Final answer:
APA style is a writing format created by the American Psychological Association used primarily in social science disciplines, emphasizing citation of sources and authorship. It requires in-text citations and a reference list with full publication details for each source cited.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is APA Style?
APA style is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting research papers and reports. Developed by the American Psychological Association, APA style is primarily used by disciplines in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, social work, and often education. APA style is known for its emphasis on authorship and the timeliness of research; it highlights authors and dates of publication, considering the recency of information to be very important in these fields.
When following APA style, all material borrowed from sources must be cited in the text with the author's name, date of publication, and page numbers if available. At the end of the document, a references page lists all the sources cited in the text, providing full publication information and organized in alphabetical order.
It is vital to check with your instructor to determine which documentation style is required for your assignment. Often, instructors will specify whether APA, MLA (Modern Language Association), Chicago, or another style should be used. The most recent APA guidelines are found in the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.