1. Special Education Program at SUNY New Paltz
Guide to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
Special Education Program at SUNY New Paltz

2. APA Tutorial
This Powerpoint presentation is designed to provide you with the basics of APA format and other general writing guidelines. It is not to be considered a comprehensive source. For complete APA requirements, refer to the APA publication manual (6th Edition). You also may want to consult the resources provided at the end of this tutorial, such as the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

3. Finding Sources

4. Peer-reviewed Articles
“Peer-reviewed or refereed journals are publications that have their submitted articles evaluated by outside experts (peers) in the subject area (Bachand & Sawallis, 2003, p. 40).”

5. Locating Peer-reviewed Articles via Library Databases
1. Go to library databases on the New Paltz library website.
2. Search by subject and select education.
3. Select an education database such as Education Research
Complete.
4. Perform a key word search: Use key words or phrases
that relate to your topic.
Make sure to go to check the box marked “Scholarly (Peer-reviewed)
Journals” on the search page

6. Now You Try Go to library databases.
Search by subject and select education.
Click on Education Research Complete.
Enter “positive behavioral support” and “elementary school” in two separate boxes for the key word search.
Check the box marked “Scholarly (Peer- reviewed) Journals” on the search page.
Click search.

7. Sample Databases Education Education Research Complete ERIC (EBSCO)
Multi-subject
Academic Search Complete
Sage Premier
JSTOR

8. Locating Peer-reviewed Articles via Journals
If you already know the name of a journal
Go to library journals on the library homepage.
Type the name of the journal in the search.
Then, you can search for an article by title or by a key word search.

9. Now You Try Go to library journals on the library homepage.
Search for the journal title “Exceptional Children” in the search bar.
Now you can search for an article title.
“Using Principles of Behavior Modification to Teach Behavior Modification” or
Use the listed databases that contain the journal and do a key word search.
“Behavior modification”
Example
Example

10. Locating Peer-reviewed Articles via Journals
If you do not know the name of a journal
Go to library homepage.
Browse journals by subject.
Select
“Social sciences”
then
Education-general or
Education- special topics
Then search within the journal of your choice.

11. Sample Scholarly Journals
Evaluation & Research in Education
Teacher Education & Special Education
Exceptional Children
Journal of Educational Research
Journal of Special Education
Journal of Learning Disabilities
Learning Disability Quarterly
Journal of Research and Practice in Special Education
Teaching Exceptional Children
Intervention in School and Clinic
Disability Studies Quarterly

12. Database Generated Citations
Caution: Database generated APA citations are NOT correct
You must consult APA guidelines
See example on next slide

13. Database Generated Citations Example
Gresham, F. M. (1984). Social Skills and Self-Efficacy for
Exceptional Children. Exceptional Children, 51(3),
Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Correct citation:
Gresham, F. M. (1984). Social skills and self-efficacy for
exceptional children. Exceptional Children, 51(3),
doi:
Note: APA 6th edition does not require listing the database source (APA, 2010, p. 192)
Must list DOI if available (see slide no. 33)
Lowercase
Cite DOI
when available
Italic

14. Learning the Basics of APA Style

15. Basics Double space entire paper including headings
Two spaces after end punctuation in sentences (recommended)
Use 10 pt to 12 pt Times New Roman or similar font
1 inch margins all around
Indent paragraphs ½ inch
Number pages consecutively beginning with the title page
(Angeli et al., 2010)

16. Voice and Point of View Use an active voice not a passive voice
The participant stated…not…The participants were asked
Use third person point of view instead of first person point of view.
The study supported ... not….I found out ……
However, this depends on the journal and/or the instructor. If in doubt, ask your instructor.
(American Psychological Association [APA], 2010, pg. 77)
Example
Example

17. Language Use clear and concise language: avoid interpretive language
Studies do not prove, they support
Do not say, “This study proved that ...”
Instead say, “The study showed ...”
Use simple, descriptive adjectives and plain language
(APA, 2010, pg 65-67)

18. Avoiding Bias in Language
Describe at the appropriate level of specificity.
Not specific: over 15 years of age
Specific: 15- to 20-year-olds
Be sensitive to labels.
Refer to people in a culturally sensitive manner that reflects their cultural preferences.
Acknowledge participation.
State “The children completed the survey…” instead of “The survey was administered to the children…”
(APA, 2010, p )

19. Avoiding Bias: Disabilities
Do not focus on disability unless it is crucial to a story.
Put people first, not their disability.
a child with a learning disability
not
a learning disabled child
Emphasize abilities, not limitations. Do not use negative language.
Do not write: Suffers from ______
Instead write: A child with _______
(APA, 2010, p. 73)
Example
Example

20. Subject/Pronoun Agreement
The student (singular)….his/her (singular)
Students (plural)……their (plural)
To avoid gender bias use the plural form (students)
The teacher who……. NOT…The teacher that
(A teacher is a person, not an object. )
(Onwuegbuzie, Combs, Slate, & Frels, 2009)

21. Subject/Verb Agreement
Your subject and verb must agree in number (singular and plural).
The words data and phenomena are plural.
Correct: The data indicate that…..
Incorrect: The data indicates that….
Correct: The phenomena occur….
Incorrect: The phenomena occurs….
Example
Example
(APA, 2010, p. 79)

22. Grammar: Since vs. Because
Use “since” to refer only to time
Three years have passed since the beginning of the study.
Use “because” right before an explanation of something
The student had difficulty with reading comprehension because of his/her limited English proficiency.
(APA, 2010, p. 84)
Example
Example

23. Grammar: While vs. Although
Use “while” for simultaneous events only!
The participants completed the survey while at school.
Use “although” to show contrast of ideas
Although these findings support _____, the results are not typical.
(APA, 2010, p. 84)
Example
Example

24. Numbers Expressed in Numerals
Use numerals to express:
All numbers 10 and above
Example years old
Numbers preceding a unit of measurement
Example a 5-mg dose
Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, percentiles & quartiles
Examples a ratio of 16:1
the 5th percentile
Time, dates, ages, scores and points on a scale
Examples hour 15 minutes
scored 5 on a 8-point scale
(APA, 2010, p )

25. Numbers Expressed in Words
Use words to express numbers below 10
Use words anytime a number begins a sentence, title, or heading
Common fractions
one fifth of the class
(APA, 2010, pg.112)
Example

26. Formatting

27. Four Sections Ask instructor about assignment requirements.
An APA paper may include four major sections:
Title Page
Abstract
Main Body
References

28. Title Page Header The title page header includes:
“Running Head” in a mixture of capital and lowercase
letters followed by the title of the paper in all capital letters
aligned to the left. At the far right of the page header is the
page number (numbered consecutively).
Running Head: APA FORMAT
(Note: The title page header includes “Running Head” and is different than the
other pages)
(Angeli et al., 2010)
Example
Running Head
Colon
Title
Page #

29. Page Header
Page header is noted on the top of every page
Every page after the title page has a page header that includes the title of the paper in all capital letters aligned to the left and the page number (numbered consecutively) aligned to the right
APA FORMAT 2
Example
Title
Page #
(Angeli et al., 2010)

30. Running head: APA FORMAT 1 State University of New York at New Paltz
Title Page
Running head
Running head: APA FORMAT
APA Format
Kathleen Golly
State University of New York at New Paltz
Page number
(capital letters)
Title of paper
Title of paper
Author’s name
Institutional Affiliation
(APA, 2010, p. 41)

31. * Ask course instructor if abstract is required *
Page header:
TITLE OF PAPER
“Abstract” (centered, at the top of the page)
Brief (between 150 and 250 words) summary of your paper
Accurate, concise, and specific language.
* Ask course instructor if abstract is required *
(APA, 2010, pg. 41)

32. Headings Different levels of headings Use consecutively Level Format 1
(APA, 2010, p. 62)
Level
Format 1
Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Headings 2
Left-aligned, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Headings 3
Indented, boldface, lowercase heading with period. 4
Indented, boldface, italicized, lowercase heading with period. 5
indented, italicized, lowercase heading with period.

33. Sample Headings Methods (Level 1) Site of Study (Level 2)
Participant Population (Level 2)
Teachers. (Level 3)
Students. (Level 3)
Results (Level 1)
Spatial Ability (Level 2)
Test one. (Level 3)
Teachers with training (Level 4)
(Angeli et al., 2010)

34. Citing Sources

35. Plagiarism
“Plagiarism is the representation, intentional or unintentional, of someone else's words or ideas as one's own” (State University of New York at New Paltz, n.d., para 4).

36. Penalties for Plagiarism
Plagiarizing is a form of larceny punishable by a fine and may result in academic disciplinary action. “The academic penalty may range, for instance, from a reprimand accompanied by guidance about how to avoid plagiarism in the future to failure for the course (State University of New York at New Paltz, n.d., para 5).”

37. How to Avoid Plagiarism
You must correctly cite the use of another person’s words or ideas in your paper.
You must cite all direct quotes, paraphrases, and the use of other people’s ideas in your paper.
If you use only an author’s ideas and change the words, you must clearly identify the source of the ideas.
For more information on the New Paltz Academic Integrity Policy, visit
For more information on types of plagiarism and how to avoid plagiarism, visit
(State University of New York at New Paltz, n.d.)

38. In-text Citations: Paraphrases
You must cite anything that is not your original idea or words
Cite all paraphrases in the body of your paper
(Author’s last name, year).
The study supported the finding that children learn best
through multisensory approaches (Smith, 2002).
Punctuation mark outside parentheses
(APA, 2010, p )
Example

39. In-text Citations: Direct Quotes
You must cite anything that is not your original idea or words.
Cite all direct quotes in the body of your paper.
Write a lead-in phrase for direct quotes.
Lead in phrase “__________” (Last name, year, p. #).
OR Lead in phrase Last name (year) “_________________” (p. #).
Do not start a sentence with a direct quote. According to Smith (2000) “___________”(p. 15).
(APA, 2010, p )
Example

40. Direct Quote Formatting Examples
Include page number
Smith (2002) stated “___________”(p. 11). OR
Children learn best by “______________”
(Smith, 2002, p.11).
Children learn best through “______” (Smith, 2002, p. 11) and hands-on learning experiences.
Include page number
Citation right after quote

41. Direct Quotes: Forty Words or Less
Use quotation marks
Keep the quote within the paragraph
According to Jones (1998), "Students often had difficulty
using APA style, especially when it was their first time citing
sources" (p.199).
Example
(Angeli et al., 2010)

42. Direct Quotes: Forty Words or More
No quotation marks
Indent entire quote ½ inch from the left margin
Do not indent the first line more than the rest of the quote
Maintain double spacing
Parenthetical citation comes after punctuation mark
Jones' (1998) study found the following:
Students often had difficulty using APA style, especially when it was
their first time citing sources. This difficulty could be attributed to
the fact that many students failed to purchase a style manual or to
ask their teacher for help. (p. 199)
Example
(Angeli et al., 2010)

43. In-text Citations Type of citation First citation in text
Subsequent citations in text
Parenthetical format, first citation in text
Parenthetical format, subsequent citations in text
One work by one author
Walker (2007)
(Walker, 2007)
One work by two authors
Walker and Allen (2004)
(Walker & Allen, 2004)
One work by three authors
Gilsenan, Ramirez, and Smith (1999)
Gilsenan et al. (1999)
(Gilsenan, Ramirez, & Smith, 1999)
(Gilsenan et al., 1999)
One work by four authors
Gilsenan, Ramirez, Soo, and Smith (2008)
Gilsenan et al. (2008)
(Gilsenan, Ramirez, Soo, & Smith, 2008)
(Gilsenan et al., 2008)
One work by five authors
Gilsenan, Ramirez, Hicks, Soo, and Smith (2003)
Gilsenan et al. (2003)
(Gilsenan, Ramirez, Hicks, Soo, & Smith, 2003)
(Gilsenan et al., 2003)
One work by six or more authors
Smith et al. (2005)
(Smith et al., 2005)
Groups (readily identified through abbreviation) as authors
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2003)
NIMN (2003)
(National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2003)
(NIMH, 2003)
Groups (no abbreviation) as authors
University of Pittsburgh (2005)
(University of Pittsburgh, 2005)
(Angeli et al., 2010)

44. In-text Citations Remember to include page numbers for all
direct quotes
For 1-2 authors: List both last names every time!
For 3-5 authors: List all last names the first time, then use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” for subsequent entries
For 6+ authors: List the first author’s last name and et al. (List all authors on the reference page)

45. In-text Citations: No Authors
Unknown author: Cite by the title.
-Titles of books and reports are italicized or underlined -Titles of articles, chapters, and web pages are in quotation marks.
Example (“Behavior Management,” 2005).
Organization as author:
Write out the organization’s full name the first time with any abbreviation in brackets
(National Education Association [NEA], 2011).
Subsequent citations: use abbreviation
(NEA, 2011).
(Angeli et al., 2010)
Example
Example

46. Reference General Guidelines
Capitalize only the first letter of the first word of an article or book title and subtitle, the first word after a colon or a dash in the title, and proper nouns.
Social skills and self-efficacy for exceptional children
Note: Do not capitalize the first letter of the second word in a hyphenated compound word.
(Angeli et al., 2010)
Example

47. Reference General Guidelines
If multiple sources by the exact same author(s) list them by date (earliest first) on the reference page
Capitalize all major words in journal titles.
Journal of Learning Disabilities
Example

48. References 1. First: Decide what type of source it is
2. Next: Refer to Purdue Online Writing Lab or the APA manual (6th Edition)
3. Locate sample citation and copy format exactly OR
1. Decide what type of source it is
2. Use the automatic citation feature of the database
AND
3. Adjust the citation based on the Purdue Online Writing Lab or the APA manual (6th Edition)

49. Common Reference Examples
Basic Format for Books:
Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital
letter also for subtitle. Location: Publisher.
Article from Database:
Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Journal Title,
8(3), doi:
(Angeli et al., 2010)

50. Common Reference Examples
Newspaper Article
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper.
Retrieved from
Nonperiodical Web Page
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of
document. Retrieved from address
(See APA manual or Purdue OWL for more detailed explanations and additional reference types)
(Angeli et al., 2010)

51. How to Cite DOIs DOI: Digital Object Identifier
APA now requires that you cite DOIs when available.
You do not need to cite the database from which the article was retrieved
Some journal articles have DOIs and some do not
Mosteller, F., Nave, B., & Miech, E. J. (2004). Why we need a structured abstract
in education research. Educational Researcher, 33(1),
doi: /
Example
(APA, 2010, pg )

52. How to locate DOIs
DOIs are usually located on the first page of an article often in the upper right hand corner near the copyright information.
Sage Premier consistently lists DOIs on the title page of the journal article.
If you cannot find the DOI, check the article title in the SAGE premier database and try to locate the DOI that way.
(APA, 2010, pg. 189)

53. Now You Try Go to Sage Premier. Browse journals by discipline.
Click on education under social sciences.
Select The Journal of Special Education.
Search for “CBM.”
Locate the article The predictive validity of CBM writing indices for eighth-grade students.
The DOI is located on the first page.
(see next slide)

54. The Journal of Special Education
______________________________________________________
The Predictive Validity of CBM Writing Indices for Eighth-Grade Students
Janelle M. Amato and Marley W. Watkins
J Spec Educ : 195 originally published online 27 March 2009
DOI: /
The online version of this article can be found at:
_____________________________________________________________
Published by:
Hammill Institute on Disabilities
and

55. No DOIs Some articles do not have DOIs
If you accessed the article from an online periodical or online journal that is only available online and not in print, you should provide the website for the homepage of the journal.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Online
Periodical, volume number(issue number if available). Retrieved from
If you accessed the article from a database, you do not need to provide the website for the database.
Mosteller, F., Nave, B., & Miech, E. J. (2004). Why we need a structured abstract
in education research. Educational Researcher, 33(1),
Example
Example
(Angeli et al., 2010)

56. Reference Page
The reference list must be double-spaced, and entries should have a hanging indent (see example on next page)
Entries must be listed in alphabetical order
The word “References” should be centered at the top of the page
(APA, 2010, p. 178)

57. Reference Page Sample APA FORMAT 23 References
American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association 6th ed. Washington, DC:
American Psychological Association.
Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., Soderland, L.,
& Brizee, A. (2010). APA format and styling guide. Retrieved from
Hanging
indent
(Angeli et al., 2010)

58. Advanced APA

59. Tables vs. Figures (APA, 2010, p. 125).
A table shows numerical values or textual information “arranged in an orderly display of columns and rows” (APA, 2010, p. 125).
A figure can be a chart, a photograph, a graph, a scatter plot, a drawing or any other illustration.
(APA, 2010, p. 125).

60. Tables Example: Double space Table 1 Word list: Summary of performance
Use only horizontal lines when needed for clarity
Do not use vertical lines
Title of table in italics
Number tables consecutively
May include a “note” under table if information is needed to understand table.
Example:
Double space
Table 1
Word list: Summary of performance
(APA, 2010, p. 129)
Grade
Sight
Analysis
Total
Level 1 19
Independent 2 16 17
Instructional 3 12 4
Note: Sight indicates the number of words read correctly on the first try. Analysis indicates the number of missed words that were corrected when reread a second time. Total indicates the total number of words read correctly.

61. Figures Example: Title of figure in italics
Number figures consecutively
Include a note at the bottom if
information is needed for clarity
Example:
Double space
Figure 1
Graphic Similarity of Substitution Miscues
(Angeli et al., 2010)
Note. This figure shows the graphic similarity in the beginning,
middle, and end of substitution miscues.

62. Additional Resources
1. APA Formatting and Style Guide. Provides detailed explanation and examples of all components of APA Free tutorial on APA. Includes specific examples Specific examples of references. Explains DOIs. mat=open page=1094

63. References
American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., Soderland, L., & Brizee, A.
(2010). APA format and styling guide. Retrieved from
Bachand, R. G., & Sawallis, P. P. (2003). Accuracy in the identification of scholarly and peer-
reviewed journals and the peer-review process across disciplines. Serials Librarian, 45(2),
Retrieved from
Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Combs, J. P., Slate, J. R., & Frels, R. K. (2009). Editorial: Evidence-based
guidelines for avoiding the most common APA errors in journal article submissions.
Research in the Schools, 16(2), 1. Retrieved from
State University of New York at New Paltz (n.d.). Academic integrity. In Academic policies and procedures. Retrieved from