The American Psychological Association (APA) released the 7th edition of its Publication Manual in October 2019. This new edition brings several changes and updates to the previous edition, published in 2009. The APA 7th edition provides guidance on writing style, formatting, and citation for students, researchers, and professionals in the social sciences. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the APA 6th and 7th editions, highlighting the changes and updates that you need to know.
Changes In Writing Style
The APA 7th edition introduces several changes in writing style, aiming to improve clarity, concision, and inclusivity.
Singular “They”
One of the most notable changes is the use of the singular “they” as a pronoun. The APA 7th edition recommends using “they” as a singular pronoun to refer to individuals who identify as nonbinary or whose gender identity is unknown. This change promotes inclusivity and respect for individuals who do not identify with traditional binary pronouns.
Active Voice
The APA 7th edition encourages the use of active voice in writing. Active voice makes writing more engaging, clear, and concise. It can also improve the flow of your writing and reduce ambiguity.
Clear And Concise Language
The APA 7th edition emphasizes the importance of using clear and concise language in writing. Avoid using complex sentences, jargon, and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your readers. Instead, use simple and straightforward language to convey your message.
Changes In Formatting
The APA 7th edition introduces several changes in formatting, including changes to font, spacing, and margins.
Font And Spacing
The APA 7th edition recommends using a clear, legible font, such as Times New Roman, in size 12 points. The font should be double-spaced, with one space after punctuation marks.
Margins And Indentation
The APA 7th edition recommends using one-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right). The first line of each paragraph should be indented five to seven spaces.
Changes In Citation Style
The APA 7th edition introduces several changes in citation style, including changes to in-text citations, reference lists, and formatting.
In-Text Citations
The APA 7th edition recommends using author-date citations in the text. The author’s last name and publication year should be included in parentheses, separated by a comma. For example: (Smith, 2020).
Reference Lists
The APA 7th edition recommends using a reference list to list all sources cited in the text. The reference list should be formatted in a specific way, with each source listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
DOIs And URLs
The APA 7th edition recommends including DOIs (digital object identifiers) or URLs (uniform resource locators) for online sources. DOIs and URLs should be included in the reference list, formatted in a specific way.
Other Changes And Updates
The APA 7th edition includes several other changes and updates, including changes to tables, figures, and appendices.
Tables And Figures
The APA 7th edition recommends using tables and figures to present data and information in a clear and concise way. Tables and figures should be formatted in a specific way, with clear headings and labels.
Appendices
The APA 7th edition recommends using appendices to include supplementary materials that may be of interest to readers. Appendices should be formatted in a specific way, with clear headings and labels.
| APA 6th Edition | APA 7th Edition |
|---|---|
| Uses “he” or “she” as a singular pronoun | Uses “they” as a singular pronoun |
| Encourages the use of passive voice | Encourages the use of active voice |
| Uses a font size of 10 or 12 points | Uses a font size of 12 points |
| Uses one space after punctuation marks | Uses one space after punctuation marks |
In conclusion, the APA 7th edition brings several changes and updates to the previous edition, published in 2009. The changes aim to improve clarity, concision, and inclusivity in writing style, formatting, and citation. By following the guidelines outlined in the APA 7th edition, students, researchers, and professionals in the social sciences can ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and respectful of all individuals.
What Are The Major Changes In The APA 7th Edition?
The APA 7th edition has introduced several significant changes, including a new author-date citation system, revised guidelines for headings and subheadings, and updated formatting requirements for tables and figures. Additionally, the new edition provides more detailed guidance on citing digital sources, such as social media and online articles.
The APA 7th edition also places greater emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, with revised guidelines for language and terminology related to age, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, the new edition includes new guidelines for citing and referencing sources in non-English languages, making it more accessible to researchers and writers from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
How Has The Citation Style Changed In The APA 7th Edition?
The APA 7th edition has introduced a new author-date citation system, which replaces the previous author-date-title system. In the new system, the author’s last name and publication year are separated by a comma, and the title of the source is no longer included in the in-text citation. For example, (Smith, 2020) instead of (Smith, 2020, p. 12).
The new citation style also includes changes to the formatting of citations for multiple authors, with a greater emphasis on clarity and consistency. For example, citations for three or more authors are now formatted with the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (e.g., Smith et al., 2020). Additionally, the new edition provides more detailed guidance on citing digital sources, such as social media and online articles.
What Are The New Guidelines For Headings And Subheadings In The APA 7th Edition?
The APA 7th edition has revised the guidelines for headings and subheadings, with a greater emphasis on clarity and consistency. The new edition introduces five levels of headings, each with its own unique formatting and punctuation. For example, Level 1 headings are centered and in bold font, while Level 2 headings are left-justified and in bold font.
The new guidelines also provide more detailed guidance on the use of headings and subheadings in tables and figures. For example, table titles are now formatted with a brief description of the table, followed by the table number. Additionally, the new edition provides more detailed guidance on the use of headings and subheadings in appendices and supplementary materials.
How Has The Formatting Of Tables And Figures Changed In The APA 7th Edition?
The APA 7th edition has revised the guidelines for formatting tables and figures, with a greater emphasis on clarity and consistency. The new edition introduces new guidelines for table formatting, including the use of clear and concise table titles, and the use of bold font for table headings. Additionally, the new edition provides more detailed guidance on the use of figures, including the use of clear and concise figure captions.
The new guidelines also provide more detailed guidance on the use of tables and figures in digital sources, such as online articles and social media. For example, the new edition provides guidance on the use of alt text for figures, and the use of clear and concise descriptions of tables and figures in digital sources.
What Are The New Guidelines For Citing Digital Sources In The APA 7th Edition?
The APA 7th edition has revised the guidelines for citing digital sources, with a greater emphasis on clarity and consistency. The new edition introduces new guidelines for citing social media, online articles, and other digital sources. For example, the new edition provides guidance on the use of DOIs (digital object identifiers) for online articles, and the use of URLs for social media and other digital sources.
The new guidelines also provide more detailed guidance on the use of digital sources in citations and references. For example, the new edition provides guidance on the use of “Retrieved from” statements for online sources, and the use of “Accessed” statements for digital sources with no DOI or URL.
How Has The APA 7th Edition Addressed Issues Of Inclusivity And Diversity?
The APA 7th edition has placed a greater emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, with revised guidelines for language and terminology related to age, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. The new edition provides more detailed guidance on the use of inclusive language, including the use of singular “they” and “them” pronouns, and the avoidance of language that is stigmatizing or marginalizing.
The new edition also provides more detailed guidance on the use of culturally sensitive language, including the use of language that is respectful of diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, the new edition provides more detailed guidance on the use of language related to disability, including the use of person-first language (e.g., “person with a disability”) and the avoidance of language that is stigmatizing or marginalizing.
What Are The Implications Of The APA 7th Edition For Researchers And Writers?
The APA 7th edition has significant implications for researchers and writers, particularly in terms of the new guidelines for citation style, headings and subheadings, and formatting of tables and figures. The new edition requires researchers and writers to be more mindful of the clarity and consistency of their writing, and to be more attentive to issues of inclusivity and diversity.
The new edition also requires researchers and writers to be more familiar with digital sources, including social media and online articles, and to be more skilled in citing and referencing these sources. Additionally, the new edition provides more detailed guidance on the use of language and terminology related to age, disability, gender, and sexual orientation, which will require researchers and writers to be more thoughtful and intentional in their use of language.