Ten Common APA Nuances

1. Font

Use a 12-point serif font for all text, including what appears on your cover page and reference list. Walden prefers Times New Roman. Minimum 8 point type can be used in tables and figures.

2. Spacing

Double space all text, including the reference list and block quotes. Per APA, use two spaces after a sentence; however, Walden will accept the use of one space after a period.

3. Margins, Page Numbers, and Running Head

All margins should be set to 1” on each side of the paper. Page numbers go in the upper right corner. The running head goes in the upper left corner and is in all capital letters. The words “Running head:” appear only on the cover page.

4. Boldface and Underlines

Do not use underlines. APA does not allow boldface except in tables and figures (in rare instances where you would want to highlight specific data) and for Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 headings.

5. Punctuation

APA requires the use of the serial (or Oxford) comma in lists of three or more items (i.e., Groucho, Harpo, and Zeppo).

Most prefixes are not hyphenated: semistructured, nondenominational, multimedia, antisocial, posttest, pretest, and so forth.

6. Capitalization

Do not capitalize job titles unless immediately preceding a person's name: the superintendent, but Superintendent Williams; the vice president of the school board, but Vice President Agnew. Additionally, do not capitalize the names of theories, models, conditions, or diseases.

7. Lists (Seriation)

Seriation refers to how to list information. Within a paragraph, list items that must appear in a certain order using (a), (b), and (c).

If you do not need to imply a particular order, then remove the letters and/or use bullet points. Use vertical lists when expressing information that must appear in a certain order (e.g., steps in a procedure or itemized conclusions).

8. Numbers and Percentages

Numbers 10 and higher appear as numerals; nine and lower are written out. There are exceptions: precise elements of time, age, distance, ratios, and percentages always appear as numerals unless at the start of a sentence.

9. Latin Abbreviations

Do not use Latin abbreviations (like e.g., i.e., and etc.) within the text of the sentence; APA only allows these types of abbreviations within parentheses. In the text of the sentence, write out the abbreviation’s English translation.

10. Use Respectful, Bias-Free Language

The APA manual outlines important concerning avoiding bias with respect to gender, race, disabilities, and so forth. When discussing different racial groups, make sure that your terms are parallel. When possible, avoid the generic pronouns he and she, or he/she by using they.

APA Style FAQ

In addition to the information provided here, refer to page 186 in the APA Manual (Sixth Edition) for how to cite and reference nonroutine information and titles.

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