APA Checklist for a Theoretical/Review Paper

General format

• Double-spaced
• 12-pt font
• Margins of at least 1 inch

Title page

• Header
• Running head
• Title centered
• Author (first name, middle initial, last name)
• Institution

Abstract

• Not indented
• Defines all abbreviations, acronyms, unique terms
• Uses 3rd person
• Doesn’t exceed 120 words

Should Describe

• The topic
• Purpose
• Thesis
• Sources used (ie. published literature)
• Conclusion

Introduction

• Title of the paper is the heading
• States the purpose and rationale of your paper

Discussion

• Heading “Discussion” is centered
• In 1st paragraph: statement of support/non-support of your thesis
• Address alternative explanations for results
• Last paragraph: -why the problem is important?
• The larger issue that hinges on results?
• What real life phenomenon is modeled/explained by the results?

References

• The heading of “References” is centered
• Reference list begins with a new page
• In alphabetical order of the primary author’s last name
• Double-spaced
• Hanging indent
• Only the first word in the title of a reference source is capitalized
• All citations made in the paper must be in the reference list
• All reference sources must be cited in the text