Answered By: Dave
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2021     Views: 15013

Notable changes that have occurred between APA 6th edition and APA 7th edition. For sample papers scroll to the bottom under Other Resources.

 
APA 7th APA 6th
"Professional" papers require running heads, "Student" papers do not. All papers require running heads (a brief title in the header)
The first in-text citation by more than two authors, may list only the first author followed by et al. (Jones et al., 2020) A work by two authors, name both authors in the signal phrase or in parentheses each time you cite the work. (Wegener & Petty, 1994) The first in-text citation can include up to five authors before going to et al. (Kernis, Cornell, Sun, Berry, & Harlow, et al., 1993) In subsequent citations, only use the first author's last name followed by "et al." in the signal phrase or in parentheses. (Kernis et al., 1993)
Book references, omit publisher location.  Book references, include publisher location
More guidelines have been added that make citing online sources easier and clearer. In total there are 114 examples, ranging from books and periodicals to audiovisuals and social media. Fewer guidelines and examples for citing online sources. 
Surnames and initials for up to 20 authors should be provided in the reference list. Surnames and initials for up to 7 authors should be provided in the reference list.
DOIs are formatted only as an URL (https://doi.org/xxx) DOIs can be formatted as an URL (https://doi.org/xxx) or the DOI can be without https://. (doi:10.1108071061)
URLs are embedded directly in the reference, without being preceded by “Retrieved from,” unless a retrieval date is needed. URLs are embedded directly in the reference, preceded by “Retrieved from.”
For ebooks, the format, platform, or device (e.g. eBook edition) is no longer included in the reference. You should distinguish between the eBook or audiobook and the print version if the content is different or abridged (Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of book [eBook edition]. Publisher. URL)
 
Clear guidelines are provided for including contributors that are not an author or editor. For example, when citing a podcast episode, the host of the episode should be included; for a TV series episode, the writer and director of that episode are cited. Contributors that are not an author or editor or producer are not included. (Bae, P. (Executive Producer). (2017-present). The big loop [Audio podcast]. QRX. https: //www.thebiglooppodcast.com/)
Dozens of examples are included for online source types such as podcast episodes, social media posts, and YouTube videos. Also, the use of emojis and hashtags is explained. These examples are not included
Writing inclusively and without bias is the new standard. The 7th edition contains a separate chapter on this topic. The guidelines reduce bias around topics such as gender, age, disability, racial and ethnic identity, and sexual orientation, as well as being sensitive to labels.  
Examples: the singular “they” or “their” is endorsed as a gender-neutral pronoun. Descriptive phrases such as “people living in poverty” are preferred over adjectives as nouns to label people (e.g., “the poor”).
 		  
APA endorses the use of the singular pronoun “they”) instead of they being in italics. The use of the singular pronoun they is in italics.
APA paper format changes. There is increased flexibility regarding fonts: options include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, Times New Roman 12, and Georgia 11. APA recommends using 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Use only one space after a period at the end of a sentence. Use only two spaces after a period at the end of a sentence.
Use double quotation marks to refer to linguistic examples instead of italics, Use double quotation marks to refer to linguistic examples instead of italics,
Heading levels 3-5 are updated to improve readability. (see the manual for examples)  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Other Resources:

  • Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) APA 7th edition guide. 
  • Purdue University's OWL has two sample papers, one for APA 7 Student Paper and one for APA 7 Professional Paper. Click here to view and download one or both. The two papers are almost identical except for the title page and in particular the running head (required for Professional Papers but not for Student Papers). 
  • APA 7th edition: The most notable changes by Raimo Streefkerk (at Scribbr, an international "Proofreading & Editing service") 
  • This link includes an overview with a side-by-side column explaining a few differences between the 6th and the 7th. (from Faculty Focus, Higher Ed Teaching Strategies from Magna Publications)

Miscellaneous: 

  • Examination and desk copies of APA print books are available to college faculty within the United States, Canada, and Mexico who are considering or have decided to use the APA 7th for educational and training purposes in institutions of higher learning. See https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/course 
  • Please visit APU Library's How to Cite Resources in APA 7 LibGuide.
  • All APU libraries have print copies of APA 7th edition. For call numbers and locations click here. 
  • When are doctoral students to begin using APA 7th edition? Click here for the approved minutes of the Doctoral Studies Council of September 9, 2019.
  • APA has a great website explaining the 7th edition and provides other resources for free like student and professional paper examples. 
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