What is AMA Style?
AMA style refers to the
American Medical Association style, a widely accepted writing style for scientific papers, particularly in the fields of medicine and allied health. It provides guidelines for writing, citation, and formatting, ensuring clarity and consistency across scholarly communications.
How to Cite Sources in AMA Style?
In AMA style, citations are numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text. These numbers are then used for both in-text citations and the reference list. For example, a journal article citation includes:
Author(s). Title of article. Abbreviated Journal Title. Year;Volume(Issue):Page numbers.
Example:
Smith J, Doe R. Nursing care and patient outcomes. J Nurs Educ. 2021;50(4):123-129.
Title Page: Should include the title, author names, and affiliations.
Abstract: A concise summary of the research, typically 150-250 words.
Text: Organized into sections such as Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRAD format).
Headings: Different levels of headings should be distinct, using bold or italics as needed.
Tables and Figures: Should be numbered and cited in the text, with explanatory captions.
Double-check citation numbers to ensure they match the reference list.
Follow the guidelines for formatting headings, tables, and figures consistently.
Use the official
abbreviations for journal titles as listed in the AMA Manual of Style.
Conclusion
Mastering AMA style is essential for nursing professionals engaged in academic writing. It ensures clarity, consistency, and professionalism, which are critical for effective scientific communication. By understanding and applying the guidelines correctly, nurses can enhance the quality of their research publications and contribute to the body of scientific knowledge.
