FORMATTING YOUR THESIS OR DISSERTATION IN APA STYLE

COURSE INFO

TERM                         Spring 2023                                               TIME     S 8.00 – 11.00 PM

Dr. Mohamed Hadji    mohamed.hadji@univ-saida.dz

mohamedhadji1983@gmail.com

Lesson 02  FORMATTING YOUR THESIS OR DISSERTATION IN APA STYLE

 2. Formatting Your Thesis/Dissertation in APA Style

2.1. General Guidelines

2.1.1. Paper Size:

 Ensure your thesis/dissertation is formatted on standard US letter size paper (8.5 x 11 inches).

2.1.2. Margin Issues:

Set margins to 1 inch on all sides of the document to maintain consistency and readability.

2.1.3. Page Numbering:

 Include page numbers in the top right corner, flush with the margin, starting from the first page of the text.

2.1.4. Font:

Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, sized at 12 points for the body text.

2.1.5. Character Size:

Maintain a consistent character size throughout the document, avoiding excessively large or small fonts.

2.1.6. Spacing & Indentation Issues:

Double-space the entire document, including the title page, abstract, body, references, and appendices. Further, indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches to denote new paragraphs clearly.

2.1.7. Structuring Tables and Figures:

Label tables and figures numerically (e.g., Table 1, Figure 2) and provide clear, descriptive titles.

Place tables and figures as close as possible to their first mention in the text to enhance readability.

 2.1.8. Footnotes & Endnotes:

Use footnotes sparingly for additional explanations or citations, numbered consecutively throughout the document. Further, endnotes may be used for extensive comments or supplementary information, placed at the end of each chapter or the entire document.

2.1.9. Chapters and Sections:

Organize your thesis/dissertation into chapters and sections, numbering them sequentially (e.g., Chapter 1, Chapter 2.1). Besides, follow a logical progression of ideas and maintain consistency in heading styles and formatting.

2.1.10. Page Header:

Include a page header (also known as a running head) at the top of each page, aligned left, containing a shortened version of the title and the page number.

2.2. Structuring the Main Parts of the Thesis/Dissertation

2.2.1. The Opening:

Begin with a title page containing essential information such as the title, author, institution, and date. Then, follow with a copyright page, if applicable, and an optional dedication page.

2.2.2. The Body:

Divide the body of the thesis/dissertation into chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of the research. After that, ensure coherence and flow between chapters by providing clear transitions and maintaining a consistent writing style.

2.2.3. The End:

Conclude the thesis/dissertation with a comprehensive conclusion summarizing key findings and implications. Further, optionally, include recommendations for future research or practical applications of the study's results.

2.3. Format Guidelines for the Different Parts of the Thesis/Dissertation

2.3.1. Dedication:

Express gratitude or dedication to individuals or organizations who supported your research journey.

2.3.2. Acknowledgements:

Acknowledge contributions from advisors, mentors, funding agencies, and others who assisted in the research process.

 2.3.3. Abstract:

 Provide a concise summary of the thesis/dissertation, highlighting the research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

2.3.4. Table of Contents:

List the chapters, sections, and subsections of the document along with their corresponding page numbers.

2.3.5. Lists of Tables and Figures:

Compile separate lists of tables and figures, including their titles and page numbers for easy reference.

2.3.6. Lists of Abbreviations and Acronyms:

Include a list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the document, along with their full meanings.

2.3.7. General Introduction:

Introduce the research topic, provide background information, and outline the objectives and scope of the study.

2.3.8. Literature Review:

 Review relevant literature and theoretical frameworks, highlighting gaps in existing research and justifying the need for the current study.

2.3.9. General Conclusion:

Summarize the main findings of the thesis/dissertation, discuss their significance, and suggest avenues for future research.

2.3.10. Formatting the List of References:

Follow APA style guidelines for citing and formatting references, alphabetizing entries by authors' last names.

2.3.11. Writing the List of Appendices:

Include supplementary materials such as questionnaires, data charts, or interview transcripts in appendices, each labeled and referenced in the main text.

 By adhering to these formatting guidelines, you can ensure your thesis/dissertation meets the standards of academic integrity and professionalism required by APA style.