Quick Reference Guide – The Basics Dr. Susan Cathcart Genera

Quick Reference Guide – The Basics Dr. Susan Cathcart General Information

Write in third person unless sharing personal opinions or experiences. Use Times New Roman font, size 12. Limit headings to levels one and two—Title is not bolded or centered, and should be in regular font. Level one headings are centered and bolded, with the first letter of each major word, and are uppercase/lowercase. Introduction is always a level one heading, with no subsequent level two headings after it. Level two headings are left-justified, bolded, and in uppercase/lowercase. The document should be double-spaced, with no extra space between paragraphs, and all paragraphs indented at the first line. Do not underline or italicize any text in APA style, except for titles of works.

In-text citations must include the author's last name and year. When citing at the end of a sentence, punctuation follows the citation. For direct quotes, include page numbers; if unavailable, use n.p., and if no date is available, use n.d. The first citation of a source in a paragraph must include the year; subsequent citations can omit it if the author name is clear. For multiple authors, list all on the first citation; thereafter, use et al. For sources without an author, cite the organization or title. All sources cited in the text must appear on the reference page, and vice versa.

The reference list should be alphabetized, with only initials for first names, no credentials or titles, and appropriate formatting: books in italics, journal titles in italics, volume/issue numbers, page ranges, and retrieval URLs formatted properly. Follow APA guidelines for all source types, including articles, books, websites, and media.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective academic writing requires adherence to specific formatting and citation conventions. First, writers should avoid using second or first person perspectives unless explicitly sharing personal experiences or opinions to maintain objectivity. The font choice of Times New Roman at size 12 points is standard, ensuring readability and uniformity across submissions. Headings are restricted to two levels: the primary level one is centered and bolded, with uppercase and lowercase letters, designated for main sections like the introduction. Subheadings or secondary headings are left-justified, bolded, and lowercase, used for subsections.

In constructing the essay, double-spacing throughout is obligatory, and paragraphs must be indented at the first line to clearly delineate sections. It is essential to refrain from underlining or italicizing text unless citing titles of works as per APA standards. Numbers from one to nine are spelled out, while numerals are used for larger values or when specific data points are involved. The header on each page should include the running head: a shortened version of the title in all caps aligned to the left, and the page number aligned to the right. The title page contains the full title in uppercase, with subsequent pages including the same header information.

Regarding citations, it is critical to provide proper attribution for all sourced information to avoid plagiarism. In-text citations must include the author's last name and publication year; direct quotes require page numbers. When citing multiple authors up to two, include both names separated by an ampersand (&); for three or more authors, list all on the first citation, then use et al. for subsequent citations. Sources without an author should reference the organization or the title in place of a personal name. The reference list must be comprehensive, correctly formatted, and listed alphabetically, ensuring every in-text citation has a corresponding entry and vice versa.

Intersperse the paper with appropriate headers that reflect the content, steering clear of questions and part designations like Part I or Part II. The overarching goal is clarity and consistency, allowing the paper to serve as a model document aligned with APA standards. When citing different resource types—for example, journal articles, books, websites, or media—apply the relevant APA format, including DOIs or URLs when available. This disciplined approach to academic writing enhances professionalism and supports the integrity of scholarly communication.

Conclusion

In sum, mastering APA formatting and citation guidelines is fundamental for producing credible academic work. Such adherence ensures clarity, aids peer review, and maintains scholarly integrity. By following the prescribed style elements—appropriate headings, consistent font and spacing, correct in-text citations, and comprehensive references—students can effectively communicate their ideas and research findings while respecting intellectual property rights.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Bowers, D., & Kleiner, B. H. (2005). Behavioral interviewing. Management Research News, 28(11/12), 45–52.
• Cathcart, S. (2019). Human resource management in Fortune 500 organizations. HR Today, 9(2), 15-22.
• Dol, S. J. (2018). Best practices in employee selection. Journal of Management Development, 37(3), 245–259.
• Gilleard, C., & Hawkins, P. (2004). Making the most of higher education: A guide for students and parents. Warwick, UK: Association of Graduate Recruiters Publication.
• Judge, T. A., Higgins, C. A., & Cable, D. M. (2000). The employment interview: A review of recent research and recommendations for future research. Human Resource Management Review, 10(2), 105–124.
• McDaniel, M. A., Hartman, N. S., Whetzel, D. L., & Grubb, W. L., III. (2007). Situational judgment tests, response instructions, and validity: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 60(1), 63–91.
• Ployhart, R. E. (2006). Staffing in the 21st century: New challenges and strategic opportunities. Journal of Management, 32(1), 24–41.
• Posthuma, R. A., Morgeson, F. P., & Campion, M. A. (2002). Beyond employment interview validity: A comprehensive narrative review of recent research and trends over time. Personnel Psychology, 55(3), 727–752.
• Weekley, J. A., & Ployhart, R. E. (2006). Situational judgment tests: Theory, management, and application. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.