Writing in APA

Writing in APA is usually dictated by three things: discipline, professor requirements, and YOUR individual writing voice. However, a few guidelines can be kept in mind. 

• For research, use first person when discussing research steps. Research cannot “conclude” or “interpret,” but you (and your co-authors) can (ex. “I developed an emotional mindfulness training workshop for writing center tutors”)

• Make it clear when you are discussing the research versus the researchers (ex. “The results indicate” versus “We concluded”)

• Write in active voice rather than passive voice

• Make sure descriptions and explanations are clear and concise

• Make sure word choice is intentional
  • Use “participants” or “respondents” rather than “subjects”
  • Use words like “children” or “community members,” for example, to specify study participants
  • Avoid using “proof” or “proves” because no single study can prove a hypothesis or theory

• Avoid poetic language and complicated words

• Avoid bias, including using appropriate labels and avoiding gendered pronouns

For additional information on writing in APA, visit the APA Style pages on Mechanics of style, Grammar, and Bias-free language.