APA Style Research Paper Guidelines
Level 1: Organization
- Title Page: Include the paper title, author name, and institution.
- Abstract: Provide a brief summary of the paper (150-250 words).
- Introduction: Introduce the research question and objectives.
- Methodology: Outline research methods and procedures.
- Results: Present the findings clearly and concisely.
- Discussion: Analyze and interpret the results.
- References: List all sources cited in APA format.
Level 2: Writing Style
- Avoid slang and pop culture references.
- Keep humor to a minimum; be formal and professional.
- Limit the use of literary devices (metaphors, imagery, etc.).
- Write in a direct and straightforward manner.
- Use technical terms where necessary, but avoid jargon.
- Ensure language is neutral and avoid biased terminology.
Level 3: Mechanics
- Use title case for all major headings.
- Hyphenate compound adjectives before a noun (e.g., high-quality work).
- Spell out terms before introducing abbreviations (e.g., the United Nations (UN)).
- Align tables and figures to the left.
- Cite sources using in-text citations.
- Use footnotes sparingly and only when necessary.
Citation Guidelines
- Follow the APA citation format for different sources.
- Adapt citation style based on the source type (e.g., journal article, book, social media).