When writing your thesis, a paper or an essay, proper citation is a must for giving credit to original sources and maintaining the integrity of your work. Two of the most widely used citation formats are APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association). Understanding the differences between these formats is essential if you are about to write an academic paper. This blog post will delve into the key differences between APA and MLA citation formats, explain MLA citations vs APA format, and provide examples of each.
What is APA Format?
APA format, established by the American Psychological Association, is commonly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, education, and business. The APA style focuses on clarity, precision, and the inclusion of specific details to help readers locate the original sources.
Key Features of APA Format:
- Title Page: Includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, and institutional affiliation. A running head and page number appear at the top of every page.
- Abstract: A brief summary of the research, usually 150-250 words.
- Headings and Subheadings: Organises the content into sections with specific formatting for different levels of headings.
- In-Text Citations: Includes the author’s last name and year of publication, e.g., (Smith, 2020).
- Reference List: A detailed list of all sources cited in the paper, arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.
APA Style Paper Example:
Header: Running head (shortened title in all caps) and page number in the top right corner of each page
Title Page: Separate title page with title of the paper, author’s name, and institutional affiliation
Title: Centred on the title page, in title case, and not bolded, italicised, or underlined
Abstract: A brief summary of the paper, usually between 150-250 words, on a separate page after the title page
Headings: Specific format for headings and subheadings (five levels)
In-Text Citations: Author’s last name and year of publication, e.g., (Orwell, 1949)
Reference List: A detailed list of sources titled “References” at the end of the paper (Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. London, UK: Secker & Warburg).
What Are MLA Citations?
MLA format, established by the Modern Language Association, is primarily used in the humanities, including literature, philosophy, and the arts. The MLA style emphasises the authorship of sources and the use of parenthetical citations.
Key Features of MLA Format:
- Header: Includes the author’s last name and page number in the upper right corner of each page.
- Title Block: Includes the author’s name, instructor’s name, course title, and date, aligned to the left.
- In-Text Citations: Includes the author’s last name and page number, e.g., (Smith 23).
- Works Cited Page: A detailed list of all sources cited in the paper, arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.
MLA Paper Formatting Example
- Header: Author’s last name and page number in the top right corner of each page
- Title Block: No separate title page; includes author’s name, instructor’s name, course title, and date on the first page, left-aligned
- Title: Centred and not bolded, italicised, or underlined
- In-Text Citations: Author’s last name and page number, e.g., (Orwell 56)
- Works Cited Page: A detailed list of sources, titled “Works Cited,” at the end of the paper (e.g. Orwell, George. 1984. Secker & Warburg, 1949).
APA vs MLA: Detailed Comparison
1. Purpose and Audience
- APA: Designed for the social sciences, APA format aims to facilitate clarity and precision in scientific writing. It provides detailed guidelines for the presentation of research findings, making it easier for readers to understand and verify the information.
- MLA: Created for the humanities, MLA format focuses on the authorship of sources and the flow of the narrative. It is more flexible and less rigid than APA, allowing for a more creative and interpretive approach to writing.
2. Title Page vs. Title Block
- APA: Requires a separate title page with the title of the paper, author’s name, and institutional affiliation. The title page also includes a running head and page number.
- MLA: Does not use a separate title page. Instead, it has a title block on the first page of the paper, including the author’s name, instructor’s name, course title, and date, aligned to the left.
3. In-Text Citations
- APA: Uses the author-date method for in-text citations, which includes the author’s last name and the year of publication. For example, (Smith, 2020).
- MLA: Uses the author-page method for in-text citations, which includes the author’s last name and the page number. For example, (Smith 23).
4. Reference List vs. Works Cited
- APA: The reference list includes detailed information about each source, arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each entry provides the author’s name, year of publication, title of the work, and publication details.
- MLA: The works cited page includes detailed information about each source, arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each entry provides the author’s name, title of the work, publication details, and the medium of publication.
5. Headings and Subheadings
- APA: Uses a specific format for headings and subheadings to organise content into sections. There are five levels of headings, each with specific formatting rules.
- MLA: Does not have specific rules for headings and subheadings. However, writers can use them to organise content as needed, using a consistent and clear format.
6. Abstract
- APA: Requires an abstract at the beginning of the paper, providing a brief summary of the research, usually 150-250 words.
- MLA: Does not require an abstract. Instead, the paper begins with the introduction, followed by the main content.
7. Margins, Spacing, and Font
- APA: Requires 1-inch margins on all sides, double-spacing throughout the paper, and the use of a standard font like Times New Roman, 12-point size.
- MLA: As above: it requires 1-inch margins on all sides, double-spacing throughout the paper, and the use of a standard font like Times New Roman, 12-point size.
Choosing Between APA and MLA
The choice between APA and MLA formats depends on your field of study and the requirements of your assignment or publication. Here are some general guidelines:
- Use APA: If you are writing a research paper in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, education, or business. APA format is preferred for its emphasis on clarity, precision, and detailed citation of sources.
- Use MLA: If you are writing a research paper in the humanities, such as literature, philosophy, or the arts. MLA format is preferred for its focus on authorship, narrative flow, and flexible citation style.
Conclusion
Understanding the key differences between APA and MLA citation formats is essential for students and researchers. While both formats aim to provide clear and consistent citation guidelines, they are tailored to different academic disciplines and have unique features. By knowing when and how to use each format, you can enhance the quality and credibility of your academic writing.
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