apa or mla for research papers

How To Cite a Research Paper: MLA, APA, and Chicago Style

• Posted on January 25, 2022

When you’re writing a research paper, you’ll use a variety of sources to find information. You might find that you end up using other people’s research papers as sources of information for your own work. You need to know how to cite a research paper properly.

Using text citations tells readers where you got your information, and help build a sense of trust, allowing the reader to feel confident that you haven’t falsified the information. You have to prove that you’ve done the research and found data to back up the claims you’re making.

Writing a paper without giving credit to people whose work you’re using is plagiarism. Unless you’re citing a direct quote you want to change the language enough, by putting the quote in your own words, so it sounds like original content. Quetext’s plagiarism checker  helps you search for similar content across the web so you can turn in a completely original paper.

Whether you’re submitting a research paper to school or for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, you’re required to cite your sources. Editors often reread the work of writers and researchers to ensure the information is factual. A teacher or professor will definitely check that your sources are accurate, so using tools like Quetext will help avoid unintentional plagiarism errors or wrongfully cited information.

Why Text Citations are Important

If you don’t have sources to back up your research, others might accuse you of spreading false information or plagiarism. Any journal publishing papers should verify what they’re printing, but ultimately, as the author, the buck stops with you.

In general, it’s a kindness to cite your sources. The people who created them did a lot of work, so it’s wrong to claim ownership of their ideas and information. But it’s also an ethical issue that can have major repercussions.

There have been cases where researchers  make up information  or falsify their sources and must face the consequences. People depend on factual information and don’t react well when they realize you lied to them or falsely paraphrase information.

That’s why it’s common knowledge to write a well-researched paper with text citations. If anyone claims your information is incorrect, you can point them to the source where you found the data. This doesn’t guarantee that the information you cited is correct, but you’ll be able to provide readers with a source of where you gathered your information.

When you’re citing other people’s research papers, make sure the source is legitimate. You should only use peer-reviewed journals so you know the article has gone through edits and fact-checking. Something identified as a research paper that is only on a blog or message board isn’t always a reliable source.

Many students like to use  Wikipedia  because there’s so much information available from one source. However, Wikipedia allows users to edit the information. What you read in a specific entry might not be true. It’s best to scroll down to the works cited and go to the original source yourself. If you can’t find a reliable, original source for the information, you shouldn’t use it.

Using the Various Citation Styles

The information used in any citation is basically the same across each style guide. The formatting and order of some elements may vary, so it’s important to know the difference between Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Chicago Styles.

The style you use depends on what type of writing you’re doing. All will use these basic elements in some form or another:

Source name

Volume and edition

Publication date

Page numbers

Publisher name

City and country of the publisher

URL and DOI for web pages and digital sources

The date you accessed the material

In addition to a reference list at the end of your work, you’ll also use in-text citations. Whenever you reference an idea or data that isn’t yours, you cite it. Each style has different types of in-text citations as well. Read on to find out about each citation format.

You’ll likely use the  MLA citation guide  if you’re writing papers in the humanities, such as for language arts, literary criticism, cultural studies, and more. The current edition of the MLA Handbook is the ninth because the style constantly evolves. As new technology creates new potential sources, MLA adds information to help students and researchers cite everything correctly.

The MLA Handbook has instructions on how to cite song lyrics, social media posts, and digital images, along with all of the standard research outlets. The book also gives detailed information on how to cite a research paper.

The MLA Handbook includes information about how to format your reference page. Use a 12-pt standard font like Times New Roman, so the text in italics is clearly different from the regular font. Center the title, Works Cited, at the top of the page. Your last name and page number are in the top right corner, and the reference page always comes at the end of your document.

Alphabetize citations according to the last name of the author. Left-align the citations and double-space them with no extra lines between each entry. When a citation goes beyond a single line, use a hanging indent to format it correctly. This lets the reader know it’s still the same citation continuing on.

Now that you know the basic format for the Works Cited page read on to find out how to cite a research paper for inclusion on this list.

Citing a Research Paper in MLA Style

When you’re citing a research paper in MLA style, you start with the author’s full name, putting the last name of the author first, followed by the title of the research paper in quotation marks. Next comes the the title of the journal that published the paper in italics, followed by the volume number, issue number, and date of publication.

You’ll also include the page number since the paper is in a journal with many pages. If you found the source online, include the digital object identifier or DOI. The DOI is a way to give a document a permanent web address so people reading your work can easily find the source.

MLA format also asks you to include the date you accessed online materials. Doing so gives your reader more information about when you read the research if it changed since that date. Here is an example of a research paper citation in MLA style:

Writer, Maria. “My Research Paper.” Research Journal, vol 3, no. 4, 2020, pp. 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34. Accessed 13 March 2021.

If the work wasn’t published online, you could stop your citation after the page numbers.

Sometimes you might find research papers that aren’t published in a scholarly journal. You can still use those in your work, but the MLA citation will look different. You’ll still put the last name of the author first, but instead of putting the title of the research paper in quotation marks, you’ll put it in italics.

Here is an example of an unpublished research paper citation in MLA style:

Writer, Maria. My Research Paper. 2020, http://websiteused.com . Accessed 13 March 2021.

These two examples show you how to document the source on your Works Cited page. In-text citations look different.

In-Text Citations for a Research Paper in MLA Style

When you’re working with the MLA format, an in-text reference requires a parenthetical citation.

If you refer to someone else’s research in a sentence, either with a direct quote or by paraphrasing, you need to give that author credit. At the end of the sentence where you use the information, you’ll put the author’s information in parenthesis and then put the sentence’s ending punctuation.

You use the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information for in-text citations. Then anyone reading your work can go to your Works Cited page, find the entry by the author’s last name, and access the document themselves. The page number directs them to where you got the specific information, so they don’t have to read the whole paper to find it. Here is an example of an in-text citation in MLA style:

Over 80% of the city’s garbage ended up in the ocean (Writer, 8).

You might mention the author’s name in your sentence. In that case, the parenthetical citation only needs to have the page numbers for reference. Here is an example:

According to Maria Writer, over 80% of the city’s garbage went into the ocean (8).

Researchers in the social science field, like sociology, anthropology, and psychology, use the  APA style  in their work. Like the MLA Handbook, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association has gone through changes over the years. It’s currently on the 7th edition.

In addition to helping you understand how to cite research, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association has information about how to format your paper to include tables, figures, and headings that often accompany scientific journal articles.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association also tells you how to format your reference page. In MLA style, this is the Works Cited page. For APA style, it’s either the Reference List or Reference Page.

This page uses the same font style as the rest of the paper but starts on its own page with a number in the top right corner. The title of the page is bold and centered at the top and should simply read “References.”

List citations in alphabetical order by author’s last name regardless of the type of source. Each citation is double-spaced and has a hanging indent if it goes beyond one line.

Now that you understand how to properly format your APA reference page, learn how to cite a research paper to include on the list.

Citing a Research Paper in APA Style

When you use a research paper in your work, you need to include it on your APA references page at the end of your document.

An APA citation includes the same information as the MLA format but in a different order. The citation starts with the author’s last name but only uses their first initial. Then comes the year of publication in parenthesis.

The paper’s title follows, then the title of the journal in italics. You also include the journal volume, issue number, and page numbers. As with MLA citations, include a DOI if you found the research paper online. Here is an example of a published research paper cited in APA format:

Writer, M. (2020). My Research Paper. Research Journal, 3(4), 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34

If the paper isn’t published in a journal, you can still use it in your work with a proper citation. Here is an example:

Writer, M. (2020). My Research Paper [PDF]. Retrieved from http://websiteused.com

In-Text Citations for a Research Paper in APA Style

In-text citations in the APA format differ from MLA style. You still put it in parenthesis, but you include different information. For APA parentheticals, include the author’s last name and the paper’s year of publication. This method applies when you’re summarizing or paraphrasing the author’s idea. Here is an example of an in-text citation for a research paper in APA style:

Over 80% of the city’s garbage went into the ocean (Writer, 2020).

If you’re using a direct quote from the work you need to include the page number so the reader can find the quotation. Here is an example:

Maria Writer said, “Over 80% of the city’s garbage is going into the ocean” (2020, p. 8).

Chicago Style

Chicago Style  got its name from the University of Chicago, where the style originated. Writers use this format for works in the field of history, but you can also use it for the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

MLA style has a Works Cited page, APA has References, and Chicago Style differs because it includes a Bibliography. The page comes at the end of your work with a page number in the top right corner. The title, “Bibliography,” is bold and centered at the top.

You will single-space your citations, but you’ll add an extra line between each entry. As with the other reference pages, you’ll left-align the work and use a hanging indent when a citation continues onto a second line.

Having an overview of how to format the bibliography will help you understand the citation styles for a research paper.

Citing a Research Paper in Chicago Style

Citations in Chicago Style are a mix of MLA and APA formats. It’s easiest to follow this template:

Writer, Maria. 2020. “My Research Paper.” Research Journal 3 (4): 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34.

As with other styles, you can reference an unpublished research paper as a document. Here is an example:

Writer, Maria. 2020. My Research Paper. PDF. http://websiteused.com .

In both instances, if there are multiple authors for a paper, list the rest of the authors in normal format. For example:

Author, Alan, Stanley Sample, and Maria Writer. 2020. “My Research Paper.” Research Journal 3 (4): 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34.

In-Text Citations for a Research Paper in Chicago Style

An in-text citation in Chicago Style is much simpler than both MLA and APA formats. You only need to include the last name of the author and year of publication in parenthesis with no comma in between them. For example:

Almost 80% of the city’s garbage goes into the ocean (Writer 2020).

You’ll include the page number for specificity if you’re quoting the author. Here’s an example:

Maria Writer said, “Over 80% of the city’s garbage is going into the ocean” (2020, 8).

You can also use endnotes in Chicago Style. A citation refers the reader to your source, but an endnote includes a bit of an explanation of why you used it. The information included in an endnote would disrupt the flow of your paper, but it’s still something you want the reader to know.

Make Text Citations Easy

Knowing when you need to cite a source helps you manage your research. Anytime you find information that you’re going to paraphrase, summarize, or quote in your work, you need to cite the source. The full citation will go on your reference page, but you’ll need an in-text citation where you use the information in your paper.

When you’re stating something that is  common knowledge , there’s no need to make a citation. Common knowledge is something that your reader would believe without needing proof. You can check if something is common knowledge by searching for it and finding it mentioned, without a citation, in at least five sources.

Once you learn the basics about citing a research paper in MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles, you’ll feel more confident in your work. The important thing is to pay attention to small details, like capitalization, italics and the use of abbreviations. But there’s no need to do it all on your own—Quetext has a  citation assistant  waiting to help. Give Quetext citation generator a try on your next project.

Sign Up for Quetext Today!

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Mla Vs. Apa Format: Which Citation Style Should You Use For Science Writing?

When writing a science paper or lab report, using the correct formatting style is critical for properly citing sources and presenting your scientific ideas. The two most common formatting styles are MLA and APA, but which one should you use for science writing?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: APA format is generally preferred over MLA for science writing . APA provides guidelines optimized for scholarly scientific communications and publications.

In this comprehensive guide, we compare MLA versus APA format for science writing. You’ll learn when to use each style, key formatting differences, and tips for consistently applying the right citations in your science papers.

When to Use MLA vs. APA for Science Writing

Types of science writing.

Science writing encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. It can take various forms, such as research papers, lab reports, literature reviews, and scientific articles.

Each type of science writing has its own requirements when it comes to formatting and citation styles.

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, art, and language studies. While it is not the most common citation style for science writing, there are situations where MLA may be appropriate.

For example, if you are writing a science paper that focuses on the historical or cultural aspects of a scientific topic, MLA style may be more suitable.

MLA format typically uses in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number, and a Works Cited page at the end of the document. It is important to provide accurate and complete citations to give credit to the original authors and allow readers to locate the sources you used for your research.

APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education. It is also commonly used in scientific research papers and articles.

APA style provides a clear and concise way to present scientific information and ensure consistency in citations.

In APA format, in-text citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication. A reference list is also included at the end of the document, providing detailed information about each source cited. This allows readers to easily find and verify the sources you used in your research.

When writing scientific papers, it is crucial to follow APA guidelines for citing sources, as it helps maintain the integrity of the research and allows other researchers to build upon your work.

Key Differences Between MLA and APA Format

In-text citations.

One of the key differences between MLA and APA format lies in how in-text citations are handled. In MLA format, the author’s last name and the page number are typically used to cite sources within the text. For example, (Smith 42).

On the other hand, APA format uses the author’s last name and the publication year. For instance, (Smith, 2019). This difference in formatting is important to keep in mind when writing scientific papers, as it ensures proper attribution of sources and allows readers to easily locate the full reference in the bibliography.

Reference Lists

Another significant difference between MLA and APA format is how the reference lists are structured. In MLA format, the reference list is called the Works Cited page, and it is placed at the end of the document.

Each entry is listed alphabetically by the author’s last name and includes the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the medium of publication. In contrast, APA format uses a reference list, which is also placed at the end of the document.

Each entry is organized alphabetically by the author’s last name and includes the author’s name, the publication year, the title of the work, and other publication information.

The use of headings in MLA and APA format also differs. In MLA format, headings are not typically used, as the focus is more on the content and structure of the paper. However, APA format requires the use of headings to organize the content and provide clarity to the reader.

APA format has specific guidelines for the formatting of headings, including the use of different levels (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2) to indicate the hierarchy of information.

Figures and Tables

MLA and APA format also have different guidelines for the inclusion of figures and tables in scientific writing. In MLA format, figures and tables are often placed within the text, close to where they are mentioned. They are typically labeled as “Fig.” and “Table” followed by a number.

APA format, on the other hand, requires figures and tables to be placed in separate sections at the end of the document. Each figure and table should have a caption that describes the content and a number that corresponds to its order of appearance in the text.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific formatting requirements of MLA and APA format when writing scientific papers. Adhering to the correct citation style ensures that your work is professional, consistent, and easily understandable to your readers.

APA Guidelines for Science Writing

Formatting research papers.

When it comes to formatting research papers in APA style for science writing, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to use 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper. Additionally, the font should be Times New Roman and set to a 12-point size.

The paper should be double-spaced throughout, including the title page, abstract, main body, and references. It is also crucial to include a running head and page numbers on each page.

Writing With Precision

APA style emphasizes clear and concise writing in science papers. When writing in APA style, it is important to be precise and avoid using vague or ambiguous language. This means using specific terminology, providing detailed explanations, and avoiding unnecessary jargon.

Additionally, APA style encourages writers to use active voice, which helps to make the writing more direct and engaging. By using active voice, the writer clearly identifies the subject of the sentence and makes the writing more engaging for the reader.

Using Active Voice

One of the key aspects of APA style for science writing is the use of active voice. Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action, rather than having the action done to it. For example, instead of saying “The experiment was conducted,” APA style encourages writers to say “We conducted the experiment.”

Using active voice not only makes the writing more engaging, but it also helps to clearly identify the responsible party for the action.

Reporting Statistics

When reporting statistics in APA style for science writing, it is important to provide clear and accurate information. This can be done by using appropriate statistical symbols and formatting, such as italicizing variables and using subscripts.

Additionally, APA style requires writers to include relevant information such as means, standard deviations, and sample sizes. It is also important to clearly label figures and tables and provide a thorough explanation of the statistical analysis performed.

This helps to ensure that the reader can easily understand and interpret the data being presented.

Tips for Applying APA Style in Science Writing

Use citation generators.

When it comes to applying APA style in scientific writing, using citation generators can be a great help. These online tools automatically generate citations in APA format for various sources such as books, journals, websites, and more.

They save you time and ensure that your citations are formatted correctly, following the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association. Some popular citation generators include Citation Machine , EasyBib , and BibMe .

By using these tools, you can focus more on your research and writing, knowing that your citations are accurate and properly formatted.

Adhere to APA Paper Structure

When writing scientific papers in APA style, it’s important to follow the prescribed paper structure. The APA format typically includes a title page, an abstract, an introduction, a methods section, a results section, a discussion section, and a references page.

Each section has specific formatting requirements, such as the use of headings, subheadings, and proper citation formats. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these requirements and apply them consistently throughout your paper.

This ensures that your work is organized and easy to navigate for readers.

Be Consistent Throughout

Consistency is key when it comes to applying APA style in science writing. This means using the same format and style for all citations and references throughout your paper. Make sure to use the correct punctuation, capitalization, and italics when citing different sources, such as books, articles, or websites.

Additionally, pay attention to the order and formatting of the elements within each citation, including authors’ names, publication dates, titles, and page numbers. Being consistent in your formatting not only enhances the readability of your paper but also shows your attention to detail and adherence to professional standards.

Proofread and Revise

Before submitting your scientific paper, it’s crucial to proofread and revise it for any errors or inconsistencies, including those related to APA style. Carefully review your citations and references to ensure they are complete, accurate, and formatted correctly.

Check for any inconsistencies in capitalization, italics, or punctuation. Additionally, make sure your paper adheres to the overall guidelines of APA style, such as the use of proper headings and subheadings.

Taking the time to proofread and revise your work will help you present a polished and professional scientific paper.

For most science writing, APA format is the preferred citation style over MLA. APA provides specific guidelines that optimize scientific communication and publications.

By understanding when to use APA, adhering to key formatting differences from MLA, following APA science writing tips, and proofreading your citations, you can expertly apply APA style for your research papers, lab reports, and other scientific documents.

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• Citation Styles

What is the difference between APA and MLA format?

APA and MLA are two of the most common citation styles. But, what’s the difference between APA and MLA format? In this post, we discuss the differences between APA and MLA. We cover when to use these styles and provide examples of correct APA and MLA citations.

What is APA?

APA style is a citation style that is most commonly used in the social sciences, but also in education, business, and some science fields. APA stands for  American Psychological Association .

Essentially, APA style is a set of rules for formatting citations, title pages , headers, and other aspects of research papers.

What is MLA?

MLA style is the primary citation style for humanities fields like literature. It was developed by the  Modern Language Association of America, an association of scholars and teachers of language and literature.

Like APA, MLA style includes rules for how to format citations and how to structure research papers.

What are the differences between APA and MLA?

Both APA and MLA style require two distinct types of citations:

• in-text citations
• full bibliographic references in a section at the end of the paper

APA and MLA citations also have similar components:

• Book citations contain the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication date.
• Journal article citations contain the author’s name, the title of the work, and the date, but also include the title of the journal, the volume and issue number of the journal, and the page range. Citations for online journal articles also include a DOI.
• Website citations feature the author’s name (if one is available), the title of the website, the date that is was published or accessed, and the URL.

The main differences between APA and MLA are in how they format and structure these elements.

In-text citations

APA and MLA style both utilize parenthetical citations for in-text citations. However, there are key differences between the two:

• ALA parenthetical citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication (Smith, 2020). When a specific page number is cited, the citation also includes p. and the number (Smith, 2020, p. 4).
• MLA parenthetical citations mainly include the author’s last name and a page number, without a comma between the elements (Smith 25).

Papers in APA style may also utilize narrative citations. Here are a few examples of APA narrative citations:

Rode (2012) claims that productive activities have been part of human civilization since ancient times.

In some cases, author and date might both appear in the narrative. In this case, no parentheses are needed:

In 2012, Rode wrote about the productive activities...

If you cite multiple works parenthetically, place the citations in alphabetical order, separating them with semicolons:

(Adams et al., 2019; Shumway & Shulman, 2015; Westinghouse, 2017)

If multiple sources are cited within a sentence, they can appear in any order:

Suliman (2018), Gutiérrez (2012, 2017), and Medina and Reyes (2019) examined...

Bibliographic references

MLA prefers the label “Works Cited” for the bibliography at the end of the paper. This list includes full bibliographic references for all of the cited texts. APA calls this list “References,” and includes both works that were cited and those that were consulted. Both styles alphabetize entries by the first author’s last name.

Additionally, APA and MLA bibliographies differ in how they structure individual entries. The primary differences occur in:

• Author name : While both styles invert the regular order of names (i.e. put the last name first), APA abbreviates the author’s first name and only uses the first letter, followed by a period (Smith, J.). MLA uses both the last name and first name of an author (Smith, Jane).
• Date placement : APA requires the publication date to be in parentheses, following the author’s name: Smith, J. (2020). In MLA, the publication date goes at the very end for books, or after the volume and issue numbers for journals.
• Capitalization : In APA style, you only need to capitalize the first word of a title, the first word following a colon, and any proper nouns. MLA requires you to capitalize all of the words in a title, except for articles.
• Volume and issue numbers for journal articles : Both APA and MLA place the volume and issue numbers of journals after the journal title; however, they format this information differently. APA italicizes the volume number and places it directly against the issue number, which is put in parentheses: 6 (3). MLA style uses the abbreviations, vol. (volume) and no. (number), and places a comma between them: Journal of Pedagogy , vol. 6, no. 3.

APA examples and resources

Here are some examples of full bibliographic citations in APA style:

Atske, S. (2021, April 7).  Social media use in 2021 . Pewresearch.Org. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/

Eskritt, M., Fraser, B., & Bosacki, S. (2021). Did you just lie to me? Deception detection in face to face versus computer mediated communication.  The Journal of Social Psychology , 1–14.

Fuchs, C. (2021).  Social Media: A Critical Introduction  (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Visit these resources to learn more about APA citations and formatting:

APA citation guide (7th edition)

The ultimate guide to citing in APA

Citation styles by discipline

Comprehensive APA guides

APA title page: format and templates

MLA examples and resources

Here are some examples of full bibliographic citations in MLA style:

Works Cited

Edwards, Michael. “The Lost Library of Anne Conway.”  The Seventeenth Century , vol. 36, no. 1, 2021, pp. 119–147.

Farr, Jason S.  Novel Bodies: Disability and Sexuality in Eighteenth-Century British Literature . Rutgers University Press, 2019.

Wall, Wendy. “The Pulter Project.”  Northwestern.Edu , https://pulterproject.northwestern.edu/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.

Visit these resources to learn more about MLA citations and formatting:

MLA citation guide (9th edition)

The ultimate guide to citing in MLA

Comprehensive MLA guides

MLA title page: format and templates

Frequently Asked Questions about what is the difference between APA and MLA format

The main differences between APA and MLA format are found in the bibliography. APA style uses a reference list that includes any works cited or consulted; MLA uses a works cited list that only contains texts that were cited in the paper. Also, there are differences in how each style handles key pieces of bibliographic information like titles and names.

If you need to create citations for an assignment, you can ask your instructor which style to use. APA is most commonly used in the social sciences, while MLA is preferred in humanities disciplines.

APA style is used to create in-text citations and bibliographic references for the social sciences and other disciplines.

MLA style is used to create in-text citations and works cited entries for some humanities fields.

Both APA and MLA aim to provide guidance on how to create accurate citations and bibliographies. Using these styles correctly lends credibility to your research and helps you to avoid plagiarism .

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Frequently asked questions

What are the main differences between apa and mla.

APA and MLA style both use parenthetical in-text citations to cite sources and include a full list of references at the end, but they differ in other ways:

• APA in-text citations include the author name, date, and page number (Taylor, 2018, p. 23), while MLA in-text citations include only the author name and page number (Taylor 23).
• The APA reference list is titled “References,” while MLA’s version is called “ Works Cited .”
• The reference entries differ in terms of formatting and order of information.
• APA requires a title page , while MLA requires a header instead.

Frequently asked questions: Citing sources

A scientific citation style is a system of source citation that is used in scientific disciplines. Some commonly used scientific citation styles are:

• Chicago author-date , CSE , and Harvard , used across various sciences
• ACS , used in chemistry
• AMA , NLM , and Vancouver , used in medicine and related disciplines
• AAA , APA , and ASA , commonly used in the social sciences

There are many different citation styles used across different academic disciplines, but they fall into three basic approaches to citation:

• Parenthetical citations : Including identifying details of the source in parentheses —usually the author’s last name and the publication date, plus a page number if available ( author-date ). The publication date is occasionally omitted ( author-page ).
• Numerical citations: Including a number in brackets or superscript, corresponding to an entry in your numbered reference list.
• Note citations: Including a full citation in a footnote or endnote , which is indicated in the text with a superscript number or symbol.

A source annotation in an annotated bibliography fulfills a similar purpose to an abstract : they’re both intended to summarize the approach and key points of a source.

However, an annotation may also evaluate the source , discussing the validity and effectiveness of its arguments. Even if your annotation is purely descriptive , you may have a different perspective on the source from the author and highlight different key points.

You should never just copy text from the abstract for your annotation, as doing so constitutes plagiarism .

Most academics agree that you shouldn’t cite Wikipedia as a source in your academic writing , and universities often have rules against doing so.

This is partly because of concerns about its reliability, and partly because it’s a tertiary source. Tertiary sources are things like encyclopedias and databases that collect information from other sources rather than presenting their own evidence or analysis. Usually, only primary and secondary sources are cited in academic papers.

A Wikipedia citation usually includes the title of the article, “Wikipedia” and/or “Wikimedia Foundation,” the date the article was last updated, and the URL.

In APA Style , you’ll give the URL of the current revision of the article so that you’re sure the reader accesses the same version as you.

There’s some disagreement about whether Wikipedia can be considered a reliable source . Because it can be edited by anyone, many people argue that it’s easy for misleading information to be added to an article without the reader knowing.

Others argue that because Wikipedia articles cite their sources , and because they are worked on by so many editors, misinformation is generally removed quickly.

However, most universities state that you shouldn’t cite Wikipedia in your writing.

Hanging indents are used in reference lists in various citation styles to allow the reader to easily distinguish between entries.

You should apply a hanging indent to your reference entries in APA , MLA , and Chicago style.

A hanging indent is used to indent all lines of a paragraph except the first.

When you create a hanging indent, the first line of the paragraph starts at the border. Each subsequent line is indented 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

A parenthetical citation in Chicago author-date style includes the author’s last name, the publication date, and, if applicable, the relevant page number or page range in parentheses . Include a comma after the year, but not after the author’s name.

For example: (Swan 2003, 6)

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

APA Style distinguishes between parenthetical and narrative citations.

In parenthetical citations , you include all relevant source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence or clause: “Parts of the human body reflect the principles of tensegrity (Levin, 2002).”

In narrative citations , you include the author’s name in the text itself, followed by the publication date in parentheses: “Levin (2002) argues that parts of the human body reflect the principles of tensegrity.”

In a parenthetical citation in MLA style , include the author’s last name and the relevant page number or range in parentheses .

For example: (Eliot 21)

A parenthetical citation gives credit in parentheses to a source that you’re quoting or paraphrasing . It provides relevant information such as the author’s name, the publication date, and the page number(s) cited.

How you use parenthetical citations will depend on your chosen citation style . It will also depend on the type of source you are citing and the number of authors.

APA does not permit the use of ibid. This is because APA in-text citations are parenthetical and there’s no need to shorten them further.

Ibid. may be used in Chicago footnotes or endnotes .

Write “Ibid.” alone when you are citing the same page number and source as the previous citation.

When you are citing the same source, but a different page number, use ibid. followed by a comma and the relevant page number(s). For example:

• Ibid., 40–42.

Only use ibid . if you are directing the reader to a previous full citation of a source .

Ibid. only refers to the previous citation. Therefore, you should only use ibid. directly after a citation that you want to repeat.

Ibid. is an abbreviation of the Latin “ibidem,” meaning “in the same place.” Ibid. is used in citations to direct the reader to the previous source.

Signal phrases can be used in various ways and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

To use signal phrases effectively, include:

• The name of the scholar(s) or study you’re referencing
• An attributive tag such as “according to” or “argues that”
• The quote or idea you want to include

Different citation styles require you to use specific verb tenses when using signal phrases.

• APA Style requires you to use the past or present perfect tense when using signal phrases.
• MLA and Chicago requires you to use the present tense when using signal phrases.

Signal phrases allow you to give credit for an idea or quote to its author or originator. This helps you to:

• Establish the credentials of your sources
• Display your depth of reading and understanding of the field
• Position your own work in relation to other scholars
• Avoid plagiarism

A signal phrase is a group of words that ascribes a quote or idea to an outside source.

Signal phrases distinguish the cited idea or argument from your own writing and introduce important information including the source of the material that you are quoting , paraphrasing , or summarizing . For example:

“ Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker (1994) insists that humans possess an innate faculty for comprehending grammar.”

If you’re quoting from a text that paraphrases or summarizes other sources and cites them in parentheses , APA and Chicago both recommend retaining the citations as part of the quote. However, MLA recommends omitting citations within a quote:

• APA: Smith states that “the literature on this topic (Jones, 2015; Sill, 2019; Paulson, 2020) shows no clear consensus” (Smith, 2019, p. 4).
• MLA: Smith states that “the literature on this topic shows no clear consensus” (Smith, 2019, p. 4).

Footnote or endnote numbers that appear within quoted text should be omitted in all styles.

If you want to cite an indirect source (one you’ve only seen quoted in another source), either locate the original source or use the phrase “as cited in” in your citation.

In scientific subjects, the information itself is more important than how it was expressed, so quoting should generally be kept to a minimum. In the arts and humanities, however, well-chosen quotes are often essential to a good paper.

In social sciences, it varies. If your research is mainly quantitative , you won’t include many quotes, but if it’s more qualitative , you may need to quote from the data you collected .

As a general guideline, quotes should take up no more than 5–10% of your paper. If in doubt, check with your instructor or supervisor how much quoting is appropriate in your field.

To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

“ Et al. ” is an abbreviation of the Latin term “et alia,” which means “and others.” It’s used in source citations to save space when there are too many authors to name them all.

Guidelines for using “et al.” differ depending on the citation style you’re following:

To insert endnotes in Microsoft Word, follow the steps below:

• Click on the spot in the text where you want the endnote to show up.
• In the “References” tab at the top, select “Insert Endnote.”
• Type whatever text you want into the endnote.

If you need to change the type of notes used in a Word document from footnotes to endnotes , or the other way around, follow these steps:

• Open the “References” tab, and click the arrow in the bottom-right corner of the “Footnotes” section.
• In the pop-up window, click on “Convert…”
• Choose the option you need, and click “OK.”

To insert a footnote automatically in a Word document:

• Click on the point in the text where the footnote should appear
• Select the “References” tab at the top and then click on “Insert Footnote”
• Type the text you want into the footnote that appears at the bottom of the page

Footnotes are notes indicated in your text with numbers and placed at the bottom of the page. They’re used to provide:

• Citations (e.g., in Chicago notes and bibliography )
• Additional information that would disrupt the flow of the main text

Be sparing in your use of footnotes (other than citation footnotes), and consider whether the information you’re adding is relevant for the reader.

Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page they refer to. This is convenient for the reader but may cause your text to look cluttered if there are a lot of footnotes.

Endnotes appear all together at the end of the whole text. This may be less convenient for the reader but reduces clutter.

Both footnotes and endnotes are used in the same way: to cite sources or add extra information. You should usually choose one or the other to use in your text, not both.

An in-text citation is an acknowledgement you include in your text whenever you quote or paraphrase a source. It usually gives the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number of the relevant text. In-text citations allow the reader to look up the full source information in your reference list and see your sources for themselves.

If you are reusing content or data you used in a previous assignment, make sure to cite yourself. You can cite yourself just as you would cite any other source: simply follow the directions for that source type in the citation style you are using.

Keep in mind that reusing your previous work can be considered self-plagiarism , so make sure you ask your professor or consult your university’s handbook before doing so.

A credible source should pass the CRAAP test  and follow these guidelines:

• The information should be up to date and current.
• The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching.
• The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased.
• For a web source, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy.

Peer review is a process of evaluating submissions to an academic journal. Utilizing rigorous criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication. For this reason, academic journals are often considered among the most credible sources you can use in a research project– provided that the journal itself is trustworthy and well-regarded.

Academic dishonesty can be intentional or unintentional, ranging from something as simple as claiming to have read something you didn’t to copying your neighbor’s answers on an exam.

You can commit academic dishonesty with the best of intentions, such as helping a friend cheat on a paper. Severe academic dishonesty can include buying a pre-written essay or the answers to a multiple-choice test, or falsifying a medical emergency to avoid taking a final exam.

Academic dishonesty refers to deceitful or misleading behavior in an academic setting. Academic dishonesty can occur intentionally or unintentionally, and varies in severity.

It can encompass paying for a pre-written essay, cheating on an exam, or committing plagiarism . It can also include helping others cheat, copying a friend’s homework answers, or even pretending to be sick to miss an exam.

Academic dishonesty doesn’t just occur in a classroom setting, but also in research and other academic-adjacent fields.

To apply a hanging indent to your reference list or Works Cited list in Word or Google Docs, follow the steps below.

Microsoft Word:

• Highlight the whole list and right click to open the Paragraph options.
• Under Indentation > Special , choose Hanging from the dropdown menu.
• Set the indent to 0.5 inches or 1.27cm.

Google Docs:

• Highlight the whole list and click on Format >  Align and indent >  Indentation options .
• Under  Special indent , choose Hanging from the dropdown menu.

When the hanging indent is applied, for each reference, every line except the first is indented. This helps the reader see where one entry ends and the next begins.

For a published interview (whether in video , audio, or print form ), you should always include a citation , just as you would for any other source.

For an interview you conducted yourself , formally or informally, you often don’t need a citation and can just refer to it in the text or in a footnote , since the reader won’t be able to look them up anyway. MLA , however, still recommends including citations for your own interviews.

The main elements included in a newspaper interview citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the names of the interviewer and interviewee, the interview title, the publication date, the name of the newspaper, and a URL (for online sources).

The information is presented differently in different citation styles. One key difference is that APA advises listing the interviewer in the author position, while MLA and Chicago advise listing the interviewee first.

The elements included in a newspaper article citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the author name, the article title, the publication date, the newspaper name, and the URL if the article was accessed online .

In APA and MLA, the page numbers of the article appear in place of the URL if the article was accessed in print. No page numbers are used in Chicago newspaper citations.

Untitled sources (e.g. some images ) are usually cited using a short descriptive text in place of the title. In APA Style , this description appears in brackets: [Chair of stained oak]. In MLA and Chicago styles, no brackets are used: Chair of stained oak.

For social media posts, which are usually untitled, quote the initial words of the post in place of the title: the first 160 characters in Chicago , or the first 20 words in APA . E.g. Biden, J. [@JoeBiden]. “The American Rescue Plan means a $7,000 check for a single mom of four. It means more support to safely.”

MLA recommends quoting the full post for something short like a tweet, and just describing the post if it’s longer.

The main elements included in image citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name of the image’s creator, the image title, the year (or more precise date) of publication, and details of the container in which the image was found (e.g. a museum, book , website ).

In APA and Chicago style, it’s standard to also include a description of the image’s format (e.g. “Photograph” or “Oil on canvas”). This sort of information may be included in MLA too, but is not mandatory.

The main elements included in a lecture citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name of the speaker, the lecture title, the date it took place, the course or event it was part of, and the institution it took place at.

For transcripts or recordings of lectures/speeches, other details like the URL, the name of the book or website , and the length of the recording may be included instead of information about the event and institution.

The main elements included in a YouTube video citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name of the author/uploader, the title of the video, the publication date, and the URL.

The format in which this information appears is different for each style.

All styles also recommend using timestamps as a locator in the in-text citation or Chicago footnote .

Each annotation in an annotated bibliography is usually between 50 and 200 words long. Longer annotations may be divided into paragraphs .

The content of the annotation varies according to your assignment. An annotation can be descriptive, meaning it just describes the source objectively; evaluative, meaning it assesses its usefulness; or reflective, meaning it explains how the source will be used in your own research .

Any credible sources on your topic can be included in an annotated bibliography . The exact sources you cover will vary depending on the assignment, but you should usually focus on collecting journal articles and scholarly books . When in doubt, utilize the CRAAP test !

An annotated bibliography is an assignment where you collect sources on a specific topic and write an annotation for each source. An annotation is a short text that describes and sometimes evaluates the source.

The elements included in journal article citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name(s) of the author(s), the title of the article, the year of publication, the name of the journal, the volume and issue numbers, the page range of the article, and, when accessed online, the DOI or URL.

In MLA and Chicago style, you also include the specific month or season of publication alongside the year, when this information is available.

In APA , MLA , and Chicago style citations for sources that don’t list a specific author (e.g. many websites ), you can usually list the organization responsible for the source as the author.

If the organization is the same as the website or publisher, you shouldn’t repeat it twice in your reference:

• In APA and Chicago, omit the website or publisher name later in the reference.
• In MLA, omit the author element at the start of the reference, and cite the source title instead.

If there’s no appropriate organization to list as author, you will usually have to begin the citation and reference entry with the title of the source instead.

The main elements included in website citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the author, the date of publication, the page title, the website name, and the URL. The information is presented differently in each style.

When you want to cite a specific passage in a source without page numbers (e.g. an e-book or website ), all the main citation styles recommend using an alternate locator in your in-text citation . You might use a heading or chapter number, e.g. (Smith, 2016, ch. 1)

In APA Style , you can count the paragraph numbers in a text to identify a location by paragraph number. MLA and Chicago recommend that you only use paragraph numbers if they’re explicitly marked in the text.

For audiovisual sources (e.g. videos ), all styles recommend using a timestamp to show a specific point in the video when relevant.

The abbreviation “ et al. ” (Latin for “and others”) is used to shorten citations of sources with multiple authors.

“Et al.” is used in APA in-text citations of sources with 3+ authors, e.g. (Smith et al., 2019). It is not used in APA reference entries .

Use “et al.” for 3+ authors in MLA in-text citations and Works Cited entries.

Use “et al.” for 4+ authors in a Chicago in-text citation , and for 10+ authors in a Chicago bibliography entry.

Check if your university or course guidelines specify which citation style to use. If the choice is left up to you, consider which style is most commonly used in your field.

• APA Style is the most popular citation style, widely used in the social and behavioral sciences.
• MLA style is the second most popular, used mainly in the humanities.
• Chicago notes and bibliography style is also popular in the humanities, especially history.
• Chicago author-date style tends to be used in the sciences.

Other more specialized styles exist for certain fields, such as Bluebook and OSCOLA for law.

The most important thing is to choose one style and use it consistently throughout your text.

The main elements included in all book citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the author, the title, the year of publication, and the name of the publisher. A page number is also included in in-text citations to highlight the specific passage cited.

In Chicago style and in the 6th edition of APA Style , the location of the publisher is also included, e.g. London: Penguin.

A block quote is a long quote formatted as a separate “block” of text. Instead of using quotation marks , you place the quote on a new line, and indent the entire quote to mark it apart from your own words.

The rules for when to apply block quote formatting depend on the citation style:

• APA block quotes are 40 words or longer.
• MLA block quotes are more than 4 lines of prose or 3 lines of poetry.
• Chicago block quotes are longer than 100 words.

In academic writing , there are three main situations where quoting is the best choice:

• To analyze the author’s language (e.g., in a literary analysis essay )
• To give evidence from primary sources
• To accurately present a precise definition or argument

Don’t overuse quotes; your own voice should be dominant. If you just want to provide information from a source, it’s usually better to paraphrase or summarize .

Every time you quote a source , you must include a correctly formatted in-text citation . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style .

For example, a direct quote in APA is cited like this: “This is a quote” (Streefkerk, 2020, p. 5).

Every in-text citation should also correspond to a full reference at the end of your paper.

A quote is an exact copy of someone else’s words, usually enclosed in quotation marks and credited to the original author or speaker.

The DOI is usually clearly visible when you open a journal article on an academic database. It is often listed near the publication date, and includes “doi.org” or “DOI:”. If the database has a “cite this article” button, this should also produce a citation with the DOI included.

If you can’t find the DOI, you can search on Crossref using information like the author, the article title, and the journal name.

A DOI is a unique identifier for a digital document. DOIs are important in academic citation because they are more permanent than URLs, ensuring that your reader can reliably locate the source.

Journal articles and ebooks can often be found on multiple different websites and databases. The URL of the page where an article is hosted can be changed or removed over time, but a DOI is linked to the specific document and never changes.

When a book’s chapters are written by different authors, you should cite the specific chapter you are referring to.

When all the chapters are written by the same author (or group of authors), you should usually cite the entire book, but some styles include exceptions to this.

• In APA Style , single-author books should always be cited as a whole, even if you only quote or paraphrase from one chapter.
• In MLA Style , if a single-author book is a collection of stand-alone works (e.g. short stories ), you should cite the individual work.
• In Chicago Style , you may choose to cite a single chapter of a single-author book if you feel it is more appropriate than citing the whole book.

Articles in newspapers and magazines can be primary or secondary depending on the focus of your research.

In historical studies, old articles are used as primary sources that give direct evidence about the time period. In social and communication studies, articles are used as primary sources to analyze language and social relations (for example, by conducting content analysis or discourse analysis ).

If you are not analyzing the article itself, but only using it for background information or facts about your topic, then the article is a secondary source.

A fictional movie is usually a primary source. A documentary can be either primary or secondary depending on the context.

If you are directly analyzing some aspect of the movie itself – for example, the cinematography, narrative techniques, or social context – the movie is a primary source.

If you use the movie for background information or analysis about your topic – for example, to learn about a historical event or a scientific discovery – the movie is a secondary source.

Whether it’s primary or secondary, always properly cite the movie in the citation style you are using. Learn how to create an MLA movie citation or an APA movie citation .

To determine if a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself:

• Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)?
• Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)?
• Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary)?

Some types of source are nearly always primary: works of art and literature, raw statistical data, official documents and records, and personal communications (e.g. letters, interviews ). If you use one of these in your research, it is probably a primary source.

Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. However, it’s up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate.

Always make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism .

Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles , reviews, essays , and textbooks.

Anything that summarizes, evaluates or interprets primary sources can be a secondary source. If a source gives you an overview of background information or presents another researcher’s ideas on your topic, it is probably a secondary source.

Common examples of primary sources include interview transcripts , photographs, novels, paintings, films, historical documents, and official statistics.

Anything you directly analyze or use as first-hand evidence can be a primary source, including qualitative or quantitative data that you collected yourself.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

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Course & Subject Guides

Citation styles: apa, mla, chicago, turabian, ieee.

• APA 7th Edition
• Turabian 9th
• Writing & Citing Help
• Understanding Plagiarism

Quick Links

Listed below are a few quick links to resources that will aid you in citing sources.

• Sign up for a Mendeley, EndNote, or Zotero training class.
• APA 7th Edition Published in October 2019. Visit this page for links to resources and examples.
• MLA Need help with citing MLA style? Find information here along with links to books in PittCat and free online resources.
• Chicago/Turabian Need help with citing Chicago/Turabian style? Find examples here along with links to the online style manual and free online resources.

Getting Started: How to use this guide

This LibGuide was designed to provide you with assistance in citing your sources when writing an academic paper.

There are different styles which format the information differently. In each tab, you will find descriptions of each citation style featured in this guide along with links to online resources for citing and a few examples.

What is a citation and citation style?

A citation is a way of giving credit to individuals for their creative and intellectual works that you utilized to support your research. It can also be used to locate particular sources and combat plagiarism. Typically, a citation can include the author's name, date, location of the publishing company, journal title, or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).

A citation style dictates the information necessary for a citation and how the information is ordered, as well as punctuation and other formatting.

How to do I choose a citation style?

There are many different ways of citing resources from your research. The citation style sometimes depends on the academic discipline involved. For example:

• APA (American Psychological Association) is used by Education, Psychology, and Sciences
• MLA (Modern Language Association) style is used by the Humanities
• Chicago/Turabian style is generally used by Business, History, and the Fine Arts

*You will need to consult with your professor to determine what is required in your specific course.

Click the links below to find descriptions of each style along with a sample of major in-text and bibliographic citations, links to books in PittCat, online citation manuals, and other free online resources.

• APA Citation Style
• MLA Citation Style
• Chicago/Turabian Citation Style
• Tools for creating bibliographies (CItation Managers)

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Education Blog

Apa vs. mla understanding citation styles for academic writing.

In the world of academic writing, mastering the art of citation is not just a requirement; it’s a skill that underscores the credibility and integrity of your work. Whether you’re penning a research paper, thesis, or any scholarly article, knowing when and how to use APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association) format is crucial. An essay writing service can help ensure that your work adheres to these essential standard

But why is proper citation so important? It not only gives credit where it’s due but also allows readers to trace the genesis of ideas, fostering a transparent and interconnected academic dialogue.

APA vs. MLA: A Comparative Overview

• Origin and Application

APA and MLA stand as the two colossi in the field of academic citation, each with distinct origins and applications. APA, predominantly used in the social sciences, emphasizes the date of publication, reflecting the importance of recent research in these fields. MLA, on the other hand, is favored in the humanities, particularly for its more flexible approach to authorship and source integration.

• General Formatting Guidelines

Before diving into specifics, understanding the general layout each style adheres to can illuminate the broader differences. APA champions a more structured format, with precise headings and subheadings, while MLA offers a bit more freedom, focusing on the fluid integration of sources into the text.

Understanding APA Format

• In-text Citation

APA format requires the author’s last name and the year of publication within the text, catering to the style’s emphasis on the timeliness of research.

• Reference List

The reference list is a staple of APA, offering a comprehensive overview of every source cited in the paper. This list not only includes books and journal articles but extends to audiovisual and electronic sources, reflecting the modern landscape of research.

Navigating MLA Format

MLA’s in-text citation style is more reader-friendly, often incorporating the author’s name into the narrative of the paper, which can enhance the flow of arguments.

• Works Cited Page

Unlike APA’s reference list, MLA uses a works cited page, emphasizing the work over the publication date. This approach caters to the humanities’ focus on the evolution of ideas over time.

Key Differences Between APA and MLA

• Citation in Text

The most noticeable difference lies in how each style approaches in-text citations. APA’s author-date format contrasts sharply with MLA’s author-page method, reflecting their differing emphases on timeliness and narrative flow, respectively.

• Reference List vs. Works Cited

The terminology and structure of the final list of sources also differ, with APA focusing on a comprehensive reference list and MLA on a more selective works cited page.

When to Use APA and MLA

• Subject Matter Consideration

Choosing between APA and MLA often comes down to the subject matter of your paper. Social sciences, education, and psychology lean towards APA, while literature, arts, and humanities prefer MLA.

• Journal or Publisher Requirements

Always consider the requirements of the journal or publisher. Some are strict about citation styles, so knowing the expected format is essential.

Practical Tips for Effective Citation

• Use Software

Modern citation and reference management software can automate much of the formatting process, allowing scholars to focus more on content than citation styles.

• Stay Updated on Style Guidelines

Both APA and MLA periodically update their guidelines. Staying abreast of these changes ensures your citations remain current and accurate.

• Keep a Detailed Research Log

As you gather sources, maintain a detailed log that includes all necessary citation information. This practice saves time and ensures accuracy when you’re ready to cite. Include notes on key points from each source to help integrate quotes and ideas seamlessly into your writing.

• Understand the Purpose of Each Citation

Each citation style serves a different academic purpose. APA’s focus on dates highlights the timeliness of research, while MLA’s emphasis on page numbers facilitates reader engagement with primary sources. Recognizing this can help you choose the most effective way to incorporate and highlight your research.

• Consistency is Key

Ensure that every citation follows the same format throughout your document. Inconsistencies can distract readers and undermine your work’s professionalism. Pay special attention to punctuation, capitalization, and italicization.

• Use Direct Quotes Sparingly

While direct quotes can strengthen your argument, relying too heavily on them can disrupt the flow of your paper. Summarize or paraphrase where appropriate, and use direct quotes to highlight particularly impactful or unique phrases. Remember to always cite the original source, even when paraphrasing.

• Cross-Check Your Citations

Before submitting your work, double-check your citations against the latest version of the citation style guide. Small errors, such as misplaced commas or incorrect publication years, can compromise your paper’s credibility.

• Cite as You Write

Instead of leaving citations as the last step, cite sources as you incorporate them into your paper. This approach prevents accidental plagiarism and ensures you don’t overlook any sources.

• Seek Feedback

Have peers, mentors, or writing centers review your citations. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked and provide suggestions for improvement.

The choice between APA and MLA formatting styles is not merely a matter of preference but a strategic decision that reflects the nature of your work, its audience, and the norms of your academic discipline. By understanding the key differences and applications of each style, you can navigate the complex landscape of academic writing with greater ease and precision.

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MLA vs APA: Citation & Format Differences

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It is useful that you understand the basics of major styles - in particular, difference between APA and MLA. They are, indeed, very popular. If you are required to follow a specific style when writing your paper, you should learn about them, This guide will help you understand some peculiarities of APA and MLA, including the following aspects:

• Academic areas these styles are typically used for
• General paper format
• Rules of making proper citations
• Rules of making proper bibliography.

Stay with us and you will learn most of the information you should know about difference between APA and MLA. This short guide would help you grasp the main concept of each style and help you choose a proper one for your paper in case you have to choose for yourself.

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APA vs MLA: Applicable Disciplines

Before deciding whether you should use MLA or APA, it is useful to understand what each of these abbreviations means. APA format paper stands for ‘American Psychological Association’. It was developed by this organization and is therefore recommended for:

• Anthropology
• Social Sciences

MLA has received its name from the Modern Language Association. This organization recommends using this style in such fields of study:

• Linguistics
• Other Humanities disciplines.

Students are often instructed to follow a certain style when writing their papers. But if you need to choose whether to use MLA or APA on your own, consider the aforementioned lists of academic areas and it will be quite clear which path to take.

APA vs MLA: Citation

One of a key elements of both styles is a proper formatting of citations. You need to specify all your sources in APA and MLA. Refer to material correctly when citing it in your own text. However, each of these styles requires different in-text references. The order of sources’ details in a bibliography section is also different in each case. Below you will find detailed guidelines on how to cite your sources in APA and MLA.

MLA vs APA: In-Text Citation

Let’s start with MLA vs APA in-text citations. Both styles require parenthetical blocks for citing sources. Difference lies in details put within parenthesis. In APA, you have to include the last name of source’s author and a year this source was published. A page number is also required when a specific paragraph is directly quoted or paraphrased. Name, year and page number are separated by comma. In MLA, you have to include author’s last name and a page number which is always required. Use more than one MLA in text citation example to do it right. If you are citing a work by two authors, you need to put an ampersand between their names when following the APA style. In MLA, you should separate them with “and.” In case your source was written by multiple authors (3+), you need to specify the first author’s name and add “et al.” after it in both styles. Here are a couple of samples:

• Single author:
• Two authors:
• Multiple authors:

Works Cited in MLA vs APA Reference List

Another important aspect to consider when choosing APA or MLA: Works Cited section. In both styles, you are expected to provide complete information about all your sources at the end of your papers on a separate page. It is called Works Cited page in MLA and References in APA. The main differences are the order of a source’s details and their format. In APA, you have to provide an initial instead of an author’s first name and put a publication date right after that. You have to provide a full first name and put publication date MLA format at the end of your references. The following part – a book, journal or article title – is having each major word capitalized in MLA, but only the 1st word capitalized in APA.

APA vs MLA: Format

General requirements of MLA and APA formatting have a number of similarities:

• Text should be double-spaced.
• Font size should be 12 pt, Sans Serif (Times New Roman is preferred).
• 1 inch margin throughout a whole paper.
• 0.5 inch indent for every paragraph.

However there are significant differences between these styles. Especially, when it comes to the following elements: 

• Running head
• Headings and subheadings.

Let us explore these differences in detail. Pay close attention to each of these elements listed above.

What are requirements regarding your title page in APA or MLA? MLA cover page does not require creating a separate title page. You should however add a header on the first page of your paper. Rules are simple:

• your full name;
• your professor’s name;
• course title and number;
• submission date.
• Header must be left-aligned and double-spaced.
• The paper’s main heading must be centered on a new line under a header. Your instructor may require you to include one, though.

In APA, a separate cover page is required. This is the first page of your paper. It should contain these parts:

• Title of your paper
• Your full name
• Your institution and course
• Name of your professor
• Submission date.

An entire page should be centered and double-spaced. Use our Title Page Creator to generate a cover page in APA or MLA automatically. 

Running Head in MLA and APA

Let us now find out what are the differences between MLA and APA when it comes to the running head. In MLA, you need to include your last name and the page number into the running head. They both must be aligned to the right. It should appear at the top of every page. Into the running head APA you need to include a right-aligned page number, likewise. However it should be preceded by a shortened version of your paper’s title. It must be up to 50 characters long, all in capitals and left-aligned. This header should appear at the top of every page, including the title page.

If you need to convert lowercase to uppercase for your running head, feel free to use our tool. 

Headings and Subheadings

Finally, let us explore the rules of APA and MLA heading  and subheading. Both styles foresee 5 levels of section headings. Here is how they are to be distinguished:

• APA: centered, bold, title case
• MLA: left-aligned, bold, no indent
• APA: left-aligned, bold, title case, no indent
• MLA: left-aligned, italicized, no indent
• APA: left-aligned, bold, italicized, title case, no indent
• MLA: centered, bold
• APA: left-aligned, bold, title case, indented and ending with period (.) The next paragraph starts from the same line
• MLA: centered, italicized
• APA: left-aligned, bold, title case, italicized, indented and ending with period. The next paragraph starts from the same line
• MLA: left-aligned, underlined.

MLA vs APA: Examples

If you need some MLA and APA format examples to make it easier for you, we’ve created a few templates for your convenience. Just click on the links below and you will find more valuable information about them. Pay close attention to the implementation of the above rules in these examples.

Bottom Line

In this article we have learned together how is APA different from MLA. Also, we figured out different key points which require your attention when analysing peculiarities of both styles. These key points are:

• Applicable disciplines
• In-text citations and bibliography
• General format
• Title page, header, headings and subheadings.

Each key point was explained, briefly but concisely. Samples were given to clarify all complicated cases. In addition to this detailed review we have created several templates. They could help to grasp the key differences. We hope this information will be helpful for you in your studies. Feel free to use it when creating your next paper! 

If you need further help, do not hesitate to contact us! Our team of academic advisors is always happy to provide assistance with assignment. You do not have to worry about deadlines. Our writers have plenty of experience with different papers. They will do your work in a quick and qualitative way!

Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions about MLA vs APA style

1. which format is more common – apa or mla.

It is difficult to specify which style is more popular so it would be safe to assume that they are equally common. Both APA and MLA are widely used among college students in the US, UK and many other countries. Simultaneously, MLA is more often preferred among high-school students, who are required to use it in their papers. Apparently, the reason is that it is an easier one for starters.

2. Which style is easier to use - MLA or APA?

In general, both APA and MLA styles have clear and straightforward rules which do not make any of them too complicated for an average student to use. At the same time a popular opinion is that MLA style requires less effort since its rules of citing references are less complicated compared to APA. This makes it easy to complete an MLA paper in time.

3. What is the most difficult thing about APA style?

Following rules of APA style is not too complicated for those who are well experienced in writing scientific papers. But if you are a starter, the most difficult element of this style for you would be citing your sources in the bibliography section. The reason is, APA has complex rules of formatting full references, especially when it comes to specific printed issues, volumes and articles in periodicals.

4. Can I use MLA format in Social Sciences?

Typically, rules of choosing a style are pretty strict when it comes to a highly specialized paper of a senior grade student. So, MLA format cannot be used in an academic paper in Psychology, Economics, Social Sciences or anything else from a related area. Instead, you should use APA format for such disciplines. In any case, the best way is to consult with your instructor beforehand.

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APA vs. MLA – Main Distinctions of Both Styles

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As educators present new tasks, a prevalent inquiry from students often echoes, “Should we use APA or MLA?” Despite these citation formats being widely used, students may encounter challenges distinguishing the nuances of each. This article aims to offer in-depth guidance on both APA and MLA citation styles, aiding in the comprehension of these complex frameworks. By thoroughly understanding these guidelines, students will enhance their skills in citing sources accurately, thus maintaining the integrity of their academic work.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 APA vs. MLA – In a Nutshell
• 2 Definition of APA vs. MLA
• 3 Which styles should be used? – APA vs. MLA
• 4 Different in-text citations – APA vs. MLA
• 5 References vs. Works Cited – APA vs. MLA
• 6 Paper formatting in APA vs. MLA

APA vs. MLA – In a Nutshell

• In both styles, the source citation includes a brief parenthetical inside the text.
• Both styles require a complete page of reference at the end.
• However, there are slight differences in the order of the content in the references.
• An instructor usually determines which style you should use.

Definition of APA vs. MLA

APA style and MLA are the most commonly used formatting and citation styles. The American Psychological Association introduced APA, while MLA is a product of The Modern Languages Association . The APA style is now in its 7th edition, while the MLA style is in its 9th edition, which we will discuss in this post.

Many students confuse APA vs. MLA formatting and reference styles because they have the following similarities:

• They both include parenthetical citation styles.
• Both require a separate page of sources at the end.

Despite these similarities, the styles have varying rules, e.g. they have formats for title capitalization, date placement, and author names. Furthermore, there are layout and formatting differences between them.

Which styles should be used? – APA vs. MLA

More often than not, your supervisor or institution will provide guidelines on using APA vs. MLA. However, different fields favor specific formats.

• APA is commonly used in social and behavioral sciences. Additionally, this style is favored in education-related fields.
• MLA is commonly applied in humanities fields, like languages, literary research, and media.

Different in-text citations – APA vs. MLA

APA vs. MLA in-text citations , both contain the author’s name, year of publication, and page number. This type of in-text citation is called a parenthetical. However, they still have the following differences when choosing between APA vs. MLA style:

• Include the author’s last name and publication year. You must include the page number if you paraphrase a specific page.
• Feature the author’s sir name and the page number. You do not need to add the publication year.

Multiple authors

References vs. works cited – apa vs. mla.

In both APA vs. MLA reference and citation styles, you need a complete breakdown of all cited sources within the paper on a separate page at the end. In APA, the source’s page is called the “Reference List,” while in MLA, it is called the “Works Cited.” Below are the formats for APA vs. MLA style:

• APA: Author’s surname, First name initial. (Year of publication). Publication Title (edition). Location. Publisher.
• MLA: Author’s last name, First name. Publication Title. Edition, Publisher, Year of publication. (Punctuations as included)

Paper formatting in APA vs. MLA

The overall paper formatting rules for APA and MLA are alike. For instance, they both require:

• Times New Roman font (12pt)
• 1-inch margins
• Double-spacing

Despite the similarities, there are also different guidelines for areas like the title page and header, running head, and block quoting.

APA title page vs. MLA header

Another difference in APA vs. MLA is in this area. For example, In APA style, a title page is required. In addition, the text in an APA title page or cover page should be centered and double-spaced.

In MLA, a title page is not necessary. Instead, you need a four-line header.

Note that the list should be aligned to the left and double-spaced. Additionally, the title of the paper should be centered under the four-line header.

APA title Page

MLA running head

Running head differences

• APA: The RH is unnecessary in student papers. However, if instructed otherwise, it should consist of a page number atop each page (right-aligned). On the other hand, for a manual script to be published, the RH should include a shortened, 50-character-long version of the title.
• MLA: It should feature your sir name and the page number (both right-aligned) atop every page.

Block quotes

A block quote is a lengthy quotation usually formatted as a separate text block on a new line, without quotation marks and an in-text citation at the end quote after the period. In both APA vs. MLA, the block quote needs an introductory statement, which ends with a colon before the block quote.

In APA , any quote featuring more than forty words should be configured as a block quote. For example, an in-text citation.

Readers quickly familiarize themselves with Carrey’s relationship with Aristotle at the mention of the illustrations:

Only Aristotle, the brains behind this book, was excused from my response- Aristotle embodied many things that I have genuine disdain for. If indeed a person’s upbringing influences his personality, then Aristotle may have been born to perfect parents, with keen parenting. (Montgomery, 2020, p. 4)

In MLA , any quote featuring more than four prose lines or more than three verse lines should be structured as a block quote. For instance, in in-text citation:

Only Aristotle, the brains behind this book, was excused from my response-Aristotle embodied all the things I have genuine disdain for. If indeed a person’s upbringing influences his personality, then Aristotle may have been born to perfect parents, with keen parenting. (Montgomery 4)

Are the APA and MLA styles being used in different fields?

Yes, APA, is commonly used in social and behavioral sciences, while MLA is common in humanities and literary research studies.

Who determines whether you should use APA vs. MLA style?

Normally, your instructor will advise you on which style to use. Some institutions have guidelines on reference and citation styles.

Which is more common – APA vs. MLA?

It is hard to specify which style is more popular because both are widely used among college students. However, MLA is a preferred option among high-school students.

Which style is easier to use - APA vs. MLA?

Both APA vs. MLA styles can be slightly confusing. However, they have straightforward rules.

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MLA or APA: Selecting a Research Paper Style

Selecting a research paper style can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with the two main options available: MLA and APA. This article will explore both styles in order to determine which one is best suited for a given project. It will discuss their respective strengths, weaknesses, as well as when each may be most appropriate to use. Furthermore, it will provide guidance on what needs to be considered when making a decision about which format should be utilized in any particular academic or professional situation. By providing an understanding of the differences between these two popular styles of writing papers, readers should have all they need to confidently select either MLA or APA format for their own projects.

1. Introduction to Research Paper Styles

2. analyzing the difference between mla and apa formats, 3. understanding how citation works in each format, 4. knowing when to use mla or apa for your project, 5. deciding on an appropriate style guidebook for your needs, 6. exploring available resources when writing a research paper in either format, 7. conclusion: choosing the best style for your academic goals.

Creating research papers can be an overwhelming task, especially for those unfamiliar with the different writing styles. Knowing which style to use and when it is necessary can make your paper stand out amongst the rest.

• MLA : The Modern Language Association (MLA) style of citation is used in English literature, literary criticism, media studies and other disciplines within humanities. It focuses on parenthetical citations in-text such as author’s name or page number.

The body paragraphs of a research paper using MLA formatting are double spaced without additional spaces between them; headers should include a header at top left corner with student’s last name followed by page number in right corner. If you’re citing multiple authors each has their own reference entry; sources must appear alphabetically according to title or author surname if no title given. Quotations require specific pagination information for where they come from but direct quotes don’t need titles or URLs unless specified differently by instructor.

• APA : American Psychological Association (APA) citation format is typically used across social sciences fields such as Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology just to name a few examples. Headers are usually required at the top left corner including student’s first initial followed by their surname then finally page number located at bottom right side of every page.

Body paragraphs tend to be single spaced while references are double spaced due only exception being block quotations that need special spacing requirements not like regular quoted sentences found throughout text itself; sources listed alphabetically same as MLA though here they must have hanging indent which means all lines after first line needs tabbing over five spaces in order meet standards set forth APA manual sixth edition guidelines for referencing materials properly .

MLA vs. APA: A Comparison When it comes to writing research papers, two popular formats reign supreme: MLA and APA. Both are used widely in the field of academia for a variety of reasons – but which one should you use? Let’s take a look at some key differences between them.

In terms of appearance, there is no mistaking an MLA or APA paper; they have quite distinct formatting rules. For instance, while both styles require double-spacing and 1-inch margins all around, with titles centered in the middle of the page after skipping four lines down from the top – these differences appear when looking closer. The title page layout changes between each style too; whereas an MLA paper contains its author name and university on separate lines directly beneath the essay’s title, an APA document keeps this information (author name plus institutional affiliation) together as one line below said title.

• Do research papers need to be mla or apa?

Yes! Depending on your professor’s preference or course subject matter requirement, either format can be requested for completing assignment tasks such as essays and other written works like lab reports etc. Therefore it is important that students familiarize themselves with both sets of guidelines so that proper citations may be achieved within their work regardless if following MLA guidelines or those laid out by American Psychological Association (APA).

Citing sources is an important skill to have in the world of academia. It allows you to back up your ideas and provide evidence for the points that you make, ensuring your writing has integrity and accuracy. When it comes to citing sources, there are different formats that need to be followed depending on which style guide you’re using.

• APA: The American Psychological Association (APA) format is primarily used when creating research papers in social sciences. In this format, citations include author names, publication year, title of article or book referenced and page numbers if applicable.
• MLA: The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation system focuses on humanities disciplines such as literature or linguistics. Here the focus shifts from authors’ name towards titles; emphasizing them within both intext citations as well as works cited lists.

Citing references correctly is an important component of academic writing. The two most common citation styles are the Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA). Knowing when to use each style can be tricky, as there are distinct differences between them.

• MLA : Commonly used in English, literature, foreign language studies and other humanities classes. It uses parenthetical citations within the text itself with a list of Works Cited at the end.
• APA : Often seen in sciences such social sciences or psychology courses. APA formatting typically includes an abstract page before a paper that provides a summary of what’s discussed; plus it requires both in-text citations as well as a bibliography/reference section at the end.

When deciding which one to use for your project keep in mind that research papers should always adhere to either MLA or APA format guidelines so make sure you read your professor’s instructions carefully. A general rule is if you’re studying liberal arts then go with MLA; however if you’re tackling something more science based like sociology then choose APA instead!

The selection of an appropriate style guidebook for your writing needs is a critical step in the writing process. It not only helps to ensure accuracy and clarity but also serves as a useful reference when formatting documents such as research papers. When deciding on which book to choose, consider these factors:

• Specificity – How much information does the guide provide about citation conventions? Does it include examples or explanations for each rule?
• Depth of Coverage – Does it cover all possible areas of need (MLA & APA, quotes & footnotes, abbreviations)? Can you use this one source for most questions you may have regarding format and style?

In addition, think about who will be using this resource and what kind of writing they’ll be doing. If multiple authors are contributing to the same document (e.g., group project), then make sure everyone has access to the same edition so their notes match up correctly with current standards. Once you have chosen a particular manual that meets your requirements best, don’t forget to keep it handy whenever you work on any type of written assignment!

In the process of writing a research paper, there are several resources available that can help guide you and provide additional information. It is important to become familiar with these various sources as they will not only assist in your research but may also be helpful when formatting your paper.

• Online Databases : Utilizing online databases such as ProQuest or JSTOR are an excellent starting point for obtaining data for any type of academic project. These electronic libraries contain both primary source documents and full-text journal articles which can serve as useful references throughout the course of your work.
• Books/Textbooks : Scholarly books related to the topic being explored should also be consulted during the planning stages. Even though many textbooks have been digitized, physical copies remain an invaluable resource due to their ability to organize material into easy-to-understand sections and appendices. Furthermore, reference librarians at college libraries often possess extensive knowledge about locating valuable materials that pertain specifically to one’s area of study.

Depending on what format you decide upon (MLA or APA), some supplemental components could potentially include footnotes/endnotes, bibliographies (or works cited page), parenthetical citations within each section along with cover pages if needed by instructor guidelines. Each style has distinct rules about how those items should appear so it’s imperative that all directions from professor are followed closely while researching papers using either MLA or APA formats..

When deciding on which style to use for your academic goals, it is important to consider the type of research paper you are writing. For example, MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting is used when creating papers about humanities and liberal arts topics. Whereas APA (American Psychological Association) guidelines should be followed if you are researching in social science fields like psychology or sociology.

• Understand the conventions associated with each style.
• Know how each one will affect citation formats.

No matter which format you choose, there are certain elements that remain consistent across all styles: quality writing backed up by reliable sources and an easy-to-understand structure. It may take some time to learn all of these nuances before embarking on a project using either MLA or APA formatting guidelines; however, this knowledge can provide a great benefit when pursuing any sort of academic goal!

When it comes to selecting a research paper style, MLA and APA offer two distinct options that should be weighed carefully against the specific requirements of the task. In many cases, both styles are acceptable, but consideration must be given to any guidelines provided by instructors or other authorities as well as an assessment of what will yield more favorable results when published. Understanding these formats is key for students and researchers alike in order to produce quality work worthy of submission for publication or grading.

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Published by Nicolas at January 17th, 2024 , Revised On January 23, 2024

When To Use MLA Vs APA

Two predominant citation styles in academic writing, like thesis or dissertation stand out: the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Each style is a set of guidelines designed to standardize the citation and formatting of sources, ensuring consistency and clarity in scholarly communication.

Table of Contents

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities and liberal arts, providing a structured approach to citing sources in research papers, essays, and other scholarly works. Initially developed by the Modern Language Association, this style emphasizes the author’s name and page number in in-text citations, with a detailed Works Cited page listing all sources.

The American Psychological Association (APA) style, on the other hand, is a prominent citation guide used in the social sciences and natural sciences. Created by the American Psychological Association, this style emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and objectivity. APA uses a parenthetical author-date citation system and compiles all sources on a References page.

Importance Of Proper Citation Styles In Academic Writing

Accurate and consistent citation is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of academic writing. Proper citation serves multiple purposes:

Acknowledging Sources

• Citations give credit to the original authors for their ideas, theories, or findings.
• They acknowledge the intellectual contributions that form the foundation of a writer’s work.

Avoiding Plagiarism

• Citation styles provide a framework to cite sources appropriately, helping writers avoid plagiarism.
• Plagiarism, the uncredited use of someone else’s work, is a serious ethical breach in academic writing.

Ensuring Credibility

• Proper citations enhance the credibility of the author’s work by allowing readers to verify and trace the sources referenced.
• Credible sources contribute to the strength and validity of an academic argument.

Facilitating Communication

• Standardized citation styles promote clear communication within the academic community.
• They enable researchers to share and build upon each other’s work by providing a common language for citation.

Meeting Academic Standards

• Adhering to specific citation styles aligns with academic conventions and standards.
• Different disciplines in universities in Canada may have preferences for particular citation styles, and adherence reflects a commitment to scholarly norms.

Understanding MLA

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely recognized and used set of guidelines for academic writing, specifically tailored to the fields of literature, language, and the humanities. Developed by the Modern Language Association, this citation style provides a systematic approach to citing sources, formatting papers, and acknowledging the intellectual contributions of others.

The primary purpose of MLA is to establish a standardized method for scholars and students to present their research and ideas clearly and consistently. By prescribing citation and document formatting rules, MLA ensures that academic writing is accessible, organized, and ethically grounded.

Common Usage In Humanities And Liberal Arts

MLA finds its common usage in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, history, art, and other areas within the humanities and liberal arts. The style’s adaptability to various forms of humanistic expression makes it a preferred choice for scholars and students in these fields. Whether crafting essays, research papers , or literary analyses, humanities students often turn to MLA to structure their academic work.

The key elements of MLA citation are:

In-text citations

In MLA, in-text citations serve to provide brief yet crucial information about the source of a particular idea or quotation within the body of the text. Typically, these citations include the author’s last name and the page number from which the information is drawn. For instance: (Khan 45). This practice allows readers to easily locate the source on the Works Cited page.

Works Cited page

The Works Cited page is a comprehensive list of all the sources referenced in a paper. It is placed at the end of the document and provides detailed bibliographic information for each source, allowing readers to verify and explore the referenced materials. 

The Works Cited page follows specific formatting guidelines, including the author’s name, source title, publication information, and other relevant details.

Understanding APA

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely adopted set of guidelines for academic writing, particularly within the social sciences and natural sciences. Developed by the American Psychological Association, APA provides a systematic framework for citing sources, formatting papers, and organizing research that promotes clarity, objectivity, and precision.

The primary purpose of APA is to establish a standardized approach to writing and documentation within the scientific community. By emphasizing clarity and conciseness, APA allows researchers, psychologists, and social and natural sciences scholars to communicate their ideas precisely and ensure that their work can be easily understood and verified.

Common Usage In Social Sciences And Sciences

APA is commonly used in finance thesis , psychology, sociology, education, business, botany papers , and various natural and social sciences. Its structured approach to citation and formatting aligns with the demands of scientific communication, where precision and clarity are paramount. Researchers and scholars in these fields turn to APA to ensure that their work adheres to the established conventions of their disciplines.

The key elements of APA citation include the following:

In APA style, in-text citations follow a parenthetical author-date format, where the author’s last name and the publication year are included. For example (Khan, 2019). This method allows readers to quickly identify the source of information and cross-reference it with the detailed information provided on the References page.

References page

The References page is a thorough list of all sources cited within a paper. It is positioned at the end of the document and provides detailed bibliographic information for each source. The information typically includes the author’s name, publication date, title of the source, and other relevant details. The References page in APA style is organized alphabetically and follows specific formatting guidelines to ensure consistency.

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When To Use MLA

MLA is the preferred citation style in several academic disciplines within the humanities and liberal arts. Common disciplines include literature, philosophy, history, art, and languages. Scholars and students in these fields often adhere to MLA guidelines to maintain consistency and convey information in a manner suitable for their respective subjects.

MLA is well-suited for citing a wide range of sources commonly found in the humanities. These sources include:

• Books: MLA is particularly effective in citing books, whether they are novels, manuscripts , anthologies, or scholarly monographs.
• Journal Articles: Academic journals in humanities and liberal arts fields are often cited using MLA format.
• Poems and Short Stories: MLA is ideal for citing individual poems or short stories frequently encountered in literature studies.
• Artistic Works: MLA can be used to reference paintings, sculptures, or other forms of artistic expression.

MLA Examples

• Literary Analysis Essays: When writing an essay analyzing a piece of literature, such as a novel or poem, MLA is commonly used to cite textual evidence and provide in-depth analysis.
• History Research Papers: Historical research papers format often adopt MLA citation, emphasizing the proper acknowledgment of historical sources and texts.
• Philosophy Papers: Papers in philosophy that involve the analysis of philosophical texts or arguments often use MLA for citation.

When To Use APA

APA is the preferred citation style in various academic disciplines and preliminary literature reviews , especially those in the social sciences and natural sciences. Disciplines that commonly use APA include psychology, sociology, education, business, and health sciences. The style’s emphasis on clarity, objectivity, and precision aligns with the requirements of these scientific fields.

APA is well-suited for citing various sources commonly found in the social and natural sciences. These sources include:

• Research Articles: APA is extensively used for citing research articles published in academic journals.
• Empirical Studies: Studies conducted in psychology, sociology, and related fields often cite APA.
• Academic Papers in Education: APA is preferred for citing educational research and academic papers.
• Scientific Reports: APA is commonly used for citing scientific reports in the natural sciences, such as biology or chemistry.

APA Examples

• Psychology Research Papers: When conducting and presenting research in psychology, APA is the preferred style for ensuring clarity and precision in communication.
• Sociology Literature Reviews: Literature reviews in sociology often adopt APA citation to organize and present a synthesis of existing research.
• Business Reports: Business and management reports, including those in marketing or organizational behaviour, frequently cite APA.

Key Differences Between MLA And APA

Some of the key differences between MLA and APA are discussed below.

Differences In Formatting And Layout 

• MLA typically features a header on the left side of the paper with the author’s name and page number.
• APA uses a running head on the right side, which includes a shortened title and page number.
• APA often requires a title page with specific information like the title, author’s name, institutional affiliation, and an author note.
• MLA generally does not mandate a title page unless specified by the instructor.
• MLA typically recommends using a legible font like Times New Roman in 12-point size.
• APA generally prefers a sans-serif font like Arial or Calibri in 12-point size.

Citations And Referencing Variations

• MLA employs parenthetical in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number (Khan 45).
• APA uses parenthetical author-date citations with the author’s last name and the publication year (Khan, 2019).
• MLA uses a “Works Cited” page that lists sources alphabetically with specific formatting.
• APA uses a “References” page, also alphabetized, with distinct formatting guidelines for each source type.
• In MLA, titles of larger works (books, movies) are italicized, while titles of shorter works (articles, poems) are in quotation marks.
• In APA, italics are used for titles of longer works, and shorter works are in title case and not enclosed in quotation marks.

Peculiar Rules Unique To Each Style

Medium in MLA:

• MLA may require the inclusion of the medium (print, web, etc.) in bibliographic entries.

DOI in APA:

• APA may involve the use of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for online sources when available.

Publication Information Order:

• MLA typically lists the author’s name, title, publisher, and date in that order.
• APA follows the order of author, date, title, and publisher.

How To Choose Between MLA And APA

• Consider your academic discipline.
• Preferred in humanities and liberal arts disciplines.
• Commonly used for literature, philosophy, history, and related fields.
• Preferred in social sciences and natural sciences.
• Commonly used for psychology, sociology, education, business, and scientific research.
• Understand assignment requirements
• Learn about instructor preferences and guidelines

Tips For Proper Implementation

Here are some final tips and tricks to help you properly implement MLA and APA.

Tip 1: Familiarizing Oneself With Style Guides

• Thorough Review: Take the time to thoroughly review the official style guides for both MLA and APA. These guides provide complete information on formatting, in-text citations, and references.
• Style Guide Accessibility: Make a copy of the MLA Handbook (for MLA) or the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (for APA) readily accessible for quick reference.
• Online Resources: Explore online resources provided by reputable institutions and libraries to supplement your understanding of each style.

Tip 2: Using Citation Tools And Resources

• Citation Generators: Use online citation generators to automate the process of creating citations. Tools like Zotero , EndNote , or online generators provided by academic institutions can save time and reduce the chance of errors.
• Online Style Guides: Many universities and academic institutions provide online style guides with examples and tutorials. Refer to these resources to clarify specific citation rules.
• Library Support: Take advantage of library resources and support services, which often include workshops or consultations on proper citation practices.

Tip 3: Seeking Guidance From Instructors Or Writing Centers

• Instructor Clarification: When in doubt, seek clarification from your instructor regarding citation preferences and any specific guidelines for the assignment.
• Writing Centers: Use campus writing centers that offer guidance on citation styles. Writing tutors can provide valuable insights and assistance in mastering MLA or APA.
• Peer Review: Consider engaging in peer review sessions where you can exchange insights and tips on proper citation with fellow students.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to use apa vs mla.

Use APA for social and natural sciences, psychology, education, and research studies. Choose MLA for humanities, literature, philosophy, and arts. Consider assignment requirements, academic discipline, and instructor preferences to determine the appropriate citation style for academic writing.

What is APA vs MLA?

APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are distinct citation styles. APA is common in social sciences, emphasizing clarity. MLA is prevalent in humanities, emphasizing authorship. They differ in formatting citations and are chosen based on academic discipline and assignment requirements.

Is MLA or APA used for English?

MLA (Modern Language Association) is commonly used for English, literature, and humanities disciplines. Its emphasis on authorship and literary analysis aligns with the conventions of these fields. APA is more prevalent in social sciences and natural sciences.

Who uses APA?

APA (American Psychological Association) is primarily used by professionals and scholars in the fields of psychology, social sciences, education, business, and health sciences. It provides a standardized citation style for research articles, empirical studies, and scientific publications in these disciplines.

What is the difference between APA MLA and Harvard?

APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are citation styles used in academic writing, with specific rules for formatting and citations. Harvard is a referencing style with a focus on author-date citation but is less prescriptive in formatting, commonly used in the UK and Australia.

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How To Write And Format A Research Paper: APA, MLA, Chicago

Diving into the world of academic writing can often feel like navigating a maze. With diverse styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago dictating the presentation of research papers, understanding the nuances becomes essential.

From the specific requirements of title pages, the subtleties of headers, to the intricacies of citation styles, this comprehensive guide sheds light on formatting your research paper impeccably.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your academic journey, mastering these formatting styles not only enhances your paper’s credibility but also elevates its professional presentation.

Formatting an APA paper

If you’re embarking on writing a research paper, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the specifics of the APA format.

This formatting style, developed by the American Psychological Association, is commonly used in the social sciences.

Unlike the MLA style by the Modern Language Association, APA has some unique title page requirements. The title page should include:

• The paper’s title
• The author’s name, and
• The institutional affiliation.

All text should be centred and double-spaced. The paper title should be in title case, which means that most words are capitalised, but words such as “and” or “the” are not unless they’re the first word.

Font choices are essential; Times New Roman in 12-point is the most commonly accepted. The title page should also include the page number, typically located in the upper right-hand corner.

Running head

Within the realm of APA research paper format, the “running head” is a standout feature that researchers should master. Acting as a concise version of the paper’s title, the running head is presented in capital letters and is uniquely positioned in the header.

For those adopting the APA style, take note: this title fragment graces the top-left corner of every page, while the page number elegantly sits opposite on the top-right.

The title page gets special treatment — it introduces the running head with “Running head:”, e.g., “Running head: EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON SLEEP”.

But as you delve deeper, from the second page onwards, only the title, like “EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON SLEEP”, remains.  It’s these subtle intricacies that elevate a good research paper to an exemplar of APA formatting precision.

APA employs five levels of headings. A tip many don’t often share: these aren’t just about size or boldness, but about indicating the hierarchy of your content.

Reference page

One of the main differences between APA and other styles like MLA or Turabian is not only in-citation style but also in specific format requirements for components of a research paper. For instance, a reference page (APA) is analogous to a bibliography (MLA).

For those diving deeper into writing and formatting their papers, Purdue University offers a comprehensive style guide. This resource offers insights on everything from the research process to in-text citations and formatting rules.

One last juicy tidbit: always ensure that your thesis statement is clear and concise, as this guides the entire research paper.

It’s always advisable to check specific guidelines for formatting a research paper in APA format, ensuring all details, down to the period at the end of your in-text quotations, are impeccable.

Formatting an MLA paper

Unlike the APA style from the American Psychological Association, MLA style from the Modern Language Association lacks a title page but insists on a header with the last name and page number on every page.

Begin with your paper’s title in title case, centre, and in Times New Roman. The general format includes a thesis statement, body of the paper, and a bibliography page at the end. 

On your first page, MLA omits the traditional title page. Instead, start at the top left-hand side by typing:

• The instructor’s name
• Course number
• Course name
• Course date

Write  each detail on a new line. Following this, centre the paper’s title using title case—ensure it’s devoid of bolds, underlines, or quotation marks.

As you delve into the body of the paper, maintain a consistent header on every page, which incorporates the author’s last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner.

For optimum readability, adjust your word processor to Times New Roman, size 12pt. 

Page header

A particularly salient aspect of an MLA research paper is its header. Unlike the APA format which uses a running head, MLA format necessitates a simpler approach.

Commence with your word processor set to:

• Times New Roman, 12pt.
• On the first page and every page thereafter, the header should feature the author’s last name followed by the page number, situated in the upper right-hand corner. 

This ensures continuity throughout the paper. Remember, there’s no title page in MLA format, so this header starts from the very first page.

Contrary to some other formatting styles like Turabian, there’s no need for elaborate details such as the paper’s title or abbreviations.

While it might seem trifling, proper header formatting, along with consistent in-text citations and a correctly formatted bibliography, are key components of a research paper, accentuating its credibility.

Works Cited page

When it comes to the nuances of the Modern Language Association’s (MLA) style, a pivotal component is the “Works Cited” page, differentiating it from APA’s “Reference Page” or Turabian’s bibliography. Positioned at the end of the paper, this section meticulously lists research sources.

Kickstart with a new page, titling it “Works Cited” in title case, without quotation marks, ensuring the title is centred.

Maintain the Times New Roman 12pt font, consistent with the body of the paper. Unlike the APA format, there’s no need for a running head on this page.

Entries are double-spaced, with a hanging indent for every subsequent line after the first line of each source. The author’s last name comes first, followed by the first name. The title of works should be in title case, with quotation marks for article titles and italics for book titles.

Each entry’s general format includes the:

• Publisher, and
• Year of publication.

Consistency is crucial. Remember, in-text citations in the paper should correspond to the entries on the Works Cited page. Focusing on these details ensures the credibility of your research paper, portraying it as a meticulously crafted piece in MLA format.

Formatting a Chicago paper

While many are familiar with the APA style from the American Psychological Association or the MLA style from the Modern Language Association, the intricacies of the Chicago formatting style might be less known.

So, here’s a dive into the specific format of a Chicago-style title page. Following these guidelines for formatting ensures your research paper may stand out, not just for the content but also for its professional presentation.

First, unlike the general format of APA where a running head is present on every page, the Chicago-style paper’s title page stands alone without a page number.

The paper should also include a centred title, and contrary to the title case seen in sample research papers in MLA format, Chicago dictates capital letters for every main word.

Beneath the paper’s title, you’ll need to include the author’s full name, followed by other details such as class information. Also, it’s recommended to use the classic Times New Roman as your font choice for a polished look.

Your last name is essential too! In the header of subsequent pages, incorporate your last name alongside the page number. 

In Chicago style, whenever you cite a source within the text, a superscript number directs readers to the relevant footnote at the bottom of the page.

Each footnote starts with the same superscript number, followed by a period. The specific format of the footnote varies based on the type of source, but general guidelines are:

• Begin with the author’s first name, then last name.
• The title, either in quotation marks (for articles, book chapters) or italicised (for books), follows.
• Include publication details like the publisher’s name, year of publication, and the page number or numbers you’re referencing.

For instance, a footnote citing a book might look like this: ^1. Jane Doe, Sample Research: Chicago Formatting and Its Implications (Modern Language Association, 2023), 45-46.

Times New Roman is the recommended font, and the entirety of the footnote should be in regular size, not superscript. 

Bibliography or reference list

While many writers might have mastered the APA format from the American Psychological Association or the MLA style from the Modern Language Association, the specifics of the Chicago style often leave researchers scratching their heads.

For a Chicago-style paper, the bibliography is typically found on a new page at the end of the paper.

Unlike the general format seen in APA style with a running head on every page, the Chicago bibliography starts with a simple centred heading: “Bibliography.”

Entries should be alphabetised by the last name of the author, and unlike the in-text citations, the bibliography provides complete details of research sources.

Each entry should use a hanging indent, with the first line of the entry aligned to the left and subsequent lines indented. For a consistent look, adopt Times New Roman as your font choice.

Also, while writing a paper, always remember to cite every primary research source in your bibliography to maintain the integrity of your work.

Extra tips for writing and formatting research papers

Ensuring your research paper is free from copied content is paramount in academia. Even when you write a research paper, inadvertent plagiarism can creep in, making citation crucial. For those navigating APA format or MLA style, citation rules can be intricate.

Check for plagiarism

There are many ways you may end up committing plagiarism, even if unintentional. Here’s how you ensure originality, and prevent plagiarism in your work. 

• Keep Track of Sources : As you dive deep into your research process, jot down every source. This not only assists in the proper format of in-text citations but also in creating a comprehensive bibliography at the end of the paper. Many use word processor features to help manage sources.
• Quote and Paraphrase : When referencing a specific passage, use quotation marks and cite. APA style and MLA format have particular guidelines for citing. When putting information in your own words, paraphrase it, but don’t forget to cite. Purdue University’s style guide is a great resource for this.
• Use Plagiarism Checkers : Before submitting, run your paper through a plagiarism checker. Universities often use tools like Turnitin, but platforms like Scribbr can be just as effective. Beware of free checkers; they might not cover all research sources or might even save your work.

Remember, the key is not just to format a research paper but to maintain integrity throughout the paper. So, always give credit where it’s due.

Proofread your work

When embarking on the task of writing a research paper, it’s essential to not only focus on the research question and the body of the paper but also on its presentation. Proofreading for correct formatting is vital.

Refer To Style Guide: refer to a style guide relevant to your formatting style, be it APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or Turabian.

For example, the APA format requires a title page with a running head, whereas the MLA format places emphasis on the author’s last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page.

Check Your In-Text Citations: APA uses the author-year of publication method, while MLA style incorporates the author’s last name and the page number. Always ensure quotations are surrounded by quotation marks and that paraphrased information is correctly cited.

Examine Your Paper’s Title: ensure it adheres to title case for APA and that it is centered for both APA and MLA. The general format of a research paper may vary, but there are specifics to look for.

For instance, the APA research paper outline uses level 1 headings, which should be in title case and bolded, whereas the MLA format employs a standard formatting system for headings.

References & Bibliography: The end of the paper should always include a reference page or bibliography. In APA, it’s titled “References”, whereas in MLA it’s “Works Cited”. Formatting an APA reference page requires hanging indents, and in MLA, entries are alphabetized by the author’s last name.

Font: Lastly, ensure font choices align with format guidelines; typically, Times New Roman is a safe bet.

Your research paper may contain extensive details, but without adhering to specific guidelines for formatting, its credibility could be undermined. Don’t undermine your hard work—proofread for proper format.

Write A Research Paper In Correct Format – Not Rocket Science!

When embarking on writing a research paper, understanding and adhering to the proper format is paramount. The blog dissects the intricacies of three primary research paper formatting styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Each format has its unique specifications, from the title page layout to citation techniques.

While APA is widely recognised in the social sciences and emphasises a title page and running head, MLA forgoes the title page and stresses the importance of the “Works Cited” section. In contrast, the Chicago format is distinguished by its use of footnotes for citations.

To ensure a paper’s credibility, always meticulously follow the specific guidelines of their chosen format, check for plagiarism, and proofread for both content and formatting precision. 

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Research Guides

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APA Style 7th Edition Tutorials for Students in Psychology and Social Work

What is apa style.

• The Importance of Citing

Why is APA Style needed?

How do i get started with apa style, let us practice what we have learned, attribution and acknowledgement.

• Basics of APA Style Tutorial
• Reference Entry Elements
• Reference Examples
• Reference List
• In-Text Citations
• Student Paper Format
• Managing References - Zotero

Origination of APA Style

• Where did APA Style come from?

Commonly Used APA Related Terms

Abstract : Abstract is a brief synopses of article. It provides a brief but comprehensive summary of the article. 

Citing : In the context of academic writing, citing is the act of acknowledging the sources of information you have used when writing your work.

Citation:  A citation gives credit to a source, and contains publication information such as author(s), title and date.

DOI (digital object identifier): It is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object, mainly a scholarly article, to provide a persistent link to its location on the internet. 

In-Text Citation : It is a brief note that appears within the body of the paper and briefly identifies the cited work by its author and date of publication. An in-text citation should always match the corresponding entry in the reference list at the end of paper.

Paraphrasing : A paraphrase restates another’s idea (or your own previously published idea) in your own words. 

Plagiarism : It is the act of presenting the words, ideas, or images of another as your own; it denies creators of content the credit they are due. 

Quoting : It is the act of reproducing the exact wording used by the original author. Direct quotations appear within quotation marks and end with a citation.

Reference : It contains details about one cited work, generally including four elements:  author, date, title, and source.  

Reference List : It identifies all the sources you cited in the text of your paper. It generally is at the end of the paper and definitely on a new page after the text of your paper. 

APA Style is the most common writing style used in college and career. Its purpose is to promote excellence in communication by helping writers create clear, precise, and inclusive sentences with a straightforward scholarly tone. It addresses areas of writing such as how to

• format a paper so it looks professional;
• credit other people’s words and ideas via citations and references to avoid plagiarism; and
• describe other people with dignity and respect using inclusive, bias-free language.

APA Style is primarily used in the behavioral sciences, which are subjects related to people, such as psychology, education, and nursing. It is also used by students in business, engineering, communications, and other classes. Students use it to write academic essays and research papers in college, and professionals use it to conduct, report, and publish scientific research.

In addition, APA Style provides you with a powerful tool that will hep you avoid deliberate or unintentional plagiarism. Please review the Avoiding Plagiarism Guide created by the APA experts to understand what two common types of plagiarism are and how to avoid them. 

Why is learning citations important? Citations help readers understand where the information used in your paper comes from, enabling them to trace the path of that information. When readers wish to explore a specific point or reference cited in the text, citations make it easier by providing information about your sources in a standardized format.

Besides showing readers where you obtained information, using citations also has a strong ethical purpose. In academic writing, it is important to credit ideas that are not your own. Citations allow you to integrate the ideas of others with your own thoughts in a fair and honest way.

The reference formats for APA Style manuals are as follows:

APA Style provides a foundation for effective scholarly communication because it helps authors present their ideas in a clear and concise, and organized manner.  Uniformity and consistency enable readers to (a) focus on the ideas being presented rather than formatting and (b) scan works quickly for key points, findings, and sources. When style works best, ideas flow logically, sources are credited appropriately, and papers are organized predictably and consistently. 

Students are encouraged to first learn about APA Style by reading works written in APA Style. A couple of guides created by APA experts from the American Psychological Association can help you with that:

Anatomy of a Journal Article   https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/anatomy-journal-article.pdf

Scholarly journal articles share a common anatomy or structure. Each part of an article serves a specific purpose. The handout of  Anatomy of a Journal Article explains how journal articles are structured and how to become more efficient at reading and understanding them. Understanding the structure of a scholarly article and the purpose of each part helps you grasp a strategy called targeted reading. Targeted reading means to read specific sections of research articles first to determine if the article seems useful for your research topic. This way you will save time, find useful article faster, and choose which articles to read in full.

Reading and Understanding Abstracts https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/reading-abstracts.pdf

Abstracts are short summaries of scientific research articles. The handout of Reading & Understanding Abstracts explains the definition and purpose of abstracts and the benefits of reading them, including analysis of a sample abstract. The skill of reading and understanding abstracts of scholarly articles not only saves time but also helps you conduct better research and write more effectively.

APA Style Writing Principles https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/writing-principles.pdf

The poster created by APA experts shows the three main principles of APA Style: clarity, precision, and inclusion and lists steps on how to achieve them. As a student writer, you always should write your academic paper with clarity, precision, and inclusion. 

Research Article Activity https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/apa-style-research-activity.pdf

Reading research articles is not an easy task for you as a student. The Research Article Activity designed by APA Style experts aims to make it easy to read and understand a scholarly article. This activity worksheet helps you find, cite, analyze, and summarize a research article. Completing this activity breaks down a lengthy research article into easily understandable chunks. This way helps you better understand the study in the article before you write about it. 

The information in this Guide   is courtesy of   the official APA Style website by the American Psychological Association.

Source Credit: Information on this LibGuide comes from APA Style website https://apastyle.apa.org/ This website has a wealth of free and authoritative resources designed to help anyone new to APA Style.

• Next: Basics of APA Style Tutorial >>
• Last Updated: Apr 6, 2024 12:06 PM
• URL: https://research.ewu.edu/APAStyleTutorial

Academic Research: Differences between MLA and APA Formats

This essay about the distinctions between MLA and APA formats offers a clear guide on when and why to use each in academic writing. It explains that MLA format is preferred in humanities and liberal arts for its focus on authorship and streamlined in-text citations, whereas APA format is favored in the social sciences, emphasizing recent research through citations that include the publication year. Structural differences in title pages, headings, and reference details are highlighted to show how each format caters to the specific needs of its discipline. The essay underscores the importance of choosing the correct format based on the academic field, assignment requirements, or publication standards, illustrating how these formats facilitate clear, organized scholarly communication within their respective areas of study.

How it works

In the world of academic writing, adhering to a specific formatting style is not just about preference but a necessity for clarity, consistency, and scholarly integrity. Among the most widely used styles are the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) formats. Each serves its unique purpose and is tailored to the requirements of different fields of study. This comparison seeks to demystify the primary distinctions between MLA and APA formats, guiding students and researchers in choosing the appropriate style for their work.

At the heart of the MLA format is the liberal arts and humanities discipline. It emphasizes authorship because these fields prioritize individual ideas and interpretations. The MLA format uses parenthetical in-text citations with the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken, alongside a Works Cited page at the end of the document. This approach facilitates a direct, seamless integration of sources, allowing readers to engage with the text without interruption.

Conversely, the APA format is predominantly used in the social sciences. It focuses on the date of publication, reflecting the importance of recent research in these fields. APA citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication within the text and a reference list at the document’s end. This method underscores the timeliness of the information, which is crucial in disciplines where knowledge constantly evolves.

The structural differences between the two formats extend to the title page, headings, and layout. MLA does not require a title page for most student papers, whereas APA typically requires a title page that includes the paper’s title, the author’s name, and the institutional affiliation. APA also has specific guidelines for headings that help organize the paper into sections and sub-sections, making it easier to navigate through complex studies. MLA’s approach is more straightforward, with fewer requirements for section division, reflecting the often more narrative nature of humanities writing.

Another notable difference lies in the presentation of the reference list. MLA’s Works Cited page is concerned primarily with ensuring readers can find the sources. In contrast, APA’s References page offers more detailed publication information, including the city of publication and the publisher for books, and even the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for journal articles. This comprehensive approach in APA is designed to facilitate the replication of research, a core aspect of the scientific method.

Choosing between MLA and APA formats ultimately depends on the disciplinary context and the specific requirements of the assignment or publication. Educators and journals usually specify the preferred format, but understanding the rationale behind each style can enhance the writer’s ability to engage with the academic community more effectively.

In conclusion, while MLA and APA formats share the common goal of promoting clear and organized scholarly communication, their differences are tailored to the needs of their respective disciplines. MLA’s streamlined, author-focused approach supports the interpretive nature of the humanities, whereas APA’s detailed, date-focused style is designed to highlight the evolution of knowledge in the social sciences. Recognizing these distinctions not only aids in proper citation but also in appreciating the diverse ways in which knowledge is constructed and shared across the academic landscape. As students and researchers navigate the complex world of academic writing, an understanding of these formats becomes a critical tool in their scholarly arsenal, enabling them to contribute their voices to the ongoing dialogue within their fields.

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• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between MLA and APA

As different disciplines have a different way of researching information and so the method of development, compilation and presentation of that information is also different. Basically, these two formats provide recommendations on the way in which style, content and references are to be formatted.

Here we are going to tell you the differences between MLA and APA format.

Content: MLA Vs APA

Comparison chart, similarities, definition of mla.

MLA style is a formatting style developed by Modern Language Association, to provide the scholars, researchers, and journal publishers working in the field of literature and language, a uniform and consistent way of documenting the sources, research paper layout and presenting their research work.

The association releases the latest edition as a Handbook periodically, which not just contains instructions on MLA format, but also specific guidelines for submission of the work, which complies with the rules and standards of the association.

MLA style gives recommendations on the set of guidelines which the students and scholars can apply in their source. It focuses on the mechanics of writing, i.e. punctuation, citation and documentation. This style is preferred by various schools, colleges, universities, academic departments, etc. worldwide. It is primarily used in humanities, i.e. English language and literature, cultural studies, literary criticism, cultural studies and so forth.

Definition of APA

APA style is the formal style of formatting developed by the American Psychological Association in 1929, setting up rules for journal articles publications and books. The guidelines for the work is provided through the APA publication manual.

The APA style assists the authors to organize their work, while creating a distinct style of references and citations, in the field of behavioural sciences and social sciences. Behavioral Sciences include psychology, neuroscience and cognitive science, whereas social science covers human geography, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, economics, political science, etc.

It aims at providing the reader with a comprehensive text having appropriate headings, list of works cited and preventing plagiarism. It facilitates the researchers and scholars to communicate the facts and information about their projects, ideas, and experiments in a uniform and consistent format.

Basically there are four sections in the paper:

• Title page : It includes running head, title, name of the author and name of the educational institution.
• Abstract : An abstract is the synopsis of your paper, which should be around 150 to 250 words. The word limit can vary as per the requirement. It contains Topic of research, Questions and Hypothesis, Methodology, Analysis and Conclusion
• Main body : The main body is nothing but the essay, which may be divided into different sections.
• References : It contains the list of all the sources which have been referred and used while writing the paper

Key Differences Between MLA and APA

The differences between MLA and APA are discussed here in detail:

• MLA style can be understood as a means of documenting sources and formatting papers, in scholarly writing, developed by the Modern Language Association. On the other hand, APA style is one of the styles of writing papers, publications, books, journals etc. introduced by the American Psychological Association, which is mainly used in social sciences.
• If we talk about sections, there are four main sections in APA format, i.e. title page, abstract, body paragraphs and references. Conversely, the MLA format contains only two main sections which are – body paragraphs and work cited.
• In both direct and indirect in-text citation, in MLA format you don’t need to mention the year, and a comma after the name of the author and a p. before the page number, which is mandatory in the case of APA format.
• The source page, i.e. the page in which we list out all the sources which have been referred, used, or cited during the writing, is called references in case of APA format, whereas the same is known as works cited in MLA format.
• At the time of citing the sources at the end of the document, in MLA style the author’s last name is spelt out and then the first name is written. In contrast, in APA style, the authors last name is written, and the first name is reduced to initials.
• In MLA style, the first letter of all the important words in the title are capitalized and the title is underlined. As against, in an APA style, the first letter of title, subtitle and proper nouns, are capitalized and the title is written in Italics.
• In both styles, the paper needs to be double spaced.
• Font style should be “Times new roman”, with 12 point size.
• There should be a one-inch margin from each side.
• The list of sources used is arranged in alphabetical manner, as per the author’s last name.

One can choose any of the two formats for the work based on the question which is to be answered with the help of research, how the research paper is completed and the procedure applied during the writing process.

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MLA, APA, & CMS: How to Properly Format Your Papers

Knowing the styles and when to use them.

In academic writing, how you present your information (technically) is often seen as important as the ideas you are putting forth. Proper citing, quoting and referencing of source material allows you to convey your breadth of research in a language commonly shared by others in your discipline. Giving others a chance to review and compare your work under these established guidelines enables your instructors to better see the work on its own merits, opposed to getting sidetracked by technical inefficiencies.

You MUST follow the rules like every other student: this is not an area where you want to stand out for doing things your own way. Writing for any academic purpose carries with it certain expectations and formatting consistencies, and a failure to properly understand how or why you cite your sources in a specific way can have negative effects on your written projects and communications.

The Big Three: APA, MLA, and CMS

There are three main "Schools of Style" used to properly format an academic paper, referred to as APA, MLA, or CMS.

• APA style : These are the official guidelines put forth by the American Psychological Association, now in its sixth edition. This is the preference of the social sciences, so if you are studying sociology, psychology, medicine, or social work you are going to know APA style.
• MLA style : The Modern Language Association provides guidelines you will be familiar with if you are focused on the Humanities: so artists, English majors, and theatre students will know MLA as they have used this style now for more than half a century.
• CMS style : These are the style guidelines put forth in the Chicago Manual of Style , now in its 16th edition.  CMS style is predominantly seen in the humanities, particularly with literature students and those who study advanced segments of history and/or the arts.

While these formatting methods will share many characteristics such as margins and spacing, how they attribute references to source materials is the main differentiator.  For example, APA lists "references" while MLA calls the same thing "works cited" - a small but important distinction that might actually affect your grade.

Typically, you are going to use one style for most of your classes and communications, but there is certainly the possibility that you'll need to know how to use any one of these three common styles. The good news is it is not hard to get up-to-speed on any one of them and use them properly.

Get the Latest Updates Regardless of which style you are using, it is imperative to get the most recent version of the guidelines to ensure your paper is as accurate as it can be. Each of the sources have updated their guidelines multiple times over the years, so working with the current standards is goal one.

• APA style guidelines: http://www.apastyle.org
• MLA style guidelines: http://www.mla.org/style
• CMS style guidelines: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/

APA and MLA are the most common styles to use, but CMS is not unheard of - just not as common for undergrads. CMS is commonly used in traditional book publishing and academic publishing situations, so if you are doing post-graduate writing, it is good to know.

The main thing that seems to be changing in the rules for all of them is about the proper attribution of web-related sources, so you are going to want to re-check that you are working from the most recent versions of whichever style guide you need.

Beware the Pitfalls

The common mistakes being made in properly styling citations and references might be as simple as not downloading the most recent updates; however, it may also be a case where students are simply not understanding how to infuse referencing properly.

He continues: "While some common APA formatting errors may be issues due to changes in updated guidelines (APA 5 vs. APA 6), there are other, perhaps more common instances where a student fails to properly reference the source materials within writing assignments. This is particularly true when citing content from the Internet. Understanding how to properly reference and cite source materials adds power to any student paper, because the papers can be used to show a proper understanding and blending of source ideas - a critical concept in higher learning."

"Some of the changes to the guidelines seem very dubious and meticulous," he continues, "but standards are there so an evaluator can assess the weight of the material without bias. Many of my students might complain about it, but the ones that succeed are the ones who are actively trying to use citing resources to their own argument's advantage."

Common MLA Mistakes APA students are not the only ones who have common mistakes in formatting - as evidenced by the following insight offered from Dr. Margaret Walters of Kennesaw State University , where she and her students have used primarily MLA guidelines in their writing, editing and literature classes. Dr. Walters has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate level writing courses at Kennesaw State University for over 15 years.

Dr. Walters said, "The most common problems I see with MLA style occur in the writing, meaning the text itself, not the bibliography or Works Cited...though there are often some problems to address there, too. In the text, the most common problems are:

• putting a period before and sometimes after the parenthetical citation, as in: ".... and this point is made early on." (Smith 127).
• placing the closing quotation mark after the citation in parenthesis instead of after the quote: " .... and this point is made early on (Smith 127)".
• placing quotation marks inside commas and periods instead of after them:  Smith tells us that among the most important rules are the ones regarding use of commas", yet he does not explain how this happens". (127) [those writing British English use the opposite rule--quotation marks inside end punctuation]."

Dr. Walters continued: "In the Works Cited, the most common MLA-related problems are:

• not alphabetizing (even though this is the easiest rule to follow)
• mixing up MLA and APA style; e.g. using initials for first names when MLA says use full first names and middle initials
• leaving off the place of publication - it should be New York: Penguin, 2009 but will instead say Penguin, 2009
• not knowing rules for using quotations marks or when to underline / italicize

"Students get it right most of the time," Dr. Walters states. "I think the underlying problem is an unwillingness to use the style sheets, handouts, or even the MLA handbook.  If they use the resources offered, most students are not going to struggle to meet the guidelines."

Get More Help

Both Dr. Walters and Professor Long advise students to use strong and verifiable resources to make your formatting job easier. Both instructors advise checking out the OWL (Online Writing Lab) Resources offered by Purdue in addition to the links to the sites listed above.

The writing center at your own university may hold lots of great information and people to help you understand what to do in each situation you face. Not every situation calls for the same style guide, so checking with the experts on your campus is always a smart idea.

For a quick reference, you can also use the handy visual aids created by Capital Community College on MLA and APA styled papers: ( http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/library/citing.htm ) or look at the MLA vs. APA comparison chart created by the University Writing Center at Appalachian State University .

The Bottom Line

The reality is, depending on your discipline, there may be only one type of style that you need to use, ever. However, this is not saying the rules for how to properly cite resources and references is not going to continue to change and evolve over time. You will be held responsible for being current.

As a student or in post-college academic writing, you want your work to shine and to always show your best efforts. This means checking on the rules to properly style and format your papers. Use the links and information above to help ensure you are forever properly dotting your I's and crossing your T's according to the latest and greatest rules.

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