What is the APA Manual?
The
APA Manual is a style guide published by the American Psychological Association. It provides guidelines for writing and formatting research papers, ensuring clarity, precision, and uniformity in scholarly communication. The most recent edition, the 7th, is widely adopted across various disciplines, including nursing.
Why is APA Important in Nursing?
Nursing, as a scientific discipline, relies heavily on the
APA style to standardize the dissemination of research findings and clinical studies. Proper use of APA guidelines ensures that nursing research is presented in a clear, concise, and professional manner, making it easier for practitioners and scholars to understand and build upon existing work.
Title Page: This should include the title of the paper, the author's name, and institutional affiliation, centered and double-spaced.
Abstract: A brief summary of the research, usually around 150-250 words.
Body: This includes the introduction, method, results, and discussion sections, each with appropriate headings and subheadings.
References: A list of all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to APA guidelines.
In-text Citations: These should include the author's last name and the publication year, e.g., (Smith, 2020).
Incorrect In-text Citations: Ensure that in-text citations match the reference list entries.
Formatting Errors: Pay attention to details such as margins, font type, and size (usually Times New Roman, 12 pt), and double-spacing.
Improper Use of Headings: Use the correct heading levels as specified by the APA manual.
Plagiarism: Always give proper credit to the original sources of information.
Journal Articles: Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number(issue number), page range.
Books: Author(s). (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
Online Articles: Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number(issue number), page range. URL
Conclusion
Understanding and applying the APA manual is crucial for nursing professionals to ensure their research is communicated effectively and professionally. By adhering to APA guidelines, nursing scholars can contribute to the body of knowledge in a manner that is clear, precise, and credible, ultimately advancing the field of nursing.
