How to Document Sources Using APA Style

APA style is a citation style used by the social sciences.  It stands for the American Psychological Association, which has arranged this method of presentation in publications to be consistent throughout all works.

Citation of works is necessary when composing papers and disserations to avoid possible occurances of plagarism.  Plagarism is punishable and considered extremely unethical.  By noting where and from whom information was obtained, it proves that the author borrowed information for reference and has given due credit, rather than copied works verbatim and has tried to pass of as his or her own.  Plagarism can also occur through close paraphrasing and similar tactics, which are considered unethical as well.

APA style is a paranthetical style, and therefore provides the citation information upfront, rather than through footnotes and the like.  This means sources are cited within the paper in parenthesis, so that they are distinguished as the paper is read.  APA style also requires specificity to the headlines, punctuation, graph/charts/statistics, and reference page.  It is described specifically and is not too difficult to follow. 

If writing a work for school, the instructor will typically discuss which type of style he or she prefers, however, when putting a paper or article together for a different source, some people are unsure when to use APA style, and when to use Chicago or MLA.  Because APA style is geared towards the social (and behavioral) sciences, and is guided by the American Psychological Association, all social science works should be assumed to use APA.  This would include Psychology, Social Work, Anthropology, Philosophy, Sociology, Humanities, and similar fields.