APA style writing has a very structured way of writing. When writing in APA format, you demonstrate thoughtful ideas and consideration on a topic of research. Even giving your own thoughts on the topic to give more insight to the reader. The paper always starts with a title page and from there on the next pages are structured with headings and subheadings to keep things organized. Pages are also structured with double spacing, they are numbered and give references to give credit. Paraphrasing is another one that is important in the APA format because it shows that you understood the material. All of these noted make the paper look professionally done and ready to read. I knew all of these things in my undergrad classes. Or did I? Even now, after going through the readings and web seminars I was still learning new things about the APA format and the mistake I was making and how to avoid them in the future. Now as a graduate student, it is now a priority that I make sure that I do my part to do appropriate work and research as it will continue to be with me as I go along in my future career.
What does that look like? It looks like having integrity when I am writing and doing research. It looks like using quotes and paraphrasing when appropriate. Not turning in someone else’s work as my own, also known as plagiarizing. It means giving credit where credit is due. From the powerpoint made by Dr. Branden Henline (2015), I will adopt the points he made about plagiarism. Advice number one: Do not copy and paste others work. When writing their assignments, some students will try to rephrase the article they found by changing one or two words and submitting it. The problem with that is, not only is it not your own words you are using, but then it becomes a habit and you don’t know who’s are who’s work. Advice number two: Use direct quotes if needed. When there are specific details in someones work that you want to emphasize, use them when necessary. It should not become your primary go-to when writing a paper. It can also be very good to rephrase someone else’s words anyway because you will be able to retain that information better because it is in your own words and not someone else’s. Advice number three: Don’t write your sources at your elbow (Henline, 2015). He talks about not leaving the sources for your own research open next you at your convenience because you are more likely to use the words of the author(s) and not your own. It can be very tempting to use the words of another. Again it is better to use your own words so you can understand the information.
Writing can be an exhausting and time consuming task we all must do at one point or another. However, when we practice and we learn to take out time to make sure we avoid those mistakes it becomes fun and a breeze to do. I will continue to utilize the information I have learned and continue to learn to make my writing something I can be proud of and maybe even get published with some amazing information to share to the word.
References
Henline, B. (2015, April 27). Writing with integrity [Slideshow]. https://prezi.com/ovhpinyensxd/writing-with-integrity/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
After reading & reviewing the many resources on the American Psychological Association (APA) writing in the week 3 module, I feel comfortable using this method and look forward to using it more throughout my graduate career. The many resources that the university and internet providers will always allow me to know what I’m doing within this writing method, which is also a huge plus. Being a psychology major in college I have had experiences with APA before so it’s not new to me, but only writing in the APA format now allows me to fully grasp the method and excel at it. The best resource I have come across so far has been the Owl Purdue website, it’s so in-depth with every aspect of APA writing and has had the answer to every question I have ever had when it has come to how to do something in APA format
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