The Ultimate Guide to APA Style 7th Edition: Incorporating Personal Communication in Your Research
It’s a given that a research paper must be well-written, well-cited, and adhere to specific guidelines. One such set of guidelines is APA style, which is a widely accepted format for scientific and academic writing. APA style provides a standardized way of presenting information, making it easier for readers to understand and evaluate research.
In the recently released 7th edition of APA style, there have been a few significant changes. One of those changes pertains to how personal communication is cited. In this article, we’ll discuss what APA style is, why it’s important, and how you can incorporate personal communication into your research following APA guidelines.
What is APA Style?
APA (American Psychological Association) style is a writing format used by researchers in the social sciences. APA style provides guidelines for formatting papers, in-text citations, and reference lists. APA style aims to make research more understandable and replicable by providing a standardized format.
Why is APA Style Important?
APA Style is an important tool for researchers to make sure they are presenting their research in a clear and concise way. As research becomes more complex, it is essential to have a standardized format to provide a framework for effective communication. APA style provides that framework, making research more accessible to a wider audience.
Incorporating Personal Communication in Your Research
Personal communication refers to conversations, emails, letters, or other forms of communication that are not available to the public. These forms of communication can contain vital information that might not be found elsewhere. As such, personal communication should be incorporated into research wherever appropriate.
A major change in the 7th edition of APA style is how to cite personal communication. In previous editions, personal communication was cited only in-text, usually as a footnote. In the 7th edition, personal communication is now also included in the reference list.
When citing personal communication in-text, include the name of the person or persons in parentheses, followed by the date of the communication. For example: (J. Smith & K. Jones, personal communication, May 2021). In the reference list, include the name of the person or persons, the phrase “personal communication,” and the date of the communication. For example: Smith, J., & Jones, K. (2021, May). Personal communication.
It is important to note that personal communication should only be cited if it adds important information or clarifies a point in your research. If the information is unimportant or does not add value to your research, it should not be included.
Conclusion
APA style is an essential tool for researchers to present their work in a way that is clear and concise. Personal communication can be an important source of information, and including it in your research can provide unique insights. Remember to follow the guidelines for citing personal communication in the 7th edition of APA style to ensure that your research is accurate and accessible.
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