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This guide is intended to help you to cite your sources and format your papers in accordance with APA standards. Have questions? Please reach out to the library to get more assistance.
For a searchable collection of APA basics, consult the American Psychological Association's APA Style website.
For an ongoing conversation addressing APA inquiries, tricky-to-cite resources, and more, check out the APA Style Blog.
For more complex APA style questions, please consult the official APA formatting rules found in The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. Just click the link below to place a hold on one of QML's print copies.
Authors must strive to use language that is free of bias, meaning the implied or irrelevant evaluation of the group or groups they are writing about. It is unacceptable to use wording that might imply prejudicial beliefs or perpetuate biased assumptions against persons on the basis of age, disability, gender, racial or ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or some combination of these or other personal factors. Instead, authors should use affirming and inclusive language.
Ask people from the groups about which you are writing to read and comment on your material or consult self-advocacy groups to determine appropriate terminology. If you work directly with participants, ask them what terms they use to describe themselves. Language changes over time, and it is important to use the terms that individuals and/or communities use to describe themselves, their experiences, and their practices. (Summary of APA Manual 7th Edition, Chapter 5.)