The APA referencing style, established by the American Psychological Association, is a widely used referencing format in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences, education, and psychology. It provides a structured and standardized approach to acknowledging the work of others, ensuring that authors give proper credit while avoiding plagiarism.
The forerunner of the Publication Manual was a brief seven-page article published in the February 1929 issue of the APA journal Psychological Bulletin. It was created to address inconsistencies in formatting and citation within the field of psychology. Over time, as the need for a uniform style expanded across disciplines, the manual evolved into a comprehensive guide. Subsequent editions from 1952 incorporated broader content, including ethical writing standards, detailed formatting instructions, and guidance for citing diverse sources.
Each update has reflected technological advances, changes in scholarly practices, and the increasing complexity of academic publishing. Now in its 7th edition, released in 2019, the APA Manual continues to be a cornerstone reference for writers and researchers worldwide, promoting clarity, accuracy, and consistency in academic work. A print copy of the latest edition of the APA Manual is available in the Reserve Collection for on-site consultation. Three chapters cover the citation standard. Chapter 8 focuses on in-text citations, while Chapters 9 and 10 provide detailed guidance on reference lists, with the latter offering comprehensive examples. Additional information on the APA Style can be accessed through the official APA website, which is linked on the right side thumbnail. |
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