The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. One of the key elements of APA style is the running head, which is a crucial component of the formatting requirements. However, with the release of APA 7, there has been some confusion about whether a running head is still required. In this article, we will delve into the world of APA 7 and explore the requirements for running heads.
What Is A Running Head?
A running head is a shortened version of the title of your paper that appears at the top of each page. It is usually no more than 50 characters in length and is intended to provide a brief summary of the content of the page. In APA 6, the running head was a required element, and it was typically included on every page of the paper, including the title page.
Changes In APA 7
With the release of APA 7, there have been some significant changes to the formatting requirements. One of the key changes is the elimination of the running head requirement for most papers. According to the APA Publication Manual (7th ed.), a running head is no longer required for student papers, unless specifically requested by the instructor or institution.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are submitting a paper for publication in a journal or other academic publication, you may still be required to include a running head. Additionally, if you are writing a dissertation or thesis, you may need to include a running head as part of the formatting requirements.
When Is A Running Head Required In APA 7?
While a running head is not required for most student papers, there are some situations in which it may still be necessary. Here are some scenarios in which a running head may be required:
- Publishing in a journal: If you are submitting a paper for publication in a journal, you may need to include a running head as part of the formatting requirements. Check with the journal’s editor or publisher to determine their specific requirements.
- Dissertations and theses: If you are writing a dissertation or thesis, you may need to include a running head as part of the formatting requirements. Check with your institution or department to determine their specific requirements.
- Professional papers: If you are writing a paper for a professional conference or presentation, you may need to include a running head as part of the formatting requirements. Check with the conference organizers or your employer to determine their specific requirements.
How To Format A Running Head In APA 7
If you do need to include a running head in your paper, here are the formatting requirements:
- The running head should be no more than 50 characters in length.
- The running head should be centered at the top of each page.
- The running head should be in uppercase and lowercase letters, with the first letter of each major word capitalized.
- The running head should not include any punctuation or special characters.
Here is an example of a properly formatted running head:
Running head: THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH
Best Practices For Running Heads In APA 7
While a running head may not be required for most student papers, it is still an important element of APA style. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep it concise: Make sure your running head is no more than 50 characters in length. This will help ensure that it fits on the page and is easy to read.
- Use keywords: Choose keywords that accurately reflect the content of your paper. This will help readers quickly understand the topic of your paper.
- Use proper formatting: Make sure your running head is centered at the top of each page and is in uppercase and lowercase letters.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when formatting a running head in APA 7:
- Using punctuation or special characters: Make sure your running head does not include any punctuation or special characters.
- Using all uppercase letters: Make sure your running head is in uppercase and lowercase letters, with the first letter of each major word capitalized.
- Using a running head that is too long: Make sure your running head is no more than 50 characters in length.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a running head is not required for most student papers in APA 7, it may still be necessary in certain situations. By understanding the requirements and best practices for running heads, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted and meets the requirements of your instructor or institution. Remember to keep your running head concise, use keywords, and use proper formatting to ensure that it is effective and easy to read.
| APA 6 | APA 7 |
|---|---|
| Running head required for all papers | Running head not required for most student papers |
| Running head included on every page, including title page | Running head only required for certain types of papers, such as those submitted for publication |
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted and meets the requirements of APA 7.
What Is A Running Head In APA 7?
A running head in APA 7 is a shortened version of the title of your paper that appears at the top of each page. It is usually no more than 50 characters long, including spaces and punctuation. The running head is an essential element of APA formatting, as it helps readers quickly identify the title of your paper and distinguish it from other papers.
The running head is typically placed in the top left corner of each page, and it should be in all capital letters. It is usually the same as the title of your paper, but it may be shortened to fit the 50-character limit. For example, if your title is “The Effects of Climate Change on Mental Health,” your running head might be “CLIMATE CHANGE & MENTAL HEALTH.”
How Do I Format A Running Head In APA 7?
To format a running head in APA 7, you should place it in the top left corner of each page, starting with the title page. The running head should be in all capital letters and should be no more than 50 characters long. You should also include the page number in the top right corner of each page, starting with the title page.
In Microsoft Word, you can use the “Header” feature to insert a running head. To do this, go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Header.” Then, type in your running head and format it according to APA guidelines. You can also use the “Page Number” feature to insert page numbers in the top right corner of each page.
Do I Need A Running Head On Every Page?
Yes, in APA 7, you need a running head on every page of your paper, including the title page. The running head should be the same on every page, and it should be in all capital letters. The only exception is the title page, where you may include the words “Running head:” before the running head.
However, if you are submitting your paper to a journal or other publication, you may not need to include a running head on every page. Some journals may have different formatting requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check with the journal before submitting your paper.
Can I Use Abbreviations In My Running Head?
Yes, you can use abbreviations in your running head, but only if they are commonly used and widely accepted in your field. For example, if you are writing a paper about the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, you may use the abbreviation “COVID-19” in your running head.
However, you should avoid using abbreviations that are not widely recognized or that may be confusing to readers. It’s also a good idea to define any abbreviations you use in the body of your paper, so that readers can understand what they mean.
How Do I Handle Long Titles In My Running Head?
If your title is too long to fit in the 50-character limit, you may need to shorten it for your running head. One way to do this is to use a shortened version of your title that still captures the main idea of your paper. For example, if your title is “The Effects of Climate Change on Mental Health in Young Adults,” your running head might be “CLIMATE CHANGE & MENTAL HEALTH.”
Another way to handle long titles is to use a title that is more concise and focused. For example, instead of using a title that includes a lot of descriptive language, you might use a title that simply states the main topic of your paper.
Do I Need To Include The Running Head On The Reference List Page?
Yes, in APA 7, you need to include the running head on the reference list page, just like on every other page of your paper. The running head should be the same on every page, including the reference list page.
However, if you are submitting your paper to a journal or other publication, you may not need to include a running head on the reference list page. Some journals may have different formatting requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check with the journal before submitting your paper.
Can I Use A Running Head In Other Citation Styles?
No, the running head is a unique feature of APA style, and it is not typically used in other citation styles. For example, in MLA style, you do not need to include a running head on every page of your paper. Instead, you may include your last name and the page number in the top right corner of each page.
However, some citation styles may have similar features, such as a header or footer that includes the title of your paper or your name. It’s always a good idea to check the guidelines for the citation style you are using to see what features are required.