The American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used formatting styles in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. It provides a set of guidelines for writers to follow when preparing manuscripts for publication, ensuring clarity, consistency, and readability. One crucial aspect of APA formatting is the use of a running head, which has been a subject of debate among writers and scholars. In this article, we will delve into the world of APA formatting, exploring the role of the running head, its evolution, and the current guidelines.
Introduction To APA Formatting
APA formatting is designed to help writers present their research in a clear and concise manner. It covers various aspects of manuscript preparation, including margins, font, line spacing, headings, and citations. The APA style is constantly evolving, with new editions of the publication manual being released periodically to reflect changes in writing and publishing practices. The most recent edition, the 7th edition, was published in 2020 and introduces several significant changes to the formatting guidelines.
The Role Of The Running Head In APA Formatting
A running head is a shortened version of the paper’s title, usually no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. It appears in the upper left-hand corner of each page, including the title page, and is typically preceded by the words “Running head:” on the title page. The running head serves several purposes: it helps readers identify the paper, provides a quick reference to the paper’s title, and facilitates the publication process by allowing editors and publishers to easily identify manuscripts.
Historical Context of the Running Head
In the past, the running head was a critical component of APA formatting, as it helped editors and typesetters identify manuscripts and prepare them for publication. However, with the advent of digital publishing and online submission systems, the need for a running head has decreased. Many journals and publishers no longer require a running head, and some even discourage its use.
Current APA Guidelines On Running Heads
According to the 7th edition of the APA publication manual, a running head is only required for manuscripts being submitted for publication. Students and writers who are preparing papers for academic purposes, such as coursework or research projects, do not need to include a running head unless specifically instructed to do so by their instructor or institution. The APA manual recommends that writers follow the guidelines of the specific journal or publisher they are submitting to, as some may still require a running head.
When To Include A Running Head
There are specific situations where a running head is required or recommended:
- When submitting a manuscript to a journal or publisher that requires a running head
- When preparing a manuscript for publication in a field where the running head is still a standard practice
- When instructed to do so by an instructor or institution
Best Practices for Creating a Running Head
If a running head is required, it is essential to follow best practices for creating one. The running head should be:
* A shortened version of the paper’s title, usually no more than 50 characters
* In title case, with major words capitalized
* Preceded by the words “Running head:” on the title page
* Consistent throughout the manuscript, with the same wording and punctuation on each page
Consequences Of Not Including A Running Head
Failing to include a running head when required can have consequences, such as:
* Delayed publication or rejection of the manuscript
* Inconsistent formatting, which can affect the overall appearance and readability of the paper
* Difficulty in identifying the paper, particularly in online databases and search results
Alternatives To The Running Head
In cases where a running head is not required, writers can use alternative methods to identify their paper and provide a quick reference to the title. These include:
* Using a header or footer with the paper’s title or author’s name
* Including a brief abstract or summary of the paper on the title page
* Using keywords or phrases to help readers identify the paper’s topic and content
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the running head was once a critical component of APA formatting, its importance has decreased with the advent of digital publishing and online submission systems. The APA manual recommends that writers follow the guidelines of the specific journal or publisher they are submitting to, and only include a running head when required. By understanding the current guidelines and best practices for creating a running head, writers can ensure that their manuscripts are properly formatted and ready for publication.
| APA Edition | Running Head Requirements |
|---|---|
| 6th edition | Required for all manuscripts |
| 7th edition | Only required for manuscripts being submitted for publication |
It is essential for writers to stay up-to-date with the latest APA guidelines and formatting requirements to ensure that their work is presented in a clear, concise, and professional manner. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, writers can create high-quality manuscripts that are ready for publication and meet the standards of the academic community.
What Is The Purpose Of A Running Head In APA Formatting?
The purpose of a running head in APA formatting is to provide a brief title of the paper at the top of each page. This is particularly useful for manuscripts that are being submitted for publication, as it allows editors and reviewers to easily identify the paper. The running head is typically a shortened version of the paper’s title, and it is usually limited to 50 characters or less.
In APA style, the running head is an essential element of the formatting guidelines, and it is required for all manuscripts that are being submitted for publication. However, it is worth noting that the running head is not always required for student papers or other types of documents. In these cases, the instructor or supervisor may have specific guidelines or preferences regarding the use of a running head. It is always a good idea to check with the relevant authority to determine whether a running head is required.
How Do I Format A Running Head In APA Style?
To format a running head in APA style, you will need to include the words “Running head” followed by a colon and the title of your paper in all capital letters. The running head should be left-justified and appear on the same line as the page number, which should be right-justified. The running head should be no more than 50 characters in length, including spaces and punctuation.
It is also important to note that the running head may appear differently on the title page than it does on subsequent pages. On the title page, the running head should be centered and appear in all capital letters, while on subsequent pages, it should be left-justified and appear in the same format as the title page, but without the words “Running head”. It is a good idea to check the APA publication manual or other reliable sources for specific guidance on formatting a running head in APA style.
Do All APA Papers Require A Running Head?
No, not all APA papers require a running head. In fact, the APA publication manual recommends that the running head be used only for manuscripts that are being submitted for publication. Student papers, theses, and dissertations may not require a running head, unless specifically requested by the instructor or institution. It is always a good idea to check with the relevant authority to determine whether a running head is required for a particular paper.
If a running head is not required, the page number should still appear in the upper right-hand corner of each page, but it should not be preceded by a running head. In this case, the page number should be the only element appearing in the header. It is also worth noting that some instructors or institutions may have specific guidelines or preferences regarding the use of a running head, so it is always a good idea to check for specific requirements.
Can I Use A Running Head For Other Types Of Documents?
While the running head is a specific element of APA formatting, it can be adapted for use with other types of documents. In fact, many businesses and organizations use a running head or header to provide a title or other identifying information at the top of each page. However, it is worth noting that the formatting and style of the running head may vary depending on the context and purpose of the document.
In general, it is a good idea to use a running head or header whenever you need to provide a title or other identifying information at the top of each page. This can help to identify the document and provide context for the reader. However, it is also important to consider the specific requirements and guidelines of the context in which the document will be used. For example, a business report may require a specific type of header or running head, while a academic paper may require a different format.
How Do I Distinguish Between The Running Head And The Title Of The Paper?
The running head and the title of the paper are two distinct elements of APA formatting, and they serve different purposes. The title of the paper is a full title that appears on the title page, and it should be centered and in title case. The running head, on the other hand, is a brief title that appears at the top of each page, and it should be in all capital letters.
To distinguish between the running head and the title of the paper, it is a good idea to use a shortened version of the title for the running head. This will help to avoid confusion and ensure that the running head is concise and easy to read. Additionally, the running head should be limited to 50 characters or less, including spaces and punctuation, while the title of the paper can be longer and more descriptive.
Can I Use Abbreviations In The Running Head?
Yes, you can use abbreviations in the running head, but you should use them sparingly and only when necessary. Abbreviations can be useful for shortening long titles or phrases, but they can also make the running head more difficult to read and understand. When using abbreviations in the running head, it is a good idea to define them clearly and consistently throughout the paper.
In general, it is best to avoid using abbreviations in the running head unless they are widely recognized and accepted in the field or discipline. It is also a good idea to check the APA publication manual or other reliable sources for guidance on using abbreviations in the running head. Additionally, you should ensure that the abbreviations used in the running head are consistent with those used in the rest of the paper, to avoid confusion and ensure clarity.
How Do I Ensure Consistency In My Running Head Throughout The Paper?
To ensure consistency in your running head throughout the paper, it is a good idea to use a template or style guide that is specifically designed for APA formatting. This will help to ensure that the running head is formatted correctly and consistently throughout the paper. Additionally, you should proofread your paper carefully to ensure that the running head is identical on each page.
It is also a good idea to use a header function in your word processing software to insert the running head, as this will help to ensure consistency and accuracy. You should also check the APA publication manual or other reliable sources for guidance on formatting the running head, and ensure that you are following the most up-to-date guidelines and standards. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your running head is consistent and accurate throughout the paper.