Harrisburg University Library Blog

Wondering What APA Format is? Read this!

Are you wondering why your research paper or assignment needs to be in APA format? If you’ve been told to follow APA guidelines but aren't sure what that means, you’re not alone!

• In simple terms, APA Style is a set of rules for organizing and formatting academic papers.
• It ensures that ideas are communicated clearly and consistently, which is crucial when you're sharing research or academic work.
• The style is widely used in fields like psychology, social sciences, and many other disciplines, both for publishing research and writing student papers, theses, and dissertations.
   

APA Style is outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition).

• This guide is your go-to resource for everything from setting up your title page to formatting tables and figures, citing sources, and even writing with clarity and inclusivity.
• Whether you're figuring out how to cite a book or how to structure your paper’s sections, the manual covers all the essentials—punctuation, grammar, and writing style included!

To help you get started, the APA also offers an APA Academic Writer Tutorial: Basics of 7th Edition APA Style. This online tutorial is perfect for beginners, guiding you through the basics of APA formatting so you can feel confident tackling your next assignment.

Need more details? Be sure to consult the Publication Manual (7th edition), or check out the tutorial for step-by-step guidance.

Source:APA Website