Essential Traits of APA Dissertation Formatting

When learning how to cite a dissertation, APA formatting is likely a style you will be required to use. Understanding the specifics for this formatting style is important. There are many little details to pay attention to and if you don’t you will lose points. You can find example content online to help further your understanding of how to follow the style. Keep in mind your school may have other requirements for you to follow as you develop your work; follow them accordingly. Here are tips to help understand the basics of using this formatting style.

• Pay Close Attention to Details
  There are many details to pay attention to such as margins, typeface, line space, white space, and ordering of sections to name a few. Most papers are typed using 12 point font size. You may be able to use 10 point font for subheadings. On all pages your left and right margins are set at one-half inch. The bottom margins are one and a quarter inches for each page. Line spacing includes using single spacing for most content including page title headings, footnotes, appendices, ad figure captions to name a few. Some may have the option to copyright their work; a separate page for this would be added with the copyright year and your name.
• Use a Sample to Understand Details
  A sample APA dissertation is a great tool to have to help you structure content. If you are not familiar with using the formatting style it can be challenging understanding how your details should look. A good sample will put into perspective how cited material is put together. You will be expected to present research information in a certain way with commas, periods, and the right amount of space. Instructors may provide example content but you can find quality examples through college websites and academic paper databases with dissertation papers.
• Additional Tips for APA Formatting
  When using this formatting style refer to the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting manual. The manual has additional insight to help you use the formatting style correctly. Your content should look polished and organized when you print out a copy (if this is required). Pay attention to spacing, grammar, and other details such as graphics and charts. If you are not sure the formatting style has been used properly hire an editor or proofreader to check over your work.