Formatting & Citation

How To Do A Running Head In APA

A running head is a crucial element of APA-style papers, providing a concise title and page number at the top of each page. This guide breaks down the process, offering clear instructions for both student and professional papers. We cover placement, content, and common pitfalls to ensure your document adheres to APA guidelines, making your work look polished and professional. Learn to implement this essential formatting feature with ease.

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Understanding the APA Running Head

For many students and professionals working with academic papers, the APA (American Psychological Association) style guide can feel like a labyrinth of rules. Among these, the running head often sparks confusion. What is it? Why is it there? And most importantly, how do you get it right? Simply put, a running head is a shortened version of your paper's title that appears at the top of every page, usually preceded by the page number. Its primary purpose is to help readers quickly identify the document's subject matter, especially if pages get separated. For professional papers, it's a bit more involved, but for student papers, the requirements are generally simpler. Let's break down the essentials.

Student Papers vs. Professional Papers: Key Differences

The APA manual distinguishes between running heads for professional papers (intended for publication) and student papers (for coursework). This distinction is important because it affects what information you need to include. For professional papers, the running head includes the words "Running head:" followed by a shortened title (no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation). For student papers, the "Running head:" label is omitted. You simply include the shortened title and the page number. This simplification is a welcome relief for many who are just starting with APA formatting. Always check with your instructor or publication guidelines, as they may have specific preferences.

Crafting the Shortened Title

The shortened title, often called the "running title," needs to be concise yet informative. It should capture the essence of your paper's topic. Think of it as a miniature abstract for your title page. The APA manual specifies a maximum of 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. This means you'll often need to condense your full title significantly. For instance, if your paper is titled "The Impact of Social Media Usage on Adolescent Self-Esteem and Mental Well-being," a suitable running head might be "Social Media and Adolescent Well-being." It's shorter, punchy, and still conveys the core subject. Avoid abbreviations unless they are widely recognized and essential for brevity. If your full title is already under 50 characters, you can use it as is, but it's good practice to shorten it for consistency and professionalism.

Step-by-Step: Formatting the Running Head in Word Processors

Most modern word processors, like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, have built-in features to help you create a running head. The process typically involves using the header function. Here's a general guide, though specific steps might vary slightly depending on your software version:

Access the Header: Double-click in the very top margin of your document. This will open the header area.
Insert Page Number: Go to the 'Insert' tab, then 'Page Number.' Choose 'Top of Page' and select a simple 'Plain Number 1' or similar format. Ensure the page number is aligned to the right.
Type the Shortened Title: With the cursor to the left of the page number (ensure there's a space between them), type your shortened title. For student papers, this is all you need. For professional papers, you would type "Running head: " followed by your shortened title.
Formatting: The running head should be in the same font and font size as the rest of your paper (usually 12-point Times New Roman). It should be aligned to the left margin, with the page number aligned to the right. Ensure there's a single space between the title and the page number.
Different First Page (Optional but Recommended): For professional papers, the title page often has a different header. In Word, when the header is open, look for "Different First Page" under the "Header & Footer Tools" tab and check the box. This allows you to set up the running head correctly starting from page 2, while page 1 (the title page) might only have the page number or no running head at all, depending on specific publication requirements.
Close Header and Footer: Double-click anywhere in the main body of your document to exit the header area.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with clear instructions, a few common mistakes can trip people up when creating an APA running head. Being aware of these can save you time and frustration.

Forgetting the "Running head:" label (for professional papers): This is a critical distinction. Student papers do not require this prefix.
Exceeding the 50-character limit: Be ruthless in condensing your title. Count every letter, space, and punctuation mark.
Incorrect placement: The running head should be in the header, not in the main text or footer.
Inconsistent font or size: The running head should match the body text's font and size.
Incorrect page numbering: Ensure page numbers start at 1 on the title page and increment sequentially.
Running head on the title page (for student papers): While professional papers often omit the running head on the title page, student papers typically include it, starting from page 1. Always confirm with your instructor.
Using abbreviations inappropriately: Stick to clear, understandable language unless an abbreviation is standard and universally recognized in your field.

The Role of the Running Head in Professional Publication

For those aiming to publish their work, the running head is more than just a formatting requirement; it's a professional courtesy. When a manuscript is under review, editors and reviewers often work with printed copies or digital files where pages might be shuffled. The running head, along with the page number, ensures that each page can be easily identified and reordered correctly. It's a small detail that contributes significantly to the professional presentation of your research. The inclusion of "Running head:" on every page (except perhaps the title page, depending on specific journal guidelines) signals that the manuscript is prepared for publication. Adhering strictly to the 50-character limit is paramount here, as journals have strict formatting requirements.

Example of a Running Head

Let's say your paper's full title is: "Exploring the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Workplace Stress." For a Professional Paper: On the title page, the header might only show the page number '1' (right-aligned). On subsequent pages (starting from page 2), the header would look like this: Running head: MINDFULNESS AND WORKPLACE STRESS 2 (Note: "MINDFULNESS AND WORKPLACE STRESS" is 38 characters. The page number '2' is right-aligned.) For a Student Paper: On the title page (page 1), the header would look like this: MINDFULNESS AND WORKPLACE STRESS 1 (Note: "MINDFULNESS AND WORKPLACE STRESS" is 38 characters. The page number '1' is right-aligned.) On subsequent pages, the running head would continue in the same format, with the correct page number.

Final Checks and Best Practices

Before submitting your paper, always perform a final review of your running head. A quick scan of the document, page by page, can catch errors. Ensure the page numbers are sequential and that the shortened title is consistent throughout. If you're unsure about specific requirements, consult the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual or your instructor's guidelines. Many universities also provide style guides or writing center resources that can offer further assistance. A correctly formatted running head is a small but significant detail that demonstrates your attention to academic standards and professionalism.

FAQs

Do I need a running head for every page in APA 7th edition?

Yes, in APA 7th edition, a running head (shortened title and page number) is required on every page of the manuscript. For student papers, the "Running head:" label is omitted. For professional papers, the "Running head:" label is included on all pages except the title page, where only the page number appears.

What if my paper's title is already short?

If your full title is already 50 characters or less (including spaces and punctuation), you can use it as your shortened title. However, it's still good practice to create a concise version that clearly summarizes the paper's topic, even if it's not strictly necessary for length.

How do I ensure the running head is in the correct font and size?

When you open the header in your word processor, the text you type there will usually adopt the default header font and size. To ensure it matches your body text (typically 12-point Times New Roman), you can either change the header's default settings before typing or format the text directly after typing it in the header. Ensure it's consistent with the rest of your paper.

Can I use abbreviations in my running head?

You can use abbreviations if they are widely recognized and essential for fitting within the 50-character limit. However, clarity is key. If an abbreviation is not universally understood in your field, it's better to spell it out or find a more concise, full-word alternative. Always prioritize clear communication.

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