essay reference page format

• The Complete Guide to APA Format in 2020

APA Reference Page

• Headings and Subheadings
• Discussion Section
• Websites and Online Sources
• Journals and Periodicals
• Other Print Sources
• Other Non-Print Sources
• In-text Citations
• Footnotes and Endnotes
• Using MyBib Responsibly
• Miscellaneous Questions

An APA reference page is a list of sources you've mentioned or used throughout your writing, formatted in the APA style, and should be included at the very end of your paper. The details of each source must be displayed in a specific way, depending on the type of the source ( websites , books , journals , or other sources ).

A Reference Page must:

• Have the title of ' Reference List ' at the very top
• Show every source you've directly referenced in your paper, or taken data from to help you write your paper.
• List all sources in alphabetical order by the author's last name. For example, a source by Albert Einstein would be higher in the list than a source by Elon Musk, as the E in Einstein comes before the M in Musk alphabetically.
• Use a hanging indent for each entry after the first line, indented by half an inch from the left margin.
• Retain all original punctuation and formatting for any names and titles of the sources.

Our APA citation generator can do all this for you automatically. To start, just search for one of the sources used in your writing using the tool below. Alternatively we have also explained how to format specific sources on the next page.

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / APA Format / APA Reference Page

How to Format an APA Reference Page

In APA, the “Works Cited” page is referred to as a “Reference List” or “Reference Page.” “Bibliography” also may be used interchangeably, even though there are some differences between the two.

If you are at the point in your article or research paper where you are looking up APA bibliography format, then congratulations! That means you’re almost done.

In this guide, you will learn how to successfully finish a paper by creating a properly formatted APA bibliography. More specifically, you will learn how to create a reference page . The guidelines presented here come from the 7 th edition of the APA’s Publication Manual .

A note on APA reference page style: In this guide, “bibliography” and “references” may be used interchangeably, even though there are some differences between the two. The most important thing is to use the label “References” when writing your paper since APA style recommends including a reference page.

Here’s a run-through of everything this page includes:

Difference between an APA bibliography and a reference page

What about annotated bibliographies, understanding apa reference page format, apa reference page formatting: alphabetizing by surname, q: what should not be on an apa reference page.

The difference between a bibliography and a reference page is a matter of scope. A bibliography usually includes all materials and sources that were used to write the paper. A reference page, on the other hand, only includes entries for works that were specifically cited in the text of the paper.

There are some cases in which a professor or journal might request an annotated bibliography . An annotated bibliography is basically a reference page that includes your comments and insights on each source.

An annotated bibliography can be a document all on its own, or part of a bigger document. That means creating an annotated bibliography by itself could be an assignment, or you may have to include one as part of your research paper, journal submission, or other project.

If you do need to add an APA annotated bibliography , it goes after the reference page on its own page, inside the appendices.

A properly formatted APA reference page begins on a new page, after the end of the text. It comes before any figures, tables, maps, or appendices. It’s double-spaced and features what’s called a hanging indent , where the first line of each reference is not indented, and the second line of each reference is indented 0.5 inches. The reference page is also labeled with a bold, center-justified, and capitalized “References.”

To summarize, the reference page should be:

• Placed on its own page, after the text but before any tables, figures, or appendices.
• In the same font as the rest of the paper.
• Double-spaced the whole way through (including individual references).
• Formatted with hanging indents (each line after the first line of every entry indented 0.5 inches).
• Labeled with a bold, center-justified, and capitalized “References.”

Note: You can use the paragraph function of your word processing program to apply the hanging indent.

Q: What font am I supposed to use for the reference page or bibliography?

The APA reference page/bibliography should be in the same font as the rest of your paper. However, APA Style does not actually call for one specific font. According to Section 2.19 of the Publication Manual , the main requirement is to choose a font that is readable and accessible to all users. Some of the recommended font options for APA style include:

• Sans serif fonts: Calibri (11pt), Arial (11pt), or Lucida (10pt).
• Serif fonts: Times New Roman (12pt), Georgia (11pt), or Normal/Computer Modern (10pt).

Q: What are the margins supposed to be for the reference page or bibliography?

Aside from the 0.5 inch hanging indent on the second line of each reference entry, you do not need to modify the margins of the reference page or bibliography. These should be the same as the rest of your paper, which according to APA is 1-inch margins on all sides of the page. This is the default margin setting for most computer word processors, so you probably won’t have to change anything.

Q: What information goes into an APA style reference page or bibliography?

An APA style reference page should include full citations for all the sources that were cited in your paper. This includes sources that were summarized, paraphrased, and directly quoted. Essentially, if you included an in-text citation in your paper, that source should also appear in your reference list. The reference list is organized in alphabetical order by author.

The formatting for reference list citations varies depending on the kind of source and the available information. But for most sources, your reference list entry will include the following:

• The last name(s) and initials of the author(s).
• The date the source was published (shown in parentheses).
• The title of the source in sentence case. The title should be in italics if the source stands on its own (like a book, webpage, or movie).
• The name of the periodical, database, or website if the source is an article from a magazine, journal, newspaper, etc. Names of periodicals are usually italicized; names of databases and websites usually are not.
• The publisher of the source and/or the URL where the source can be found.

Here are a few templates and examples for how common sources should be formatted in an APA style reference list. If your source is not found here, there is also a guide highlighting different APA citation examples .

Citing a Book

Author’s last name, Author’s first initial. Author’s middle initial. (Year of publication). Title of work . Publisher.

James, Henry. (2009). The ambassadors . Serenity Publishers.

Citing a Journal

Author’s last name, Author’s first initial. Author’s middle initial. (Year, Month Date published). Article title. Journal Name , Volume(Issue), page number(s). https://doi.org/ or URL (if available)

Jacoby, W. G. (1994). Public attitudes toward government spending. American Journal of Political Science , 38(2), 336-361. https://doi.org/10.2307/2111407

Citing a Website

Author’s last name, Author’s first initial. Author’s middle initial. (Year, Month Date published). Article title or page title . Site Name. URL

Limer, E. (2013, October 1). Heck yes! The first free wireless plan is finally here . Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/heck-yes-the-first-free-wireless-plan-is-finally-here

Next, let’s take a look at a real example of a properly formatted APA reference page to see how these pieces come together.

APA reference page example

Creating an APA reference page is actually a lot easier than creating a bibliography with other style guides. In fact, as long as you are aware of the formatting rules, the reference page practically writes itself as you go.

Below is an example reference page that follows the guidelines detailed above. EasyBib also has a guide featuring a complete APA style sample paper , including the reference page.

All APA citations included in the reference page should be ordered alphabetically, using the first word of the reference entry. In most cases, this is the author’s surname (or the surname of the author listed first, when dealing with citations for sources with multiple authors ). However, there are times when a reference entry might begin with a different element.

Creating an alphabetized reference page or bibliography might seem like a simple task. But when you start dealing with multiple authors and similar last names, it can actually get a little tricky. Fortunately, there are a few basic rules that can keep you on track.

The “nothing precedes something” rule

When the surnames of two or more authors begin with the same letters, the “nothing precedes something” rule is how to figure it out. Here is an example of how it works.

Imagine your reference page includes the authors Berg, M.S. and Bergman, H.D. The first four letters of each author are the same. The fifth letters are M and H respectively. Since H comes before M in the alphabet, you might assume that Bergman, H.D. should be listed first.

APA Style requires that “nothing precede something,” which means that Berg will appear before Bergman. Similarly, a James would automatically appear before a Jameson, and a Michaels before a Michaelson.

Disregard spaces and punctuation marks

If a surname has a hyphen, apostrophe, or other punctuation mark, it can be ignored for alphabetization purposes. Similarly, anything that appears inside of parentheses or brackets should be disregarded.

Ordering multiple works by the same author

It is not uncommon for a research paper to reference multiple books by the same author. If you have more than one reference entry by the same person, then the entries should be listed chronologically by year of publication.

If a reference entry has no year of publication available, then it should precede any entries that do have a date. Here’s an example of a properly alphabetized order for multiple entries from the same author:

Guzman, M.B. (n.d.).

Guzman, M.B. (2016).

Guzman, M.B. (2017).

Guzman, M.B. (2019).

Guzman, M.B. (in press).

“In press” papers do not yet have a year of publication associated with them. All “in press” sources are listed last, like the one shown above.

Ordering works with the same author and same date

If the same author has multiple entries with the same year of publication, you need to differentiate them with lowercase letters. Otherwise, the in-text citations in your paper will correspond to more than one reference page entry.

Same author and same year of publication

Here’s a look at how to use lowercase letters to differentiate between entries with the same author and same year of publication:

Guzman, M.B. (2020a).

Guzman, M.B. (2020b).

Guzman, M.B. (2020c).

These lowercase letters are assigned to make the in-text citations more specific. However, it does not change the fact that their year of publication is the same. If no month or day is available for any of the sources, then they should be ordered alphabetically using the title of the work.

When alphabetizing by title, ignore the words “A,” “An,”,and “The” if they’re the first word of the title.

Same author and same year of publication, with more specific dates

If more specific dates are provided, such as a month or day, then it becomes possible to order these entries chronologically.

Guzman, M.B. (2020b, April 2).

Guzman, M.B. (2020c, October 15).

Ordering authors with the same surname but different initials

Authors who share the same surname but have different first or middle names can be alphabetized by their first initial or second initial.

Guzman, R.L. (2015).

Ordering works with no listed author, or an anonymous author

If you have reference entries with no listed author, the first thing to double-check is whether or not there was a group author instead. Group authors can be businesses, task forces, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, etc.

If there is no individual author listed, then have another look at the source. If it is published on a government agency website, for instance, there is a good chance that the agency was the author of the work, and should be listed as such in the reference entry. You can read more about how to handle group authors in Section 9.11 of the Publication Manual .

What if the work is actually authored by “Anonymous”?

If the work you’re referencing actually has the word “Anonymous” listed as the author, then you can list it as the author and alphabetize it as if it were a real name. But this is only if the work is actually signed “Anonymous.”

What if there is no listed author and it’s definitely not a group author?

If you have confirmed that there is no individual or group author for the work, then you can use the work’s title as the author element in the reference entry. In any case where you’re using the work’s title to alphabetize, you should skip the words “A,” “An,” and “The.”

An APA reference page should not contain any of the following:

• The content of your paper (the reference page should start on its own page after the end of your paper).
• Entries for works for further reading or background information or entries for an epigraph from a famous person (the reference page should only include works that are referenced or quoted in your paper as part of your argument).
• Entries for personal communications such as emails, phone calls, text messages, etc. (since the reader would not be able to access them).
• Entries for whole websites, periodicals, etc. (If needed, the names of these can be mentioned within the body of your paper instead.)
• Entries for quotations from research participants (since they are part of your original research, they do not need to be included).

Published October 28, 2020.

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Multiple Authors
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Parenthetical Citations
• Reference Page
• Sample Paper
• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all APA Examples

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The following rules will help you identify when to use DOIs and when to use URLs in references:

• Use a DOI wherever available, be it a print version or online version.
• For a print publication that does not have a DOI, do not add a DOI or URL (even if a URL is available).
• For an online publication, if both a DOI and URL are given, include only the DOI.
• For online publications that only have a URL (and no DOI), follow the below recommendations:
• Add a URL in the reference list entry for publications from websites (other than databases). Double check that the URL will work for readers.
• For publications from most academic research databases, which are easily accessible, do not include a URL or database information in the reference. In this case, the reference will be the same as the print version.
• For publications from databases that publish limited/proprietary work that would only be available in that database, include the database name and the URL. If the URL would require a login, include the URL for the database home page or login page instead of the URL for the work.
• If a URL will not work for the reader or is no longer accessible, follow the guidance for citing works with no source.

To format your APA references list, follow these recommendations:

• Begin the references on a new page. This page should be placed at the end of the paper.
• All sides of the paper should have a 1-inch margin.
• Set the heading as “References” in bold text and center it.
• Arrange the reference entries alphabetically according to the first item within the entries (usually the author surname or title).
•  Add a hanging indent of 0.5 inches (i.e., indent any line after the first line of a reference list entry).

See above for a visual example of a reference page and additional examples.

Special Cases

Multiple entries with the same author(s) are arranged by publication year. Entries with no dates first, then in chronological order. If the year published is also the same, a letter is added to the year and the entries are arranged alphabetically (after arrangement by year).

• Robin, M. T. (n.d.)
• Robin, M. T. (1987)
• Robin, M. T. (1989a)
• Robin, M. T. (1989b)

Single-author source and multi-author source that share one author. One-author entries are listed first even if the multi-author entries were published earlier.

• Dave, S. P., Jr. (2006)
• Dave, S. P., Jr., & Glyn, T. L. (2005)

For references with multiple authors that have the same first author but different subsequent authors, alphabetize the entries by the last name of the second author (or third if the first two authors are the same).

APA Citation Examples

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APA Style Guide (7th Edition)

• APA Resources
• Formatting Your Essay

References page: The basics

References page: the details.

• Building an Article Reference Entry
• Building Specialized Reference Entries
• In-text Citations
• The Annotated Bibliography in APA

Books for APA questions

We have print books that you can access at all of our campuses and eBooks that you can access anywhere!

This print copy of APA's  official publication  lays out every aspect of APA style formatting.  We have copies at every campus!

We also have eBooks, like this  online guide  that can be accessed anywhere through our library! 

¡Incluso hay una guía APA en español disponible en línea!

For every in-text citation that you include in your assignment, you need to have a corresponding full citation on the References page. Similarly, every citation entry on your References page should represent at least one in-text citation. It is easiest to collect the full citation information for every resource that you find while doing your research, then drop the ones that you use into the References page as you use information from them in your narrative, as it can be very challenging if you wait to build your full citations while writing your paper!

• Begin the Reference list on a new page immediately after the body of your text. It is the last page in your paper unless you have appendices or an index.
• The word “References” in bold is centered at the top of the page.
• Double space the entire list.
• Each entry provides Author, Date, Title, and Source of the work being cited.  See the details section below for more information!
• Entries are ordered alphabetically by Author.  
• The first line of each entry is left justified with every subsequent line of the entry indented by 1/2".

Visit Purdue's OWL to see a  sample APA paper  including a References page; another example to help you visualize the format for a References page is shown here in a graphic by Jennifer Betts of Bibliography.com (2021):

A full citation for the References page of an APA work will include 4 basic elements separated with periods: Author. (Date). Title. Source. For additional information, the APA also a concise guide for full citations of journal articles, books, and book chapters, as well as an extensive list of example reference citations for various circumstances.

• Example: Smythe, G. B. (Date). Title. Source.
• International Association of Smythe Families. (Date). Title. Source.
• Every author of a work is listed in the Reference citation using the basic format, separated by a comma between each author and with an ampersand (“&” symbol) before the last author’s name; you must list the first 20 authors this way, but if there are more than 20 authors, you show the first 20 (with no ampersand) followed by an ellipse (“…” symbol). Author names are shown in the same order as they appear in the publication.
• Example: Smythe, G. B. & Jonas, L. (Date). Title. Source.
• Example: Smythe, G., Smythe, L., Smythe, N. & Smythe, R. (Date). Title. Source.
• If an Author has multiple entries, list them in order from oldest to most recent.
• Example: Author. (2021a). Title. Source.
• Use the title of the work in place of an unknown Author
• Example: Yearbook of the International Association of Smythe Families. (Date). Source.
• Example: Author. (2021). Title. Source.
• Use the copyright year.
• Use the date from the Journal volume in which article appears, even if it's different than the copyright year. Include only the year for the Date element; the full date of the journal is part of the Source element.
• Do not assume the copyright date from the site's footer applies to the content that you are citing!
• Example: Author. (2021, January 1). Title. URLincludinghttp://
• Example with no date, retrieval date included: Author. (n.d.). Title. Source. Retrieved January 1, 2021, from URLincludinghttp://
• Use the month, day, or season along with the year
• Example: Author. (2021, Spring/Summer). Title. Source.
• Example: Author. (2021, January 1). Title. Source.
• Include a complete date when possible; if you can't find all of the date elements for the resource type, include as much information in the date element as you can find. If there is absolutely no date associated with the resource, then you use an abbreviation for "no date" in place of the date element. Use lower case letters with a period behind each letter and no spaces: (n.d.).
• Use the title of the article or chapter as the Title element; the title of the whole work is included in the Source.
• Includes journal and Newspaper articles, book chapters, etc.
• Basic format is to use normal text (no quotes, italics, etc.) expressed in sentence case (i.e. only capitalize the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and proper nouns).
• Includes books, reports, etc.
• Basic format is to italicize the Title and to use sentence case (i.e. only capitalize the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and proper nouns).
• Example: Author. (Date). This is the title: This is the subtitle. Source.
• Example: Author. (Date). This is the title (2 nd ed., Vol. 7). Source.
• The first part is a necessary element for all Sources; this is the publication information of the book (publisher) or the periodical (i.e. name of journal, volume and issue numbers, and page range of the article).
• The second part, required when the work was accessed digitally, is the URL (web address or permalink as appropriate) or its DOI (Digital Object Identifier) which is a unique id permanently assigned to that object.
• If the Title was used in place of the Author element, you skip the Title element.
• If you cited part of a book for the Title (e.g. a book chapter or encyclopedia entry), the whole work is the Source.
• Example: Author. (Date). Title. In F. M. Last (Ed.), This is the title for the whole book (pp. 101-142). Publisher. DOIorURLincludinghttp://
• Example: Author. (Date). Title. In F. M. Last and F. M. Last (Eds.), This is the title for the whole book (p. 474). Publisher. DOIorURLincludinghttp://
• If the editor’s name/s have already been used in the Author field, don’t repeat them in the Source; use “In This is the title …).
• Example: Author. (Date). Title of the whole work . Publisher. DOIorURLincludinghttp://
• Example: Author. (Date). Title. Journal Title , 42 (1), 18-24. DOIorURLincludinghttp://
• Example: Author. (Date). Title. The Washington Post. URLincludinghttp://
• You do not include any information on the database in which you found the resource unless that exact database is the only place for your reader to retrieve the work!
• The URL or DOI in your Reference list should begin with http:// and they should be active links if your work is available online. You can use the default settings for active links (e.g. underlined blue text) or the links can be black without underlining.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association: The official guide to APA style (7th edition). 

Betts, J. (2021, March 17). APA Citation Generator (Free) & Complete APA Format Guide . Bibliography.com. https://www.bibliography.com/apa/apa-format-and-citations/

Purdue OWL. (n.d.).  APA Sample Paper . Purdue Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_sample_paper.html

• << Previous: Formatting Your Essay
• Next: Building an Article Reference Entry >>
• Last Updated: Oct 12, 2023 10:01 AM
• URL: https://libguides.gateway.kctcs.edu/APACitationStyle7th

APA Formatting and Style (7th ed.)

• What's New in the 7th ed.?
• Principles of Plagiarism: An Overview
• Basic Paper Formatting
• Basic Paper Elements
• Punctuation, Capitalization, Abbreviations, Apostrophes, Numbers, Plurals
• Tables and Figures
• Powerpoint Presentations
• Reference Page Format
• Periodicals (Journals, Magazines, Newspapers)
• Books and Reference Works
• Webpage on a Website
• Discussion Post
• Company Information & SWOT Analyses
• Dissertations or Theses
• ChatGPT and other AI Large Language Models
• Online Images
• Online Video
• Computer Software and Mobile Apps
• Missing Information
• Two Authors
• Three or More Authors
• Group Authors
• Missing Author
• Chat GPT and other AI Large Language Models
• Secondary Sources
• Block Quotations
• Fillable Template and Sample Paper
• Government Documents and Legal Materials
• APA Style 7th ed. Tutorials
• Additional APA 7th Resources
• Grammarly - your writing assistant
• Writing Center - Writing Skills This link opens in a new window
• Brainfuse Online Tutoring

On the left is a partial list of reference page examples. To see a more complete list, please click on the two pdfs below. 

• Common Reference Examples Guide From the APA Style Blog
• 7th ed. APA Reference Page Examples This handout shows how to format your reference page in APA format. It also provides examples for citing books, articles, websites, and more.

New to In-Text Citations and the Reference List? Check out these short tutorials:

• Reference Lists and In-text Citations Learn how the Reference List and In-text Citations work together to give credit to your sources.
• Introduction to the Reference List This tutorial will show you the four parts or elements that make up a reference.
• How to Find A Citation in OneSearch This handout will show you how to find the APA 7th Edition citation for an article in your OneSearch results.
• << Previous: Powerpoint Presentations
• Next: Reference Page Format >>
• Last Updated: Sep 7, 2024 3:49 PM
• URL: https://national.libguides.com/apa_7th

• Spartanburg Community College Library
• SCC Research Guides
• Formatting Your Reference Page in Word

• Word 2013/2016
• Word Online

Formatting a References Page in Word 2013/2016

Use the following directions to format your References page in APA format. Also, check out our APA 7th ed. sample paper . 

• After completing your paper, click the "Insert" tab and choose "Blank Page" to add a new page to your document. Your header with your page number should appear in the top right corner when you insert the new page.

• Click on the "Home" tab, then click the "Justify Center" icon. This will center your title.

• Type in your title: References. Your title should be bolded in size 12 Times New Roman font.

• Hit "Enter" on your keyboard to start a new line. Then, hit the "Justify Left" icon to move the cursor back to the left. Make sure to unbold the text.

• Type in your full APA citation for your sources. Remember your References page should still be double-spaced!

• All References entries that are longer than a single line must include a Hanging Indent for second (and so forth) line(s).
• Choose the line you wish to indent. Move your cursor to the line you wish to indent.
• Hit CTRL T (or CMD T on a Mac) on your keyboard.

• Repeat (if necessary) for your third line.

Formatting a References Page in Word Online

Use the following directions to format your References page in APA format. Also, check out our APA 7th ed.  sample paper . 

• After completing your paper, add a new page to your document for your Works Cited. Hit "Enter" on your keyboard until you begin a new page.  Your header with your page number should also update automatically (although you will not be able to see them in the document).
• Click the "Home" tab, then click the "Justify Center" icon. This will center your title.

• Type in your title, References. Your title should be bolded and in size 12 Times New Roman font.

• Hit "Enter" on your keyboard to start a new line. Then, go to the "Home" tab and hit "Justify Left" to move the cursor back to the left. Make sure to unbold the text.

• Type in your full APA Citations for your sources. Remember, your References page should be double-spaced!

• All References page entries that are longer than a single line must include a Hanging Indent for second (and so forth) line(s). Move your cursor to the end of the first line.
• Using your mouse, move the cursor to the beginning of the second line of your citation.
• Hit "Tab" on your keyboard. This should indent only the second line of your citation.

• << Previous: Formatting Your Title Page and Paper in Word
• Next: APA Handouts >>
• Formatting the Author & Title
• Citing a Book or Ebook
• Citing Part of a Book or Ebook
• Citing an Encyclopedia
• Citing a Journal Article
• Citing an Article Written for a Database
• Citing a Magazine or Newspaper Article
• Citing Interviews, Emails, etc.
• Citing a Website Article or Page
• Citing a Video
• Citing Images in a Project
• Citing Generative AI
• In-text Citations
• Annotated Bibliography - APA
• Formatting Your Title Page and Paper in Word
• APA Handouts
• More APA Resources
• APA Workshop (Mar. 2022)

Questions? Ask a Librarian

• Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 12:36 PM
• URL: https://libguides.sccsc.edu/APA

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APA Sample Paper

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper  ,  APA Sample Professional Paper

This resource is enhanced by Acrobat PDF files. Download the free Acrobat Reader

Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 th Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student  and  professional  papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in  student style and one in  professional  style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

APA 7 Student Paper:

Apa 7 professional paper:.

Generate accurate APA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 6th edition
• APA reference page (6th edition)

APA reference page formatting | 6th edition guidelines

Published on November 4, 2020 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on January 25, 2024.

The APA reference page is a separate page at the end of your paper where all sources you cited in the main text are listed. The references are sorted alphabetically , double spaced , and formatted using a hanging indent of ½ inch. Use “References” as page heading and include a running head with your paper title and page number.

Table of contents

Apa reference page example, creating references in apa format, formatting the reference page.

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Each reference must be structured according to the rules for that source type. These rules vary between books, journal articles, internet articles and more. APA references can be created either manually or by using an APA Citation Generator.

The Scribbr APA Citation Generator is free of ads and can automatically cite your sources based on the website URL, journal DOI or book ISBN.

You should include a reference for all sources you have cited in the text . Don’t include sources you have only consulted. There are four types of source that are never included in an APA reference page:

• Classical works such as the Bible
• Personal communication such as emails, telephone conversations and chat messages
• Entire websites (always cite the page)
• Common knowledge

Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr

Multiple authors in apa.

A standard source reference begins with the author’s surname, followed by a comma, then the initial(s) of his or her first name.

If there are multiple authors, place a comma between each of the author names and an ampersand (“&”) before the last author’s name. If there are more than eight authors, list the first six followed by an ellipses “…” followed by the last author.

There should always be a period after the author name(s).

• One inch (2.54 cm) page margins on all sides
• Times New Roman font in 12 pt
• ‘References’ as title (centered)
• Running head (top left corner)
• Page number (top right corner)
• Double spacing within and between references
• ½ inch hanging indent for references longer than one line.

Setting up in Google Docs

This video will demonstrate how to format the APA reference page in Google Docs.

Alignment instructions for Word

• Make sure you can see the ruler at the top of the page (change the setting under the “View” tab if you cannot).
• Select all text in the reference list.
• The ruler will show two triangles and one square. Drag the bottom triangle to the right, half an inch, to set the hanging indent.

Dividing URLs

Microsoft Word sees a URL as one word and will always split a long URL over more than one line. This often leaves a lot of white space. See the screenshot below:

To avoid this, you want Word to divide the URL after a slash. You can divide a URL after a slash by placing your cursor after the slash and then clicking on Insert → Symbol → More Symbols… → Special Characters. Then add the character “No-Width Optional Break” or type ALT+8203.

You can also do this for all the slashes in your document by using the Find and Replace function in Word. At “Find what”, insert a slash. At “Replace with” insert a slash and then type ALT+8203. Then click “Replace All.”

Alphabetizing

The last step in creating the perfect APA reference page is to ensure the sources are correctly alphabetized, usually based on the author’s surname. Word can do this automatically for you. We also wrote an in-depth article on how to alphabetize the APA reference list .

APA format for other sections

The reference page is not the only part of your paper with specific formatting requirements in APA Style. Read our guide to APA formatting  or see our articles on the APA format guidelines of the  title page , running head , abstract and headings .

In October 2019, APA also released the 7th edition APA Manual . Check with your supervisor to see which edition your paper needs to adhere to.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Gahan, C. (2024, January 25). APA reference page formatting | 6th edition guidelines. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/6th-edition/archived-reference-page/

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Harvard Referencing Style

Did you know that the Harvard Referencing Style was initially inspired by the book? In 1881, a professor named Edward Laurens Mark noticed that his students struggled with proper citation and referencing. Determined to provide them with a solution, Mark turned to a book titled 'The American Diary of a Japanese Girl' by Yei Theodora Ozaki. He used the book as a reference point to create a standardized citation format that would enable scholars to accurately attribute their sources. Little did he know that his innovative approach would evolve into the widely recognized and respected Harvard Referencing Style we know today, guiding generations of students and researchers in their academic endeavors.

Harvard Referencing Style: Short Description

If you came here because you found Harvard referencing confusing, fret no more! In this comprehensive article, we'll walk you through the process of including in-text citations and crafting reference lists correctly. Additionally, the experts at our writing essay services will highlight the distinctions between citing different types of sources, such as books, articles, and online sources, to help you understand the specific formatting rules. To assist you in managing your references more efficiently, the article will also introduce various reference management tools. By the end, you'll have the confidence and know-how to tackle the Harvard referencing format like a pro. Say goodbye to referencing worries and hello to credible and top-notch work.

What is Harvard Citation Style: A Brief Overview 

Accurate citation is crucial in academic writing as it allows readers to locate and verify the sources used in a particular piece of work. Citations also give credit to the original authors and demonstrate the breadth of research conducted to support an argument or idea. One popular and widely-used citation style is the Harvard Referencing Style.

The Harvard citation style, also known as the author-date system, is a citation style widely used in various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This style originated at Harvard University and has since become one of the most popular referencing styles globally.

Here are some key characteristics of the Harvard Referencing Style:

• Author and date : In-text citations include the author's last name and the publication year in parentheses. For example, (Smith, 2021).
• Reference list : At the end of the document, a reference list is provided, which includes detailed information about each source cited in the text. The Harvard referencing list is organized alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Variations : Harvard style referencing allows for variations in citation format depending on the type of source being cited. This includes books, journal articles, websites, and more.
• Direct quotations : When directly quoting a source, the page number should be included in the in-text citation. For example, (Smith, 2021, p. 45).
• Multiple authors : When a source has multiple authors, all authors' last names are included in the in-text citation for the first instance. Subsequent citations can be shortened to the first author's last name, followed by et al. For example, (Smith et al., 2021).

Elements of Harvard Referencing Style

As previously stated, the Harvard Referencing system is widely employed in the academic community, especially in the fields of social sciences and humanities. Familiarizing yourself with its components is vital for mastering accurate citation techniques. Here are some fundamental elements to take into account:

In-Text Citations

In-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of information within the body of your work. They typically include the author's last name, the publication year, and the page number (if applicable). In Harvard Referencing Style, in-text citations are usually placed in parentheses at the end of a sentence or paragraph.

It is important to note that there are different ways to format Harvard Style in text citation depending on the number of authors, whether the source is a direct quote or paraphrase, and if it includes page numbers. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines of Harvard style referencing to ensure accurate and consistent citations.

Reference List Format

The reference list is a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in your work. It is typically placed at the end of your document and arranged alphabetically by the author's last name. Each entry in the reference list should include specific information, such as the author's name, publication year, title of the work, and publication information.

The format of the reference list entry may differ depending on the type of source (e.g., book, journal article, website), so it is important to consult the specific guidelines of Harvard Referencing Style for each source type.

Additionally, if you require an extra boost to get started, you might want to consider using our annotated bibliography writing service .

Citation of Various Sources

Harvard Referencing Style provides guidelines for citing a wide range of sources, including books, journal articles, websites, and more. Each type of source has its own citation format, and it is crucial to follow the correct format to ensure accurate referencing.

When citing books, for example, you would typically include the author's name, publication year, title, publisher, and location. Journal articles, on the other hand, may require additional information like the article title, journal name, volume, and page numbers.

Basic Rules and Guidelines

When it comes to using the Harvard referencing style, there are certain rules and guidelines that you need to follow. These rules ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent throughout your academic work. Here are some of the basic rules and guidelines for the Harvard style citation:

Formatting Requirements 

• The text should be in Times New Roman or Arial font, with a size of 12 points.
• The entire document should be double-spaced, including the reference list.
• Use one-inch margins on all sides of the page.

Use of Punctuation and Italics

• Use a comma to separate the last name and initials of authors.
• Use an ampersand (&) instead of 'and' to separate multiple authors in an in-text citation.
• Italicize the titles of books, journals, and websites.
• Use quotation marks for the titles of articles, chapters, and other shorter works.

Order and Arrangement of Elements in Citations

The order and arrangement of elements in citations may vary depending on the type of source being cited. However, in general, the basic elements included in a Harvard citation are as follows:

• Author's Last Name, Author's First Initial. (Year). Title of the work.
• Title of the container (such as a book, journal, or website).
• Edition (if applicable).
• Place of publication: Publisher.
• Page numbers (for articles or chapters).

It's important to note that different types of sources have specific rules for citing. For example, for a journal article, you would include the volume number, issue number, and page range. Similarly, for a website, you would include the URL and the date of access.

Examples of Harvard Referencing: In-Text Citations

When using the Harvard style citation, it is important to properly cite your sources within the text of your paper. Here are some examples of how to do so:

1. Citing a book : According to Smith (2019), 'Harvard referencing is essential for maintaining academic integrity' (p. 25).

2. Citing a journal article : Recent studies have shown that climate change is a pressing issue (Johnson et al., 2021).

3. Citing a website : The World Health Organization (2020) states that regular exercise is important for overall well-being.

In-text referencing Harvard citations should include the author's last name, the publication year, and the page number (for direct quotes) or paragraph number (for online sources) where the information can be found.

Examples of Reference List Entries

The reference list is an essential part of Harvard citation style and should include detailed information about each source cited in your paper. Here are some examples of how to format reference list entries:

Smith, J. (2019). 'The Importance of Harvard Referencing.' Publishing Company.

2. Journal article :

Johnson, A., Wilson, B., & Thompson, C. (2021). 'The Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity.' Journal of Environmental Studies, 35(2), 100-115.

3. Website :

World Health Organization. (2020). 'Importance of Exercise for Overall Health.' Retrieved from [insert URL]

In reference list entries for books and articles, include the author's last name followed by their initials, the publication year in parentheses, the title of the source in italics, and the publication information (e.g., publisher of journal name, volume number, page range). For websites, include the organization or website name, the publication year (if available), the title of the specific webpage or article, and the URL.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Accurate citation in the Harvard Referencing Style can sometimes be challenging, especially when faced with certain scenarios. Here are some common challenges that researchers and students encounter when using this citation style and tips on how to overcome them:

Dealing with Multiple Authors

Challenge : When citing a source with multiple authors, it can be difficult to properly format the citation.

Solution : Follow these tips to overcome this challenge:

• For sources with two authors, include both names in the citation.
• For sources with three or more authors, include only the first author followed by 'et al.' This signifies that there are additional authors.
• If citing different sources with the same first author, use a lowercase letter after the publication year to differentiate the sources (e.g., Smith, J. (2019a); Smith, J. (2019b)).

Citing Indirect Sources

Challenge : Sometimes, you may come across a source that cites another source, and you want to cite the original source directly.

Solution : The following tips can help you overcome this challenge:

• If possible, try to locate and cite the original source directly. This ensures accuracy and allows readers to access the complete information.
• If the original source is not accessible, you can use the phrase 'as cited in' followed by the author and publication year of the indirect source.

Handling Missing Information

Challenge : It is common to come across sources with missing information, such as missing page numbers or publication dates.

Solution : Here are some strategies to handle this challenge:

• For missing page numbers, use the abbreviation 'p.' or 'pp.' followed by the nearest known page number(s) or, if applicable, specify the section or chapter.
• If the publication date is not provided, use 'n.d.' (no date) in its place.
• If other essential information is missing, such as the author's name or title, it is advisable to search for an alternative source with complete information.

By being aware of these common challenges and knowing how to overcome them, you can ensure accurate and consistent citations in the Harvard Referencing Style throughout your academic or research work. However, if you prefer to bypass the challenges of referencing on your own, you can always explore the option to buy essays online at our cheap paper writing service .

Tools and Resources for Harvard Referencing

When it comes to mastering the Harvard referencing style, having access to the right tools and resources can make the process much easier and more efficient. Here are some valuable resources from our business essay writing services that can assist you in accurate citation techniques:

Online Referencing Generators

Using an online Harvard referencing generator can be a lifesaver when it comes to creating accurate Harvard references. These tools allow you to input the necessary information about your source, such as the author's name, publication date, title, and URL, and automatically generate a properly formatted reference in Harvard style. Some popular online referencing generators include: Cite This For Me; EasyBib; Scribbr APA Citation Generator .

Reference Management Software

Reference management software can greatly simplify the process of managing and organizing your references. These tools allow you to create a library of references, automatically generate citations in various styles, and even insert citations directly into your documents. Some popular reference management software options for Harvard referencing include: Mendeley; Zotero; EndNote .

Style Guides and Handbooks for Further Reference

For those who prefer referencing manually or want to gain a deeper understanding of the Harvard style citation, consulting style guides and handbooks can be highly beneficial. These resources provide detailed instructions, examples, and guidelines for properly citing different types of sources. Some recommended Harvard referencing style guides and handbooks include:

• Harvard Referencing Guide by Lancaster University Library
• Harvard Citation Style Guide by University of Pittsburgh
• Citing Your Sources Harvard Style Guide by Princeton University Library

By making use of these tools and resources, you can guarantee the accuracy, completeness, and correct formatting of your Harvard references. It is crucial to double-check your citations consistently to uphold academic integrity and professionalism in your writing. Alternatively, you have the option to buy term paper online from our experts, who will ensure that your referencing guidelines are met with precision!

Concluding Thoughts

As we reach the end, we have overcome the confusing realm of Harvard referencing. With the insights gained from this detailed guide, you now have the skills to handle in-text citations and reference lists. Embrace your newfound abilities and confidently navigate the world of academic writing. Remember, Harvard referencing is not just about citing sources; it's about showing your credibility as a scholar!

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Review Paper Format: How To Write A Review Article Fast

This guide aims to demystify the review paper format, presenting practical tips to help you accelerate the writing process. 

From understanding the structure to synthesising literature effectively, we’ll explore how to create a compelling review article swiftly, ensuring your work is both impactful and timely.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a budding scholar, these info on review paper format and style will streamline your writing journey.

Research Paper, Review Paper Format

What Is A Review Paper?

Diving into the realm of scholarly communication, you might have stumbled upon a research review article.

This unique genre serves to synthesise existing data, offering a panoramic view of the current state of knowledge on a particular topic. 

Unlike a standard research article that presents original experiments, a review paper delves into published literature, aiming to: 

• clarify, and
• evaluate previous findings.

Imagine you’re tasked to write a review article. The starting point is often a burning research question. Your mission? To scour various journals, piecing together a well-structured narrative that not only summarises key findings but also identifies gaps in existing literature.

This is where the magic of review writing shines – it’s about creating a roadmap for future research, highlighting areas ripe for exploration.

Review articles come in different flavours, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses being the gold standards. The methodology here is meticulous, with a clear protocol for selecting and evaluating studies.

This rigorous approach ensures that your review is more than just an overview; it’s a critical analysis that adds depth to the understanding of the subject.

Crafting a good review requires mastering the art of citation. Every claim or observation you make needs to be backed by relevant literature. This not only lends credibility to your work but also provides a treasure trove of information for readers eager to delve deeper.

Types Of Review Paper

Not all review articles are created equal. Each type has its methodology, purpose, and format, catering to different research needs and questions. Here’s a couple of types of review paper for you to look at:

Systematic Review Paper

First up is the systematic review, the crème de la crème of review types. It’s known for its rigorous methodology, involving a detailed plan for:

• identifying,
• selecting, and
• critically appraising relevant research. 

The aim? To answer a specific research question. Systematic reviews often include meta-analyses , where data from multiple studies are statistically combined to provide more robust conclusions.

This review type is a cornerstone in evidence-based fields like healthcare.

Literature Review Paper

Then there’s the literature review, a broader type you might encounter.

Here, the goal is to give an overview of the main points and debates on a topic, without the stringent methodological framework of a systematic review.

Literature reviews are great for getting a grasp of the field and identifying where future research might head. Often reading literature review papers can help you to learn about a topic rather quickly.

Narrative Reviews

Narrative reviews allow for a more flexible approach. Authors of narrative reviews draw on existing literature to provide insights or critique a certain area of research.

This is generally done with a less formal structure than systematic reviews. This type is particularly useful for areas where it’s difficult to quantify findings across studies.

Scoping Reviews

Scoping reviews are gaining traction for their ability to map out the existing literature on a broad topic, identifying:

• key concepts,
• theories, and

Unlike systematic reviews, scoping reviews have a more exploratory approach, which can be particularly useful in emerging fields or for topics that haven’t been comprehensively reviewed before.

Each type of review serves a unique purpose and requires a specific skill set. Whether you’re looking to summarise existing findings, synthesise data for evidence-based practice, or explore new research territories, there’s a review type that fits the bill. 

Knowing how to write, read, and interpret these reviews can significantly enhance your understanding of any research area.

What Are The Parts In A Review Paper

A review paper format has a pretty set structure, with minor changes here and there to suit the topic covered. The review paper format not only organises your thoughts but also guides your readers through the complexities of your topic.

Title & Abstract

Starting with the title and abstract, you set the stage. The title should be a concise indicator of the content, making it easier for others to quickly tell what your article content is about.

As for the abstract, it should act as a descriptive summary, offering a snapshot of your review’s scope and findings. 

Introduction

The introduction lays the groundwork, presenting the research question that drives your review. It’s here you:

• justify the importance of your review,
• delineating the current state of knowledge and
• highlighting gaps.

This section aims to articulate the significance of the topic and your objective in exploring it.

Methodology

The methodology section is the backbone of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, detailing the research methods employed to select, assess, and synthesise studies. 

This transparency allows readers to gauge the rigour and reproducibility of your review. It’s a testament to the integrity of your work, showing how you’ve minimised bias.

The heart of your review lies in the body, where you:

• analyse, and
• critique existing literature .

This is where you synthesise evidence, draw connections, and present both sides of any argument. Well-structured paragraphs and clear subheadings guide readers through your analysis, offering insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.

Discussion & Conclusion

The discussion or conclusion section is where you weave together the main points, reflecting on what your findings mean for the field.

It’s about connecting the dots, offering a synthesis of evidence that answers your initial research question. This part often hints at future research directions, suggesting areas that need further exploration due to gaps in existing knowledge.

Review paper format usually includes the citation list – it is your nod to the scholarly community, acknowledging the contributions of others.

Each citation is a thread in the larger tapestry of academic discourse, enabling readers to delve deeper into the research that has shaped your review.

Tips To Write An Review Article Fast

Writing a review article quickly without sacrificing quality might seem like a tall order, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. 

Clearly Define Your Research Question

Clearly define your research question. A focused question not only narrows down the scope of your literature search but also keeps your review concise and on track.

By honing in on a specific aspect of a broader topic, you can avoid the common pitfall of becoming overwhelmed by the vast expanse of available literature. This specificity allows you to zero in on the most relevant studies, making your review more impactful.

Efficient Literature Searching

Utilise databases specific to your field and employ advanced search techniques like Boolean operators. This can drastically reduce the time you spend sifting through irrelevant articles.

Additionally, leveraging citation chains—looking at who has cited a pivotal paper in your area and who it cites—can uncover valuable sources you might otherwise miss.

Organise Your Findings Systematically

Developing a robust organisation strategy is key. As you gather sources, categorize them based on themes or methodologies.

This not only aids in structuring your review but also in identifying areas where research is lacking or abundant. Organize your findings based on the review paper format.

Tools like citation management software can be invaluable here, helping you keep track of your sources and their key points. We list out some of the best AI tools for academic research here. 

Build An Outline Before Writing

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-structured outline. A clear blueprint of your article can guide your writing process, ensuring that each section flows logically into the next.

This roadmap not only speeds up the writing process by providing a clear direction but also helps maintain coherence, ensuring your review article delivers a compelling narrative that advances understanding in your field.

Start Writing With The Easiest Sections

When it’s time to write, start with sections you find easiest. This might be the methodology or a particular thematic section where you feel most confident.

Getting words on the page can build momentum, making it easier to tackle more challenging sections later.

Remember, your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; the goal is to start articulating your synthesis of the literature.

Learn How To Write An Article Review

Mastering the review paper format is a crucial step towards efficient academic writing. By adhering to the structured components outlined, you can streamline the creation of a compelling review article.

Embracing these guidelines not only speeds up the writing process but also enhances the clarity and impact of your work, ensuring your contributions to scholarly discourse are both valuable and timely.

A review paper serves to synthesise existing data, offering a panoramic view of the current state of knowledge on a particular topic

A Review Paper Format Usually Contains What Sections?

You usually will see sections like introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis and findings, discussions, citation and conclusion.

How To Write A Review Paper Fast?

The key is to organize, pre-plan things out before writing it.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Sample Papers

This page contains sample papers formatted in seventh edition APA Style. The sample papers show the format that authors should use to submit a manuscript for publication in a professional journal and that students should use to submit a paper to an instructor for a course assignment. You can download the Word files to use as templates and edit them as needed for the purposes of your own papers.

Most guidelines in the Publication Manual apply to both professional manuscripts and student papers. However, there are specific guidelines for professional papers versus student papers, including professional and student title page formats. All authors should check with the person or entity to whom they are submitting their paper (e.g., publisher or instructor) for guidelines that are different from or in addition to those specified by APA Style.

Sample papers from the Publication Manual

The following two sample papers were published in annotated form in the Publication Manual and are reproduced here as PDFs for your ease of use. The annotations draw attention to content and formatting and provide the relevant sections of the Publication Manual (7th ed.) to consult for more information.

• Student sample paper with annotations (PDF, 5MB)
• Professional sample paper with annotations (PDF, 2.7MB)

We also offer these sample papers in Microsoft Word (.docx) format with the annotations as comments to the text.

• Student sample paper with annotations as comments (DOCX, 42KB)
• Professional sample paper with annotations as comments (DOCX, 103KB)

Finally, we offer these sample papers in Microsoft Word (.docx) format without the annotations.

• Student sample paper without annotations (DOCX, 36KB)
• Professional sample paper without annotations (DOCX, 96KB)

Sample professional paper templates by paper type

These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different professional paper types. Professional papers can contain many different elements depending on the nature of the work. Authors seeking publication should refer to the journal’s instructions for authors or manuscript submission guidelines for specific requirements and/or sections to include.

• Literature review professional paper template (DOCX, 47KB)
• Mixed methods professional paper template (DOCX, 68KB)
• Qualitative professional paper template (DOCX, 72KB)
• Quantitative professional paper template (DOCX, 77KB)
• Review professional paper template (DOCX, 112KB)

Sample papers are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 2 and the Concise Guide Chapter 1

Related handouts

• Heading Levels Template: Student Paper (PDF, 257KB)
• Heading Levels Template: Professional Paper (PDF, 213KB)

Other instructional aids

• Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS)
• APA Style Tutorials and Webinars
• Handouts and Guides
• Paper Format

View all instructional aids

Sample student paper templates by paper type

These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different student paper types. Students may write the same types of papers as professional authors (e.g., quantitative studies, literature reviews) or other types of papers for course assignments (e.g., reaction or response papers, discussion posts), dissertations, and theses.

APA does not set formal requirements for the nature or contents of an APA Style student paper. Students should follow the guidelines and requirements of their instructor, department, and/or institution when writing papers. For instance, an abstract and keywords are not required for APA Style student papers, although an instructor may request them in student papers that are longer or more complex. Specific questions about a paper being written for a course assignment should be directed to the instructor or institution assigning the paper.

• Discussion post student paper template (DOCX, 31KB)
• Literature review student paper template (DOCX, 37KB)
• Quantitative study student paper template (DOCX, 53KB)

Sample papers in real life

Although published articles differ in format from manuscripts submitted for publication or student papers (e.g., different line spacing, font, margins, and column format), articles published in APA journals provide excellent demonstrations of APA Style in action.

APA journals began publishing papers in seventh edition APA Style in 2020. Professional authors should check the author submission guidelines for the journal to which they want to submit their paper for any journal-specific style requirements.

Credits for sample professional paper templates

Quantitative professional paper template: Adapted from “Fake News, Fast and Slow: Deliberation Reduces Belief in False (but Not True) News Headlines,” by B. Bago, D. G. Rand, and G. Pennycook, 2020, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , 149 (8), pp. 1608–1613 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000729 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Qualitative professional paper template: Adapted from “‘My Smartphone Is an Extension of Myself’: A Holistic Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Using a Smartphone,” by L. J. Harkin and D. Kuss, 2020, Psychology of Popular Media , 10 (1), pp. 28–38 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000278 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Mixed methods professional paper template: Adapted from “‘I Am a Change Agent’: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Students’ Social Justice Value Orientation in an Undergraduate Community Psychology Course,” by D. X. Henderson, A. T. Majors, and M. Wright, 2019,  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology , 7 (1), 68–80. ( https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000171 ). Copyright 2019 by the American Psychological Association.

Literature review professional paper template: Adapted from “Rethinking Emotions in the Context of Infants’ Prosocial Behavior: The Role of Interest and Positive Emotions,” by S. I. Hammond and J. K. Drummond, 2019, Developmental Psychology , 55 (9), pp. 1882–1888 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000685 ). Copyright 2019 by the American Psychological Association.

Review professional paper template: Adapted from “Joining the Conversation: Teaching Students to Think and Communicate Like Scholars,” by E. L. Parks, 2022, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology , 8 (1), pp. 70–78 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000193 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Credits for sample student paper templates

These papers came from real students who gave their permission to have them edited and posted by APA.