of in-text citations and references described in section 61. You face three main challenges when writing an APA-style paper that draws on sources: (1) supporting a thesis, (2) citing your sources and avoiding plagiarism, and (3) integrating quotations and other source material.

Examples in this section are drawn from one student’s research for a review of the literature paper on treatments for childhood obesity.

note: For advice on finding and evaluating sources and on managing information in all your college courses, see sections 50–52.