Difference between APA 6 and APA 7
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for formatting and writing academic papers. Over the years, APA has released several editions of its publication manual, with each revision bringing new changes and updates. The most significant difference between APA 6 and APA 7 lies in the format, structure, and citation style. This article will highlight the key differences between these two editions.
Format and Structure
One of the most noticeable differences between APA 6 and APA 7 is the format and structure of the document. APA 7 introduces a new format that emphasizes clarity and simplicity. The following are some of the changes in format and structure:
1. Title Page: The title page in APA 7 has been updated to include more specific information, such as the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the institution’s name.
2. Abstract: The abstract section in APA 7 now includes a separate section for keywords, making it easier for readers to find the paper based on specific topics.
3. Headings: APA 7 introduces a new heading structure that is more intuitive and consistent throughout the document.
4. Tables and Figures: APA 7 provides clearer guidelines for formatting tables and figures, including the inclusion of a title and caption for each.
5. Appendices: The format for appendices has been revised in APA 7, with a focus on improving readability and organization.
Citation Style
The citation style in APA 7 has also undergone significant changes compared to APA 6. The following are some of the key differences:
1. In-text Citations: APA 7 now uses the author-date system for in-text citations, with a more concise format. For example, instead of (Smith, 2018), the citation would be (Smith 2018).
2. Reference List: The reference list in APA 7 has been updated to include more specific information about the source, such as the publisher’s name and the URL for online sources.
3. Citing Social Media: APA 7 provides guidelines for citing social media posts, which were not addressed in APA 6.
4. Citing Websites: APA 7 has revised the guidelines for citing websites, making it easier to include the date of access when necessary.
Additional Changes
In addition to the format and citation style changes, APA 7 also includes several other updates:
1. Gender-Neutral Language: APA 7 emphasizes the use of gender-neutral language throughout the publication manual.
2. Accessibility: APA 7 has made efforts to improve the accessibility of the publication manual, including the inclusion of a table of contents with links to specific sections.
3. Ethical Guidelines: APA 7 includes updated ethical guidelines for researchers and authors.
In conclusion, the difference between APA 6 and APA 7 is significant, with the newer edition emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and accessibility. These changes make APA 7 a more comprehensive and user-friendly resource for writers and researchers in the field of psychology and related disciplines.
