- Introduction to APA 7th Edition for Dissertations
- Key Formatting Elements in APA 7th Edition Dissertations
- Title Page Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
- Abstract Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
- Body Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
- In-Text Citations: APA 7th Edition Examples
- Reference List Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
- Tables and Figures: APA 7th Edition Examples
- Appendices Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in APA 7th Edition Dissertations
- Conclusion: Mastering APA 7th Edition for Your Dissertation
Understanding APA 7th Edition for Dissertations
The APA 7th edition style guide is the latest iteration of the American Psychological Association's manual, offering updated guidelines for academic writing. Its primary goal is to ensure clarity, consistency, and ease of understanding for readers of scholarly work. For dissertations, adherence to these guidelines is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental requirement that impacts the perceived rigor and professionalism of your research. This edition introduces several changes aimed at simplifying citation practices and accommodating a wider range of source materials. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances is the first step towards crafting a polished and compliant dissertation.
Key Formatting Elements in APA 7th Edition Dissertations
Several core formatting elements are essential for any dissertation written in APA 7th edition style. These elements contribute to the overall organization and readability of your work, guiding both the reader and the evaluator through your extensive research. From the initial setup of your document to the finalization of your reference list, each component plays a vital role in presenting your findings effectively and professionally. Understanding these foundational aspects will help you avoid common errors and ensure your dissertation meets the expected academic standards.
Font and Spacing Requirements
APA 7th edition offers more flexibility in font choices compared to previous editions. Generally, readable fonts such as Times New Roman (12-point), Arial (11-point), Calibri (11-point), or Georgia (11-point) are acceptable. The entire dissertation should be double-spaced, including headings, block quotations, and the reference list. Margins should be set at 1 inch on all sides. This consistent spacing and font choice enhances readability and maintains a professional appearance throughout your manuscript.
Page Numbering and Running Head
Page numbering in APA 7th edition is straightforward. The page number should appear in the upper right-hand corner of every page, starting with the title page as page 1. For dissertations, the running head, which is a shortened version of your title (no more than 50 characters, including spaces), is no longer required on student papers unless specifically requested by your institution. However, if your university policy dictates a running head, it should be flush left on the header of every page, and the words "Running head:" should precede the shortened title on the title page only. Be sure to confirm your institution's specific requirements regarding the running head.
Headings and Subheadings
APA 7th edition employs a clear hierarchy of headings to organize content within your dissertation. This structure aids readers in navigating through different sections and understanding the flow of your research. There are five levels of headings, with each level having a specific formatting style. Properly applying these heading levels ensures that your dissertation is well-structured and easy to follow, highlighting the relationships between different ideas and findings.
Paragraph Indentation
All paragraphs in an APA 7th edition dissertation should be indented on the first line. The standard indentation is one-half inch from the left margin. Block quotations, which are longer than 40 words, are also indented but are not enclosed in quotation marks. The entire block quotation is indented one-half inch from the left margin, and it maintains double-spacing. This consistent indentation helps visually distinguish paragraphs and aids in the overall readability of your text.
Title Page Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
The title page is the first impression of your dissertation and must strictly adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines. It provides essential information about your work and its author. Correct formatting here is crucial for institutional compliance and academic presentation. Understanding the specific elements and their placement will ensure your title page is accurate and professional.
Essential Title Page Elements
The APA 7th edition title page for student papers includes the following key elements: the paper title, author's name, institutional affiliation, course number and name, instructor's name, and the date. The title should be centered, bolded, and placed in the upper half of the page. The author's name follows, then the departmental affiliation. The course information and instructor's name are listed on separate lines, and finally, the date. All text on the title page should be double-spaced.
Title Page Example (Student Paper)
Here is a sample title page illustrating the APA 7th edition format:
The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Jane Doe
Department of Psychology, University of Example
PSY 701: Advanced Research Methods
Dr. John Smith
May 15, 2024
Abstract Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
The abstract serves as a concise summary of your entire dissertation, providing readers with a brief overview of your research. It should accurately reflect the content of your study, including the problem, methods, results, and conclusions. Proper formatting of the abstract is essential for its effectiveness and adherence to APA 7th edition standards.
Abstract Content and Structure
The abstract should typically be between 150 and 250 words, though your institution may have specific length requirements. It begins on a new page, labeled "Abstract" (centered and bolded) at the top. The abstract itself is a single paragraph of continuous text, without indentation. It should clearly state the research problem, the participants (if applicable), the methodology used, the main findings, and the implications or conclusions drawn from the research. Avoid jargon and abbreviations where possible, or define them clearly if necessary.
Abstract Example
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of mindfulness meditation in enhancing cognitive function among older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 participants aged 65 and older, randomly assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness meditation program or a control group receiving standard health education. Cognitive assessments, including measures of attention, memory, and executive function, were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Results indicated significant improvements in attention and executive function in the mindfulness group compared to the control group at post-intervention and follow-up (p < .05). Memory performance showed a trend towards improvement but did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that mindfulness meditation can be a beneficial intervention for cognitive enhancement in older adults, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological approach to support cognitive health in aging populations.
Body Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
The body of your dissertation is where the core of your research is presented. This includes your introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Adhering to APA 7th edition formatting ensures that your content is organized logically, presented clearly, and easy for readers to follow and comprehend. Each section has specific formatting requirements to maintain consistency and professionalism.
Introduction and Literature Review
The introduction typically begins on a new page after the abstract. It should clearly state the research problem, provide background information, and outline the purpose and scope of your study. The literature review follows, synthesizing existing research relevant to your topic. Both sections utilize standard paragraph formatting with first-line indentation and double-spacing. Headings are used to delineate sub-sections within the literature review, following the APA heading hierarchy.
Methodology Section
This section details how you conducted your research. It should be presented in a clear and systematic manner, allowing readers to understand and potentially replicate your study. Subsections often include participants, materials or instruments, and procedure. Each subsection begins with its appropriate heading, and the details are presented in well-structured paragraphs. Any specific equipment or software used should be mentioned with their full names and manufacturers.
Results Section
The results section presents your findings objectively, without interpretation. This often involves the use of statistical data, tables, and figures. When presenting statistical information, ensure you follow APA 7th edition guidelines for reporting statistics, including effect sizes and confidence intervals where appropriate. Ensure that any tables or figures are clearly labeled and referenced in the text.
Discussion Section
In the discussion section, you interpret your results in relation to your research questions and the existing literature. You should discuss the implications of your findings, acknowledge any limitations of your study, and suggest directions for future research. This section allows for a more analytical and critical examination of your work, connecting your findings back to the broader academic conversation.
Conclusion Section
The conclusion summarizes your main findings and provides a final overview of your study's contribution to the field. It should reiterate the significance of your research and offer a concluding thought or call to action. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; it should be a synthesis of what has already been presented.
In-Text Citations: APA 7th Edition Examples
Accurate in-text citations are fundamental to academic integrity, giving credit to the original sources of information and avoiding plagiarism. APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines for citing sources within your dissertation's text. These citations allow readers to easily locate the full reference details in your reference list, ensuring transparency and accountability in your research.
Parenthetical Citations
Parenthetical citations include the author's last name(s) and the year of publication. For example: (Smith, 2020). If quoting directly, include the page number: (Smith, 2020, p. 45). When citing two authors, list both last names connected by an ampersand: (Smith & Jones, 2021). For three or more authors, cite the first author's last name followed by "et al." and the year, from the first mention: (Adams et al., 2019).
Narra tive Citations
Narrative citations integrate the author's name into the text of your sentence. For example: Smith (2020) found that... If quoting directly, include the page number: Smith (2020) noted that, "research indicates a significant trend" (p. 45). For three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." in the narrative citation from the first mention: Adams et al. (2019) discovered that...
Citing Multiple Works
When citing multiple works within the same parentheses, list them in the order they appear in the reference list, separated by semicolons: (Adams et al., 2019; Smith, 2020; Smith & Jones, 2021). Alphabetize citations with the same first author and year:
(Doe, 2018a; Doe, 2018b)
Citing Works with No Author or Date
If a source has no author, use the title of the work in place of the author's name. If the title is long, you can use a shortened version. For example: (The Study of Cognitive Processes, 2022). If a source has no date, use "n.d." for no date: (Smith, n.d.).
Reference List Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
The reference list is a comprehensive compilation of all sources cited within your dissertation. It must be meticulously formatted according to APA 7th edition guidelines to allow readers to locate the original works. Each entry provides specific details about the source, ensuring proper attribution and academic honesty.
General Reference List Rules
The reference list begins on a new page, titled "References" (centered and bolded) at the top. It should be double-spaced, with no extra spacing between entries. Each entry should be formatted with a hanging indent, where the first line of each citation is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented one-half inch. Entries are alphabetized by the first author's last name.
Examples of Common Source Types
- Journal Article:
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, Volume(Issue), pages. DOI (if available) - Book:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher. - Chapter in an Edited Book:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of chapter. In C. C. Editor & D. D. Editor (Eds.), Title of edited book (pp. pages). Publisher. - Website:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of specific page. Site Name. URL - Dissertation/Thesis (Published):
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation (Publication No. XXXX) [Doctoral dissertation, University Name]. Database Name.
Journal Article Example
Butler, J. M., & Kuhlman, K. R. (2020). The influence of psychological flexibility on stress management techniques. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(3), 345–360. https://doi.org/xxxxxx
Book Example
Brown, L. K. (2019). Understanding qualitative research methods. Academic Press.
Website Example
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, April 10). Anxiety disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
Tables and Figures: APA 7th Edition Examples
Tables and figures are visual aids used to present complex data or illustrative material in your dissertation. APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines for their formatting to ensure clarity and consistency. Proper labeling and referencing are key to their effectiveness in conveying your research findings.
Table Formatting
Tables are presented on separate pages, following the reference list. Each table is preceded by its number (e.g., Table 1) and title, both in bold. The table itself should have horizontal lines to separate columns and rows, but vertical lines are generally discouraged. Data within the table should be clear and concise.
Table Example
Table 1
Demographic Characteristics of Participants
| Characteristic | Mindfulness Group (n=40) | Control Group (n=40) |
| Age (Mean, SD) | 72.5 (5.2) | 71.8 (4.9) |
| Gender (Female, %) | 65% | 60% |
| Education (Years, Mean SD) | 14.3 (2.1) | 14.1 (2.3) |
Figure Formatting
Figures, such as graphs, charts, or images, are also presented on separate pages after the tables. Each figure is preceded by its number (e.g., Figure 1) and title, both in bold. The figure should be clear and easy to read, with appropriate labels for axes and data points. If the figure is from another source, a note must be included below the figure indicating the source and copyright attribution if necessary.
Figure Example (Description)
Figure 1
Mean scores on the attention task across time points for the mindfulness and control groups.
A graph would typically follow this description, with the x-axis representing time (baseline, post-intervention, follow-up) and the y-axis representing attention scores. Different colored lines would indicate the mindfulness group and the control group.
Appendices Formatting: APA 7th Edition Examples
Appendices are used to include supplementary material that is too extensive or detailed to be included in the main body of the dissertation. This can include survey instruments, interview protocols, raw data summaries, or detailed statistical output. Each appendix should be presented clearly and logically.
Appendix Structure
Each appendix begins on a new page. The heading for an appendix is "Appendix A" (centered and bolded). If there is only one appendix, it is labeled "Appendix." If there are multiple appendices, they are labeled sequentially (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.). Each appendix should have a clear and descriptive title.
Content of Appendices
Appendices should contain material that directly supports or enhances the understanding of your dissertation's content but would disrupt the flow of the main text. For example, a questionnaire used in your study would be presented in an appendix. Any materials you include should be relevant and formatted consistently with the rest of your dissertation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in APA 7th Edition Dissertations
Despite the thoroughness of the APA 7th edition style guide, several common errors can arise during the dissertation writing process. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you proactively avoid them and ensure your work is compliant and polished. These mistakes often relate to citation accuracy, formatting consistency, and adherence to specific section requirements.
Citation Inconsistencies
One of the most frequent errors is inconsistency in in-text citations and the reference list. Ensure every source cited in the text appears in the reference list, and vice versa. Pay close attention to the details of each citation, such as the correct use of punctuation, capitalization, and italics, especially for journal titles and book titles.
Incorrect Page Numbering and Running Heads
Errors in page numbering, such as starting the count incorrectly or omitting pages, are common. Similarly, if your institution requires a running head, ensure it is formatted correctly on every page. Always double-check your institutional guidelines for any specific variations from the standard APA format.
Formatting of Tables and Figures
Misformatting tables and figures is another frequent issue. This includes incorrect labeling of tables and figures, inconsistent use of lines, poor readability of data, or failure to include a source note when the material is not original. Ensure you adhere to the specific APA 7th edition guidelines for each type of visual aid.
Plagiarism and Citation Oversights
The most serious error is unintentional plagiarism. This can occur when sources are not cited correctly or when paraphrased material is too close to the original wording. Always cite your sources meticulously, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution and cite. Proper paraphrasing involves understanding the source material and restating it in your own words and sentence structure, while still crediting the original author.
Conclusion: Mastering APA 7th Edition for Your Dissertation
Successfully navigating the APA 7th edition style guide for your dissertation is a significant academic achievement. By meticulously applying the formatting rules for the title page, abstract, body, in-text citations, reference list, tables, figures, and appendices, you demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor and clarity. The examples provided throughout this article serve as a practical resource to ensure your extensive research is presented in a professional, consistent, and compliant manner. Mastering these dissertation APA 7 style guide examples will not only help you avoid common errors but will also enhance the overall readability and impact of your scholarly work, ultimately contributing to its successful defense and dissemination.
