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Whether you're a student working on a research paper or a professional researcher preparing an academic report for publication, you'll likely encounter APA style at some point.
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Crafting an appropriate running head is essential for maintaining consistency and professionalism in your APA-style report. This article will guide you through the nuances of creating an effective APA running head.
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What is APA Running Head?
An APA running head, also known as APA head, is a short version of the paper's title. It appears at the top of each page alongside the page number. If your paper is titled "The Effects of Climate Change on Agricultural Production," the running head might be "Climate Change and Agriculture." It should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Remember, the running head should give a clear idea of the paper's content.
APA Running Head Format that You Should Know
The APA running head format follows specific guidelines to ensure consistency and clarity in your APA format dissertation or research document. Here's the standard APA running head format:
Title page
On the title page, the running head is preceded by the phrase "Running head:" in uppercase letters, followed by a colon. The running head itself is written in uppercase letters, is brief, and provides a condensed version of the paper's title.
Example: Running head: YOUR RUNNING HEAD
Subsequent pages
On subsequent pages, excluding the title page, the running head is written in uppercase letters without the phrase "Running head:".
Example: YOUR RUNNING HEAD
Placement
The running head is placed in the header section of each page, aligned flush left. It appears on the same line as the page number.
Example: YOUR RUNNING HEAD Page 2
Length
The running head should not exceed 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. It should be concise and capture the essence of the paper's title.
Consistency
The running head should be consistent throughout the entire document, appearing on each page (except the title page) with the same wording, capitalization, and alignment.
Font and formatting
The running head should use a plain font style, such as Times New Roman, and the same font size as the rest of the document (usually 12 points). It should be free of bold, italics, or underlining.
Remember to consult the official APA style guide for additional requirements based on the type of paper or institution. Adhering to the APA running head format ensures a standardized appearance and facilitates easy identification of your document.
APA Running Head Example that You Must Know
The APA running head for a student paper should be formatted as follows:
On the title page:
- Flush left, in all caps: RUNNING HEAD: TITLE OF PAPER
On all subsequent pages:
- Flush left, in all caps: TITLE OF PAPER
Note: The running head should not exceed 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Creating APA Running Head Tips
Here are some tips for creating an APA running head;
- Make sure it is no more than 50 characters long. This includes spaces and punctuation.
- Write it in all capital letters.
- Do not use abbreviations or acronyms, except for commonly used ones like APA or USA.
- Use the first five words of your title, or a shortened version of your title, if it is shorter than 50 characters.
- Place it in the upper left corner of the header, flush left.
- If you are using page numbers, place them in the upper right corner of the header, flush right.
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Conclusion
creating an effective APA running head is crucial for maintaining consistency and professionalism in your paper. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this guide, you can craft a concise and informative running head. Remember to keep it brief, use capital letters, include relevant keywords, and proofread for accuracy. Additionally, differentiate the running head on the title page and maintain consistency throughout the document. By adhering to the APA style guidelines and considering the specific requirements of your paper, you can create an impactful running head that accurately reflects the content and engages your readers from the start.
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