What is the difference between MLA and APA?
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Amelia Lewis
Studied at the University of Toronto, Lives in Toronto, Canada.
Hello, I'm a specialist in academic writing and citation styles. Today, I'll be discussing the differences between two of the most commonly used citation styles: MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association).
MLA is widely used in the humanities, particularly in subjects such as literature, languages, and cultural studies. It was developed to provide a uniform system for students and professionals to use when writing papers and citing sources. On the other hand, APA is the citation style of choice for the social sciences, including fields like psychology, sociology, and education. It was developed by the American Psychological Association and is widely used in research papers and scholarly articles.
### Differences in Formatting
1. Title Page:
- MLA does not require a separate title page for shorter papers (usually less than 10 pages). However, a title page is required for longer works or when specifically requested by an instructor or publisher.
- APA typically requires a title page for most papers, which includes the title of the paper, the author's name, and the institutional affiliation.
2. Headings and Divisions:
- MLA uses a simple structure with few headings. The main divisions are indicated by large capital letters (e.g., Works Cited, Introduction, etc.).
- APA uses a more complex heading structure, including levels of headings (e.g., primary, secondary, and tertiary) to organize the content.
3. In-Text Citations:
- MLA in-text citations include the author's last name and the page number(s) where the information can be found, without parentheses.
- APA in-text citations include the author's last name and the publication year, enclosed in parentheses.
4. Reference Lists:
- MLA uses a "Works Cited" page, which lists sources alphabetically by the author's last name. If there is no author, it uses the title of the work.
- APA uses a "References" page, which also lists sources alphabetically, but includes the publication year before the author's name.
5. Citation Order:
- In MLA, if there are multiple works by the same author, they are listed in alphabetical order by title.
- In APA, if there are multiple works by the same author, they are listed chronologically by year of publication.
6. Margins and Spacing:
- Both styles require double-spacing for the main text of the paper, but MLA traditionally uses wider left margins (1 inch) than APA (1.25 inches).
- Both styles recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides, but this can vary based on specific guidelines.
7. Font and Spacing:
- MLA does not specify a font, but 12-point font is commonly used.
- APA recommends using a 12-point Times New Roman font.
### Differences in Content
1. Abstract:
- APA papers often include an abstract, which is a brief summary of the research and its findings. This is typically not required in MLA papers.
2. Appendices:
- APA encourages the use of appendices to include supplementary material that is too lengthy to be included in the main body of the paper.
- MLA does not have specific guidelines for appendices but allows for supplementary material if necessary.
3. Section Headings:
- APA papers often use section headings to organize the content into methodological and theoretical sections.
- MLA papers are less structured and may not require section headings, although they can be used for clarity.
4. Author's Note:
- MLA sometimes includes an author's note or a preface before the main text, which can provide context or acknowledgments.
- APA does not typically include an author's note but may use an acknowledgment section.
5. Running Head:
- APA requires a running head, which is a shortened version of the title that appears at the top of every page after the title page.
- MLA does not require a running head.
### Conclusion
Both MLA and APA are essential citation styles used in academic writing, each with its own set of rules and guidelines. The choice between them depends on the discipline, the specific requirements of the assignment, and the preferences of the instructor or publisher. Understanding the differences is crucial for proper citation and academic integrity.
MLA is widely used in the humanities, particularly in subjects such as literature, languages, and cultural studies. It was developed to provide a uniform system for students and professionals to use when writing papers and citing sources. On the other hand, APA is the citation style of choice for the social sciences, including fields like psychology, sociology, and education. It was developed by the American Psychological Association and is widely used in research papers and scholarly articles.
### Differences in Formatting
1. Title Page:
- MLA does not require a separate title page for shorter papers (usually less than 10 pages). However, a title page is required for longer works or when specifically requested by an instructor or publisher.
- APA typically requires a title page for most papers, which includes the title of the paper, the author's name, and the institutional affiliation.
2. Headings and Divisions:
- MLA uses a simple structure with few headings. The main divisions are indicated by large capital letters (e.g., Works Cited, Introduction, etc.).
- APA uses a more complex heading structure, including levels of headings (e.g., primary, secondary, and tertiary) to organize the content.
3. In-Text Citations:
- MLA in-text citations include the author's last name and the page number(s) where the information can be found, without parentheses.
- APA in-text citations include the author's last name and the publication year, enclosed in parentheses.
4. Reference Lists:
- MLA uses a "Works Cited" page, which lists sources alphabetically by the author's last name. If there is no author, it uses the title of the work.
- APA uses a "References" page, which also lists sources alphabetically, but includes the publication year before the author's name.
5. Citation Order:
- In MLA, if there are multiple works by the same author, they are listed in alphabetical order by title.
- In APA, if there are multiple works by the same author, they are listed chronologically by year of publication.
6. Margins and Spacing:
- Both styles require double-spacing for the main text of the paper, but MLA traditionally uses wider left margins (1 inch) than APA (1.25 inches).
- Both styles recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides, but this can vary based on specific guidelines.
7. Font and Spacing:
- MLA does not specify a font, but 12-point font is commonly used.
- APA recommends using a 12-point Times New Roman font.
### Differences in Content
1. Abstract:
- APA papers often include an abstract, which is a brief summary of the research and its findings. This is typically not required in MLA papers.
2. Appendices:
- APA encourages the use of appendices to include supplementary material that is too lengthy to be included in the main body of the paper.
- MLA does not have specific guidelines for appendices but allows for supplementary material if necessary.
3. Section Headings:
- APA papers often use section headings to organize the content into methodological and theoretical sections.
- MLA papers are less structured and may not require section headings, although they can be used for clarity.
4. Author's Note:
- MLA sometimes includes an author's note or a preface before the main text, which can provide context or acknowledgments.
- APA does not typically include an author's note but may use an acknowledgment section.
5. Running Head:
- APA requires a running head, which is a shortened version of the title that appears at the top of every page after the title page.
- MLA does not require a running head.
### Conclusion
Both MLA and APA are essential citation styles used in academic writing, each with its own set of rules and guidelines. The choice between them depends on the discipline, the specific requirements of the assignment, and the preferences of the instructor or publisher. Understanding the differences is crucial for proper citation and academic integrity.
2024-05-12 20:53:51
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Studied at Stanford University, Lives in Palo Alto, CA
APA-formatted papers include a separate page at the end of the paper entitled "References," and MLA-formatted papers include a page entitled "Works Cited." Both list the sources used in the paper alphabetized by the last name of the author and are double spaced.Nov 21, 2016
2023-06-14 05:53:45
Lucas Patel
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
APA-formatted papers include a separate page at the end of the paper entitled "References," and MLA-formatted papers include a page entitled "Works Cited." Both list the sources used in the paper alphabetized by the last name of the author and are double spaced.Nov 21, 2016
