How to Write an APA Format Bibliography

Understanding APA Format Bibliography

An APA format bibliography lists all the sources used in an academic paper or research project. The American Psychological Association (APA) developed this citation style, often utilized in psychology and related fields.

Importance of Writing a Bibliography:

• Organization: Keeps track of references for easy access during the writing process.
• Citation: Properly credits sources, avoiding plagiarism.
• Credibility: Provides readers with the sources, emphasizing the work's credibility.
• Information: Assists readers in finding additional information on the topic.

Steps to Create an APA Format Bibliography:

1. Start on a New Page:

• Center the title "Bibliography" in bold at the top of the page.

2. Gather Your Sources:

• Compile all potential sources used in the paper.

3. Alphabetical Order:

• List references alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Second and subsequent lines of each reference should have a hanging indent.
• Include the following information for each source:
  • Author's last name and initials
  • Publication year in parentheses
  • Title of the source
  • Journal, volume, issue, and page numbers (if applicable)
  • URL or DOI (if applicable)

4. Create an Annotation for Each Source (Optional):

• Brief summary or evaluation of the source.
• Approximately 150 words.
• Includes information on:
  • Source credibility
  • Relevance to your topic

Why Write a Bibliography?:

• Research and Writing Efficiency: Assists in organizing references and sources.
• Reader Access: Provides readers with the references used.
• Understanding: Enhances understanding of the topic and the sources used.

Sample Bibliography:

[Insert a sample bibliography here]

Additional Tips:

• Online resources provide examples of APA format bibliographies.
• Purdue University's Online Writing Lab offers formatting instructions and examples.
• YouTube tutorials provide detailed guidance on formatting APA style bibliographies in Microsoft Word.