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APA Sample Paper
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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
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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:.
- Using Sources & APA Style
The Purdue Global Writing Center supports writers in college composition and across the curriculum with resources that cover a range of topics on using sources and APA Style from documentation guidelines and videos on formatting a title page and reference list to writing with integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Browse the collection below or use the search tool to locate topics on using sources, APA Style, and more.
USING SOURCES
Basic Documentation Guidelines
How to write effectively when using sources
Writing With Integrity
Expectations for academic research and professional writing and how to avoid plagiarism
Podcasts on Using Sources
Find podcasts on a variety of topics covering using sources, APA Style, conducting research, analyzing articles, and avoiding plagiarism.
APA STYLE DOCUMENTATION & FORMATTING
APA Common Citations and References
Locate clear examples of in-text citations and reference list entry formats for common types of digital and print sources.
APA Demystified in Five Minutes
Understand the basics of APA Style by watching this 5-minute video.
Formatting an APA Style Paper and Title Page
Follow the guidance in this video tutorial when formatting an APA Style title page in Microsoft Word.
Formatting an APA Style Reference List
Follow the guidance in this video tutorial when formatting an APA Style reference list in Microsoft Word.
Formatting Graphics and Visuals
Learn how to format tables and figures such as images in APA Style.
Formatting an APA Style PowerPoint Presentation
Learn how to format a PowerPoint following APA Style guidelines for lists, citations and references, tables, figures, and images.
- PLAGIARISM INFORMATION
Plagiarism FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions about plagiarism.
Understand the expectations for academic research and professional writing and how to avoid plagiarism
Internet Research: Avoiding Plagiarism
Learn about internet research, common knowledge, and how to avoid plagiarism when using online sources.
BLOG ARTICLES ON APA STYLE
Resource Spotlight: Accessing and Using the Writing Center
The Academic Success Center invites readers to view our newest resource, “Accessing and Using the Writing Center: A Guide and Invitation.” Our Writing Center resources and services aim to empower Purdue Global students with tools to become successful academic writers, and this guide and invitation allows them to access the tools they need quickly and easily. …
Teaching Inclusive Communication and Evolving Language as a Professional Skill
“Oh TK, that’s just politically correct BS!” “Let me guess, we’re ‘woke’ in this class?” “I always use that word. It’s not a slur.” “Am I going to be ‘cancelled’ now?” “What about my First Amendment rights to say what I want?” Hello everyone! This is Teresa Kelly–TK–from the Department of Composition and WAC. Whenever…
APA Style 2020 Posts You Don’t Want to Miss
Now that 2020 is in our rearview mirror (thank goodness!), I thought it appropriate to usher in the New Year with a recap of not-to-miss Writing Center blogcasts that concern APA Style as we transition fully to the 7th edition. As those of you who subscribe to the blog know, since the blog began its…
A “We” Problem
In informal writing, the use of the first-person plural pronoun “we” is commonplace, as in, We tend to use language willy-nilly when writing informally. Some of you might not think twice about my use of “we” in that last statement (which is fine), but some of you might be saying, “Wait a minute. Hold on.…
Formal vs. Informal Writing
Writing to many is about dos and don’ts, especially don’ts–don’t use first person, don’t use second person, don’t use slang, don’t use contractions, don’t use hyperbole. Don’t, don’t, don’t. And of course these “don’ts” are usually couched within the context of formal vs. informal writing in that the don’ts apply to formal writing and what…
Documenting Sources Made Easy
Many who are not familiar with the basics of APA Style documentation become confused, frustrated, and sometimes even stressed when they need to document a source that may not be typical or contains missing information, but the reality is that with a few deep breaths and a pragmatic approach, most can resolve any documentation challenge…
More Writing Resources
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In-Text Citations
In scholarly writing, it is essential to acknowledge how others contributed to your work. By following the principles of proper citation, writers ensure that readers understand their contribution in the context of the existing literature—how they are building on, critically examining, or otherwise engaging the work that has come before.
APA Style provides guidelines to help writers determine the appropriate level of citation and how to avoid plagiarism and self-plagiarism.
We also provide specific guidance for in-text citation, including formats for interviews, classroom and intranet sources, and personal communications; in-text citations in general; and paraphrases and direct quotations.
Academic Writer ®
Master academic writing with APA’s essential teaching and learning resource
Course Adoption
Teaching APA Style? Become a course adopter of the 7th edition Publication Manual
Instructional Aids
Guides, checklists, webinars, tutorials, and sample papers for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of APA Style
- Ask a Librarian
EDCI 63800 - Spring 2022 Doctoral Seminar
- E-Books on Educational Research
- Literature Search Tools
- Literature Search Strategies
- Creating an Annotated Bibliography
- APA Style Guide
- Citation Managers
- Writing Abstracts
- Finding a "Mentor Article"
APA 7th Edition
Purdue's OWL (Online Writing Lab) provides instruction on how to use APA 7th. Below are a few topics covered by the OWL.
- APA Style Introduction Purdue OWL resources that will help you use the American Psychological Association (APA) citation and format style.
- APA Overview and Workshop APA 7th
- General Formatting APA 7th
- In-Text Citation: Authors APA 7th
- Foot Notes and Appendices APA 7th
- Changes in the 7th Edition APA 7th
- << Previous: Creating an Annotated Bibliography
- Next: Citation Managers >>
- Last Edited: Jun 17, 2024 4:24 PM
- URL: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/EDCI_63800
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The generic APA citation for OWL pages, which includes author/edit date information, is this: Contributors' names. (Last edited date). Title of resource. Site Name. http://Web address for OWL resource Note: This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in
APA Sample Paper. 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.
Locate clear examples of in-text citations and reference list entry formats for common types of digital and print sources.
We also provide specific guidance for in-text citation, including formats for interviews, classroom and intranet sources, and personal communications; in-text citations in general; and paraphrases and direct quotations.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the official source for APA Style. Purdue's OWL (Online Writing Lab) provides instruction on how to use APA 7th. Below are a few topics covered by the OWL.