Using signal phrases in APA papers

Using signal phrases in APA papers

APA-supp-1

To avoid monotony, try to vary the language and placement of your signal phrases.

Model signal phrases

In the words of Carmona (2004), “. . .

As Yanovski and Yanovski (2002) have noted, “. . .

Hoppin and Taveras (2004), medical researchers, pointed out that “. . .

. . .,” claimed Critser (2003).

. . .,” wrote Duenwald (2004), “. . .

Researchers McDuffie et al. (2003) have offered an compelling argument for this view: “. . .

Hilts (2002) answered objections with the following analysis: “. . .

Verbs in signal phrases

admitted contended reasoned
agreed declared refuted
argued denied rejected
asserted emphasized reported
believed insisted responded
claimed noted suggested
compared observed thought
confirmed pointed out wrote

APA requires the past tense or the present perfect tense in phrases that introduce quotations and other source material: Davis (2005) noted that or Davis (2005) has noted that, not Davis (2005) notes that. Use the present tense only for discussing the applications or effects of your own results (the data suggest) or knowledge that has clearly been established (researchers agree).