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APA 7: Introduction to APA Format (7th ed.)

Learn how to format your papers and cite sources in APA 7th edition.

What is APA?

APA style is a citation style usually used in Psychology, Library and Information Science, and other fields. APA stands for the American Psychological Association. The 7th edition was published in 2019 and has significant changes from the 6th edition (2009).

APA 7th Ed. Manual

The APA Publication Manual is the official guide to APA format.

Microsoft 365 Access

All Merced College students have access to Microsoft 365 (formerly branded as Office 365), which includes Word, through student email.

Introduction to Citation Styles: APA 7th ed.

"This video introduces the purpose and basic conventions of citing sources in-text and in a reference list using the American Psychological Association (APA) Style, 7th edition, 2019..." (CSUDH Library, 3:00).

Why, When, & How to Cite Information

Why Cite?

  • To give credit to others for their ideas
  • To provide support for your argument
  • To help your reader find and read the sources you used

When to Cite

  • Paraphrasing, summarizing, or directly quoting from any source
  • Acknowledging another person for an idea
  • Using your own previous work

How to Cite

APA citation requires two parts:

  1. In-Text Citations - brief citations included within the text of your paper. They point your reader to the full citation at the end of your paper.
  2. References page - a page at the end of your paper listing all the sources you used.