The term "APA Style" refers to a writing style manual that was created by the American Psychological Association in 1929.
The official title for the APA style manual is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The manual is currently in its 6th edition.
The purpose of a style manual (like the APA style guide) is to provide uniformity in the format, style, and layout of writing, particularly scholarly writing. The rules laid out in the APA style manual are designed to make scholarly writing more clear and consistent, which will help readers understand the author's ideas.
To that end, the APA style provides a set of standards and rules that address:
- Crediting sources
- Document formatting
- Writing style and organization
The APA style is primarily used in the social, behavioral, and health sciences.
It is also the official style guide for all courses at American National University / National College.
For more information about the APA style and how to use it in your writing, please visit the Library's APA Style Help Guide.
