Unit VII Research Discussion
Please follow all the professor instructions because that will effect the grade. Please watch out for spelling and grammar errors. Please read the study guide. Please use the new APA 7th edition format. This is a DBA course and needs to be done on this level.
Book Reference: Gliner, J. A., Morgan, G. A., Leech, N. L. (2017). Research methods in applied settings: An integrated approach to design and analysis (3rd ed.). Routledge. https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781317526896
You’ve been asked by a professor to review a manuscript where your peer performed a correlational research design. In the results section, you noted that they reported Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation Coeffiction as the test statistic. Why do you think the student reported this statistics rather than the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient or the Kendall Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient?
RCH 8301, Quantitative Research Methods 1
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
6. Create research questions appropriate for a selected research method and design.
6.1 Justify appropriate research questions for a specific research topic.
7. Formulate hypotheses appropriate for a selected research method and design.
7.1 Explain the hypotheses that were selected for a specific research method and design.
Course/Unit
Learning Outcomes
Learning Activity
6.1, 7.1
Chapter 21, pp. 369–382
Chapter 22, pp. 386–409
Unit VII Reflection Paper
Required Unit Resources
Chapter 21: Analysis and Interpretation of Basic Associational Research Questions, pp. 369–382
Chapter 22: Analysis and Interpretation of Complex Research Questions, pp. 386–409
Unit Lesson
Basic Associational Research Questions
In this unit, we focus on various types of research questions, which can be divided into three categories:
descriptive, difference, and associational. According to Leech et al. (2015), associational research questions
refer to the questions in which two or more variables have a relationship. The associations in this type of
hypothesis or research question show that the score on the dependent variable is associated with that of the
independent variable. Moreover, the basic associational research questions must have one independent
variable while the other variable is dependent (Leech et al., 2015). These questions, therefore, consider an
approach where there is an attempt to see how the two (or more) variables relate (covary) or, in some
instances, show how one variable enables the researcher to predict the other variable that is being
investigated. Importantly, in associational research questions, the type of statistics used in the analysis is
specific. Using a schematic diagram, such as the one shown below, the statistics used in the analysis and
interpretation follows the purpose and the general type of statistics adopted.
UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE
Data Analysis and Interpretation
RCH 8301, Quantitative Research Methods 2
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
In the analysis and interpretation of the associational research questions, the nature of variables plays an
integral role in the choice and usage of the parametric statistics with associational designs as well as
statistical significance, effect size, correlation matrix, and confidence intervals for correlations. There are
numerous parametric statistics that are used in the analysis and thereby guide the interpretation of the
analysis in a research study. As a result, there is a rationale for using these parametric statistics with respect
to associational research questions. In the schematic diagram above, it is evident that the choice of
associational inferential statistical techniques, such as regression and correlation, are chosen based on the
test that needs to be conducted in order to establish the associations between the variables.
In order to choose a parametric statistic with associational designs, there is a need to have a clear data
analysis plan for the associational research questions. It is also important to understand the variables before
data collection. This understanding will help guide the researcher in selecting the correct statistical test. Since
parametric statistics are often used when values of ratio-level or interval-level variables are normal (i.e., are
normally distributed or portray a bell-shaped curve), then defining the parameters of data becomes a key
rationale when choosing the technique for analysis and interpretation of the results. Furthermore, when using
parametric statistics to analyze data or variables in an associational research question, where the data are
normally distributed, it is important that additional considerations be adopted. These include the level of
significance and effect size. For the level of significance, the p-value, which is simply the probability of getting
observed data through chance, is a primary concern. Three assumptions made in testing are that the sample
must be randomly selected from the population, the variables under study are independent of each other, and
the data must be normally distributed.
Tests of Association
The additional considerations in the analysis and interpretation of associational research questions, especially
upon choosing a parametric statistic to use, are also important in appreciating the research. For example, the
Pearson product-moment correlation (r) is useful in determining the strength of the relationship between two
continuous variables, whereas a result from an analysis is said to have statistical significance only when the
p-value of the result is at least extreme (Gliner et al., 2017). In the interpretation of the p-value, the value is
compared against the pre-specified significance level (mostly set at 95% or 0.05). Thus, the p-value
To explore the relationship
(covariance) between
variables
General purpose
To find the strength of related
or associations in variables
Specific purpose
Associational research
questions
Type of research question
Associational inferential
statistics, such as multiple
regression and correlation
among others
General type of statistics
RCH 8301, Quantitative Research Methods 3
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
represents that the relationship observed did not occur merely by chance. If the defined, pre-specified
significance level is defined as α, which is given as the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis, and if the p-
value of the test is less than α, the result is statistically significant. In that instance, the null hypothesis will be
rejected, and the alternative hypothesis would be accepted. Therefore, the correlation between the variables
is tested for the significance levels in relation to the results. Additionally, in the case of associational research
questions, basic testing is done for the specified significance levels as opposed to the multiple regression
testing for the complex associational questions. A correlation coefficient measures the direction and strength
of a linear relationship between two variables and indicates the extent to which dots in a scatterplot form a
straight line. This implies that we can usually estimate correlations pretty accurately from nothing more than
scatterplots.
There is a need to appreciate the use of nonparametric
associational statistics that can be used. The use of
statistics, such as the Spearman rank-order correlation
(rs) and Kendall rank-order correlation coefficient (tau
or Τ), requires that one consider various assumptions,
especially in assessing the statistical associations
within the ranks of the variables or data. For the
Spearman coefficient, the two variables are measured
on an ordinal, ratio, or interval scale, and there is the
monotonic relationship between the variables
measured. Both Spearman and Kendall methods work
on the same assumption, though the latter is used with
smaller sample sizes compared to the former (Gliner et
al., 2017). A positive correlation between variables’
ranks means that both of the variables in the study are
increasing, while a negative correlation between the
variables’ ranks implies that the increase of one
variable results in a decrease of the second variable.
When associational designs are used to examine
categorical variables, tests (e.g., chi-square [X2]),
should be considered. The interpretation of a chi-
square statistic requires the understanding of the
degrees of freedom (df) in the test statistic. The df is
calculated by subtracting the number of parameters under examination from the sample size and indicates
the number of independent variables that have an effect of varying in the analysis without having any
constraints. When hypothesis tests use the chi-square test to calculate the independence and statistically
significant relationship amongst variables, then the calculated value exceeds the critical value in the chi-
square; the null hypothesis is then rejected, and the relationship between variables is established.
Overall, the use of correlation coefficients can be misleading, especially where the correlation of two variables
is recorded repeatedly over a period. Therefore, to minimize such effects, time trends are removed from the
data prior to measuring the correlation and interpretations of the output. In associational research design,
there is also the need to interpret the outputs of both correlation and simple linear regression with care.
Complex Research Questions
The analysis and interpretation of complex questions require an understanding of the two-factor between-
group analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the analysis of two-factor designs. Unlike the basic associational
research questions, complex research questions often require the use of multiple variables. Thus, in the
factorial ANOVA, logistic regression, and discriminant analysis, there are at least two independent variables
and one dependent variable (Leech et al., 2015). The rationale for adding more independent variables in the
research design is to determine the effect of one independent variable’s reliance on other independent
variables.
In the ANOVA source table, which displays the output from the test, main effects and interaction effects can
be shown. These effects differ in terms of their assumptions and nature. For example, the main effect refers
to the effect of an independent variable on the dependent variable, where the effects of the other independent
variables are ignored. Thus, it is correct to assume that there is only one main effect for any given
Scatterplots provide a visual representation of a
relationship between two variables.
(Lacroix, n.d.)
RCH 8301, Quantitative Research Methods 4
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
independent variable in the research. On the other hand, interaction effects are achieved where the effect of
one variable differs with a change in the level of the other variable (usually the second variable). Thus, the
main effect involves only independent variables—one at a time, and the interaction is ignored. On the other
hand, the interaction effect (the effect that one variable has on the second) occurs when the effect of a
variable depends on the other, which indicates that a third variable causes the influence in the relationship
between the independent and dependent variables.
References
Gliner, J. A., Morgan, G. A., & Leech, N. L. (2017). Research methods in applied settings: An integrated
approach to design and analysis (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Lacroix, A. (n.d.). Correlation (ID 28959089) [Photograph]. Dreamstime.
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-correlation-image28959089
Leech, N. L., Barrett, K. C., & Morgan, G. A. (2015). IBM SPSS for intermediate statistics: Use and
interpretation (5th ed.). Routledge.
Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit
them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information.
Review the “Interpretation Questions” and “Application Problems” at the end of Chapters 21 and 22.
- Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VII
Unit Lesson
Basic Associational Research Questions
Tests of Association
Complex Research Questions
References
Learning Activities (Nongraded)
2020 Success Center
Citation Guide
Based on the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association—7th Edition
2020 [COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY] 2
Citation Guide – 7th Edition
This document covers certain citation formats addressed in the 7th edition of the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) but is not a complete
guide. Should you have any questions, please contact the CSU Success Center by email at
teamsucceed@columbiasouthern.edu or by phone at (877) 875-0533.
For all rules and requirements of APA, please refer to the 7th edition of the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association, which can be purchased through the
American Psychological Association at https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-
7th-edition/.
The Writing Center also provides an accompanying tutorial for the CSU Citation
Guide. This tutorial provides further explanation on several APA formatting topics:
Citation Guide Tutorial.
mailto:teamsucceed@columbiasouthern.edu
https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition/
https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition/
http://columbiasouthern.adobeconnect.com/citationguidetutorial7/
2020 [COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY] 3
Contents
What is APA format and why is it used? ………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Citing Sources …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Citations in In-text …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Examples of in-text citations ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Example of block quote in-text citation …………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Reference List …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Examples of reference list entries …………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Selecting Appropriate Research Sources ………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Formatting ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Document formatting in APA style ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Steps for document formatting ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13
Specific formatting steps for documents …………………………………………………………………………………. 16
Library Resources and Services for CSU Students ……………………………………………………………………. 17
Sample Essay ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18
Sample Research Paper ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
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What is APA Format and Why is it Used?
The American Psychological Association is a professional organization representing
psychologists in the United
States.
APA format is a set of rules developed to assist with writing
and the citing of sources. Following the rules laid out in the Publication Manual helps to
prevent plagiarism and acknowledges the original author of the information used. It is meant
to provide a concise and standardized citation format for written assignments (such as essays,
research papers, and article critiques, among others) and is used for all Columbia Southern
University courses.
In educational institutions, academic integrity is an area of great concern. Academic
integrity refers to being intellectually honest by “avoiding… cheating, plagiarism, self-
plagiarism, and/or poor scholarship” (Columbia Southern University, 2019, p.28). Adhering to
APA guidelines can prevent academic integrity violations (especially plagiarism) by clearly
marking which words and ideas belong to outside sources. Committing an academic integrity
violation of any kind can have serious consequences.
Plagiarism is the act of stealing someone else’s work and passing it off as one’s own. It
can be deliberate or accidental; deliberate plagiarism includes directly copying, summarizing, or
paraphrasing a source without giving credit to the author or putting it in quotation marks. This
type of plagiarism also includes turning in a paper that has been bought, written by another
student, or copied from another source. Accidental plagiarism is when a writer uses another
author’s thoughts or ideas without realizing credit must be provided. This includes working in
groups and submitting the same answers as other students, forgetting to place quotation marks
around a direct quotation, omitting an in-text citation for a summary or a paraphrase, and
omitting an in-text citation for the ideas of another writer. Accidental plagiarism also includes
submitting an assignment that has already been previously submitted in another course.
Unfortunately, both types of plagiarism can result in a failing grade, suspension from the
university, or even expulsion.
There are a few ways APA can help students avoid plagiarism. The primary way to avoid
it is to cite any ideas that are not one’s own. Citations help readers to locate the sources used in
a paper. Citations should not only be used for direct quotes, but they should also be provided
when information is paraphrased or summarized from another author. Paraphrasing a source’s
material is a good way to avoid copying directly from an outside source and possibly being
reprimanded. If any questions or concerns about APA format, please feel free to contact the
CSU Success Center by email at teamsucceed@columbiasouthern.edu or by phone at (877) 875-
0533.
mailto:teamsucceed@columbiasouthern.edu
2020 [COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY] 5
Citing Sources
When writing a paper in APA 7th edition style, there are two specific ways to cite the
information that is used: within the text and in the reference list at the end of the paper.
Citations are utilized when a phrase, a piece of specific information, or a sequence of sentences
is drawn from an outside source. To meet APA requirements specified for CSU written essay
responses, in-text citations and a reference list must be included if any outside sources are
used. For formal papers, follow all guidelines listed in this handout. For all rules and
requirements of APA, please refer to the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association, which can be purchased through the American Psychological
Association at https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition/.
In-text Citations
An in-text citation should be used when a phrase, a piece of specific information, or an
idea is drawn from an outside source.
In-text citations are also required when putting the author’s information in your own
words (paraphrasing).
Citing helps to prevent plagiarism, and it acknowledges the original author of the
information used.
In-text citations and reference citations must always correspond; each in-text citation
must have a matching reference citation and vice-versa. APA uses the author-year
method of citation.
It is standard practice for the period at the end of the sentence to be placed after the
last parentheses of the in-text citation. An exception is made if inserting a direct quote
that contains more than 40 words; in this instance, the period is placed directly before
the in-text citation.
Paraphrased
Information
When paraphrasing or summarizing a source, provide the author’s last name and year of
publication (separated by a comma). Page and paragraph numbers are not required when you
are paraphrasing information. However, be sure to consult with your faculty member to
determine his or her preference on adding page numbers in citations.
Direct Quotations
If utilizing a direct quote, this must be indicated by placing the passage in quotation marks.
Further, the specific page or paragraph number is always required. If there is no page or
paragraph number, as is the case for many electronic sources, provide a section heading or
other label to indicate the passage the quote was borrowed from.
For additional information, please see the Writing Center’s In-text Citations Tutorial.
https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition/
http://columbiasouthern.adobeconnect.com/in-textcitations7/
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Examples of in-text citations
Reference
Type
Examples of in-text citations
Paraphrased
information from
one author
It has been found … can be concluded (Simpson, 2007).
According to Simpson (2007), … can cause problems.
Other people say… based on Simpson (2007).
Paraphrased
information from
two authors
There are … at this point (Stemmer & Tisdale, 2008).
Stemmer and Tisdale (2008) mention … a set of styles.
This plan will … according to Stemmer and Tisdale (2008).
Paraphrased
information from
three or more
authors
When stating…. can be located (Padgett et al., 2004).
Padgett et al. (2004) explain … is further noted.
Direct quotation less
than 40 words
“It is amazing…with confidence” (OSHA, 2010, p. 121).
According to Davis and Dudley (2005), “We are…to save” (para. 5).
“What is lost…come at all” (Ingram et al., 2001, pp. 8-9).
Paraphrased
information with no
author listed
When using data … can be seen (“Title of Document,” 2003).
If information is … was conquered (“Driving and Talking,” 2004).
According to “Leadership Versus Management” (2001), … is an art form.
Information from a
secondary source
It can be found … in Stemmer’s work (as cited in Pratt, 2008).
According to Stemmer’s work (as cited in Pratt, 2008), “…” (p. 65).
**Add the page number if you use a direct quote from Stemmer found in Pratt’s work.
Information via
personal
communication
J. M. Newsome (personal communication, May 30, 2008) expressed …
…of time (V. P. DeLuca, personal communication, November 9, 2007).
**Personal communication should only be listed in the in-text, not on the reference list.
Information found in
classical works
…will have everlasting life (King James Bible, 1769/2017, John 3:16).
…as read in the Bible in John 3:16 (King James Bible, 1769/2017).
2020 [COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY] 7
Direct Quotations of 40 or more words
Block quotations (quotes that contain 40 words or more) are formatted differently, as they
have no quotation marks. In formal writing, block quotations are acceptable, although their use
should not be in excess. While block quotes are accepted in formal writing, the use of them in
essay responses is not encouraged due to the length of the assignment. Block quotations are
indented an additional .5” and double spaced. The period is placed before the citation.
Block Quotation Example
The solutions proposed by a number of advocacy groups underscore this interest in
political and cultural change. A report outlined trends that may have contributed to the
childhood obesity crisis.
This includes food advertising for children as well as a reduction in physical
education classes and after-school athletic programs, an increase in the availability
of sodas and snacks in public schools, the growth in the number of fast-food outlets,
and the increasing number of highly processed high-calorie and high-fat grocery
products. (Kaiser, 2004, pp. 1-2)
Reference List
The reference list is of the utmost importance, as it allows the reader to access the sources
cited in the in-text and enables the student writer to give credit where credit is due. For this
reason, the references should contain accurate information, as well as proper punctuation and
spelling. References will follow the conclusion of any APA document. For each reference listed,
there will be at least one corresponding in-text citation in the document. Examples of reference
source formatting can be found on the following pages.
If there is a digital object identifier (DOI) available, include that in the reference. The DOI
is precisely used to give the reader information about where the document can be
found on the Internet. The DOI is typically located near the copyright notice on the first
page of the electronic journal article. In the case that there is no DOI, provide the
homepage URL of the web page where you found the article. (Please note the DOI,
when available, is required in doctoral courses.)
Multiple citations containing the same author and year should first be listed
chronologically by the specific date (with newer sources being listed first) and then
alphabetically by the title. A lowercase a, b, c, etc. should be placed after the year to
distinguish between the entries. This is also used in the in-text citations. For example:
Smith, J. (2013a, March 8). How to groom cats. Garden Press.
Smith, J. (2013b, January 20). How to groom dogs. Garden Press.
For additional information, please see the Writing Center’s References Tutorial.
http://columbiasouthern.adobeconnect.com/references7/
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Examples of reference list entries
Reference
List
What to Include Information and Examples
General
Referencing
Information
When listing the author on the reference list, the
last name should be first, followed by the
author’s first and middle (if applicable) initials.
For example: Smith, J. R.
References should be placed in alphabetical order
by the first author’s last name, by associates (if
the work is authorized by an organization), or by
anonymous. Anonymous should only be listed as
the author if it is signed as such.
If a particular person did not create the document
being cited, use the organization that created the
document.
The document title can be substituted as the
author if no author is provided. In this case, the
first word of the title will dictate the alphabetical
placement (“a,” “an,” and “the” notwithstanding).
The letters “n.d.” (no date) can be utilized if the
source listed has no listed date. Substitute “n.d.”
where the date would normally go.
For example: Smith, R. T. (n.d.)…
Professional credentials, such as Ph. D., should
not be used on
the reference page.
References beginning with numerals should be
alphabetized based on the spelling of the numeral
States should be identified with their two letter
abbreviations, such as AL, MS, and NY.
Spell out cities and countries outside the United
States.
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Reference
List
What to Include Information and Examples
Books
For titles on the reference list, only capitalize the
first word of the title, proper nouns, and the first
word after a colon or dash.
Journal articles and books only require the year,
rather than the entire date.
Book titles should be italicized within the
reference list.
Book
Author(s). (date of
publication). Book
title. Publisher.
Book Examples:
Erickson, C. K. (2007). The science of addiction: From
neurobiology to treatment. W.W. Norton &
Company.
Morenberg, M. (2014). Doing grammar (5th ed.).
Oxford University Press.
Periodicals:
Journals,
magazines,
and
newspaper
articles
For the name of the actual publication the article
appears in (journal, magazine, or newspaper), use
standard title capitalization. Capitalize all words
with the exception of conjunctions, articles, and
short propositions; however, capitalize all words
that have four letters or more.
Magazine articles, newsletters, and newspaper
articles require the listing of the entire date when
available (month or month and day).
For example: (2001, May) or (2001, May 2)
Journal articles and books only require the year.
For journal articles, there is no need to write out
the words volume, issue, p., or pp. The order of
the numbers indicate what they represent.
2020 [COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY] 10
Reference
List
What to Include Information and Examples
Periodicals:
Journals,
magazines,
and
newspaper
articles
continued
Author(s). (date of
publication). Article
title. Journal Title,
volume (issue), page
numbers.
Retrieval
information.
*Retrieval
information for
online sources can
be either a URL or a
DOI. If neither is
available, treat the
journal like a print
source.
Journal Examples:
Clark, L. B. (2019, April). Education as property.
Virginia Law Review, 105(2), 397-424.
Rouw, R., & Erfanian, M. (2018, March). A large-scale
study of misophonia. Journal of Clinical
Psychology, 74(3), 453-479.
doi:10.1002/jclp.22500.
Smith, J. E. (2003). Addiction and environmental
change. Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 66(3), 47-68.
http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/psp/
Websites
Do not add a period after the retrieval
information (URL or DOI). Otherwise, the
period might be mistaken as part of the URL.
The URL can either be an active hyperlink
(blue and underlined), or the hyperlink
formatting can be removed.
To ensure accuracy, always test the URL prior
to submission.
Italicize the titles of webpages.
Author(s). (date of
publication). Title of
page. Retrieval
information
(including direct
URL)
Website Examples:
Cain, A., & Burris, M. (1999). Investigation of the use
of mobile phones while driving.
http://www.cutr.eng.usf.edu/oldpubs
/mobile_phone
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Reference
List
What to Include Information and Examples
Websites
continued
Starbucks Coffee Company. (n.d.). Starbucks social
impact. https://starbucks.com/responsibility
If there is not an author listed, you can use the
company that created the website as an
organizational author.
PowerPoint
slides
The PowerPoint format description in brackets is
used because the format is something out of the
ordinary.
The title of the PowerPoint should be italicized.
Author(s). (date of
publication). Title of
slideshow [Format
of document].
Retrieval
information
PowerPoint Examples:
Sprott, J. C. (2000). Is global warming for real?
[PowerPoint slides].
http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
lectures.htm#warming
How to succeed in business [PowerPoint slides].
(n.d.). http://online.columbiasouthern.edu
/webapps.jsp
If there is no author, list the title of the document in
the author’s position.
Personal
conversations,
emails,
interviews,
and letters
Do not include on
the reference page.
Due to retrieval inability, personal conversations,
emails, interviews, and letters should not be listed on
the reference page. Instead, cite these as a personal
communication in the in-text. For an example, see
the chart on page 6 (information via personal
communication).
http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/%20lectures.htm#warming
http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/%20lectures.htm#warming
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Selecting Appropriate Research Sources
In academic writing, only certain types of resources are considered acceptable. All sources
mentioned in this guide are sources that are considered to be academic. If you have any
questions regarding acceptable and unacceptable sources or how different types of sources can
be used, please contact the CSU Library. Additional information about the CSU Library can be
found on page 17 of this guide.
Formatting
When writing any type of formal paper, the document should have in-text citations and a
reference list, and should be formatted in accordance to APA format. The following are specific
instructions on how to set up a document in APA format using Microsoft Word.
Document formatting in APA style
General
Formatting
Information
Margins All margins (top, bottom, and sides) should be set at one inch.
Microsoft Word allows the user to set the margin at a default of
one inch on all sides.
Page Numbers Page numbers should be listed in the top right corner of the
document, beginning on the title page.
Alignment/
Line Spacing
All documents following APA guidelines are required to be flush-left
style and double-spaced throughout the entire document.
Additional spacing should not be used between headings and
paragraphs.
Font Type and
Size
APA font options include the following:
o Times New Roman, size 12
o Calibri, size 11
o Arial, size 11
o Lucida Sans Unicode, size 10
o Georgia, size 11
o Computer Modern, size 10
Paragraph
Indention
All papers typed in APA format require the first line of each
paragraph to be indented .5”.
Pressing the Tab button on the keyboard automatically indents the
text .5”.
For additional information, please see the Writing Center’s Formatting Formal Assignments Tutorial.
http://columbiasouthern.adobeconnect.com/formattingformalassignment7/
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Steps for document formatting
Formatting Steps
Title
Page
NOTE: The title page of the document can be thought of as the paper’s first
impression. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the format
required by APA.
1. The title of the paper (in bold) should be centered on the page and
followed by a single space. Then, also centered, list the student’s
name, the name of the university, the course, the name of the
instructor, and the due date.
Abstract
NOTE: All papers at CSU do not require an abstract. Please consult the
course syllabus or professor for specifications about this.
1. The abstract tells the audience why they should care about the
presented
topic.
2. It provides the methods that will be utilized in order to get the
results.
3. The word “Abstract” will be listed, centered and bold, one inch from
the top of the page as the heading for the abstract.
4. The abstract itself should be flush left and should not be indented.
5. The abstract should be an accurate and concise reflection of the
document’s content.
6. Typically, the abstract should only be one paragraph (150-250
words) in length, with no direct quotations, and be on a page of its
own directly after the title page.
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Formatting Steps
Headings 1. Headings are titles of different sections of a formal written
assignment.
2. They can be used to add structure, organize ideas, and tell the
reader what content to expect.
3. The following headings should be used when required:
For additional information, please see the Writing Center’s Level Headings Tutorial.
http://columbiasouthern.adobeconnect.com/levelheadings7/
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Formatting Steps
References
Page
NOTE: At the end of each APA document, there should be a references page
containing the sources used within the paper.
Every reference cited in-text should be listed on the references
page(s), and every reference listed on the references page(s) should
be cited in the in-text.
The exceptions to this are personal communications and secondary
sources.
With secondary sources, only the original source should be cited on
the reference page.
References are of the utmost importance, as they allow the reader to
access the sources cited in-text, and they enable the author of the
document to give credit where credit is due.
The references should contain accurate information, as well as proper
punctuation and spelling.
References will accompany the conclusion of any APA document.
For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding in-
text citation in the document.
All margins should be one inch.
The word “References” should be used as the heading, and it should
be centered and bold.
Double spacing should be used.
With the exception of the first line of each reference, all lines are
indented .5”. This is called a hanging indention.
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Specific formatting steps for documents
Software Click the following icons to access formatting.
MS Word 2016
MS Word Office 365
MS Word for Mac
MS Word Online
Pages for Mac 2019
Google Docs
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/google-docs-formatting-guide.aspx
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/microsoft-word-2016-formatting-updated.aspx
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/ms-word-office-365-formatting.aspx
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/ms-word-for-mac-formatting.aspx
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/ms-word-online-formatting.aspx
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/pages-2019-mac-formatting.aspx
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Library Resources and Services for CSU Students
The CSU Library supports the CSU community with access to information and research
assistance. The online collection contains resources chosen to support the programs of study at
Columbia Southern University. Library resources such as journal articles or ebooks can be
accessed at any time through the library website.
The library resources include:
• Online databases that contain a wide variety of resources including journal, magazine,
and newspaper articles.
• A collection of over 180,000 online books in eBook Academic Collection.
• Electronic journal subscriptions in specialized fields of study.
• Video tutorials and research guides designed by CSU librarians.
Contact a librarian when you need to do the following:
• Brainstorm appropriate research strategies such as determining keywords for your
topic.
• Navigate library databases for journal articles and other library resources to support
your assignments.
• Locate and obtain specific articles or other resources assigned in your courses.
• Limit your search by article type (such as peer-reviewed), date of publication, or article
length.
The CSU Library is staffed by professional librarians available to help when you need them. The
three main avenues of library support are phone, email, and chat. To reach a CSU librarian
during regular business hours, call (877) 268-8046 or email library@columbiasouthern.edu.
Chat reference assistance is available via the library homepage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
including holidays. Students may also communicate with an individual member of the library
staff through the contact information provided on the library webpage.
mailto:library@columbiasouthern.edu
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Sample Essay
Click on the sample below to view an example of an APA style essay (this view is only the first page):
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/sample-essay-updated.aspx
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Sample Research Paper
Click on the sample below to view an example of an APA style paper (this view is only the first page):
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/success/apa-guide/sample-research-paper-2019-updated.aspx
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References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Columbia Southern University. (2019). Student handbook.
https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/handbook/csustudenthandbook.aspx