What Is a Running Head in APA Format

What Is a Running Head in APA Format?

The running head is a concise, shortened version of your paper's title that appears at the top of every page in your APA-style document. It's usually followed by the page number. Think of it as a quick identifier for your work, especially useful if a reader has your pages out of order or is flipping through a lengthy document. It’s a small detail, but getting it right shows you understand APA conventions and care about presenting your work professionally.

Why Do You Need a Running Head?

The primary purpose of a running head is to help readers quickly identify the source of information on any given page. In academic settings, this is crucial for maintaining clarity and organization, particularly in research papers, dissertations, and journal submissions.

• Identification: It clearly labels your paper on each page, making it easy to track.
• Organization: It helps keep pages in order, especially important for reviewers or if pages get separated.
• Professionalism: Correct formatting demonstrates attention to detail and adherence to academic standards.

The Evolution of the Running Head (APA 6th vs. APA 7th)

This is where things can get a little confusing, as APA has made a significant change with its 7th edition.

APA 6th Edition

In APA 6th edition, the running head had a specific format for student papers and professional papers.

• Professional Papers: The running head included the words "Running head:" followed by a shortened title in all caps, and then the page number.

Example:* Running head: THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

• Student Papers: For student papers, the "Running head:" label was omitted, and only the shortened title in all caps and the page number were used.

Example:* THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

APA 7th Edition

APA 7th edition simplified this significantly.

• For All Papers (Student and Professional): The "Running head:" label is completely removed. You simply need the page number, aligned to the right margin, at the top of every page. The shortened title in all caps is also no longer required for student papers. However, for manuscripts intended for publication, a shortened title in all caps is still included.

Student Papers (APA 7th): Page number only (e.g., `1`, `2`, `3`) Professional Papers/Manuscripts for Publication (APA 7th): Shortened title in ALL CAPS, left-aligned, followed by the page number, right-aligned. Example:* SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT 1

Important Note: Always check your instructor's or publisher's specific guidelines. While APA 7th is the current standard, some instructors might still request the older APA 6th format, especially if they haven't updated their syllabi or assignment requirements.

How to Create a Running Head (APA 7th Edition - Student Version)

Let's focus on the most common scenario for students using APA 7th edition.

1. Open Your Document: Start with your Word processor (like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.).
2. Access the Header:

Microsoft Word: Double-click in the very top margin of your document. This will open the header area. Google Docs: Go to `Insert` > `Headers & footers` > `Header`.

1. Insert Page Number:

Microsoft Word: With the header active, go to the `Header & Footer` tab (or `Design` tab in newer versions). Click `Page Number` > `Top of Page` > `Plain Number 3` (this usually places it on the right). Google Docs: The cursor will be in the header. Go to `Insert` > `Page numbers` and select the option that places numbers on the top right.

1. Ensure Alignment: Make sure the page number is aligned to the right margin.
2. Close the Header: Double-click back into the main body of your document, or click `Close Header and Footer` (or similar button).

That's it for student papers under APA 7th! No shortened title is needed in the header. The page number automatically updates for each subsequent page.

Creating a Running Head for Publication (APA 7th Edition - Professional Version)

If you're preparing a manuscript for submission to a journal or for a professional publication, you'll need the shortened title.

1. Access the Header: Double-click in the header area.
2. Type Your Shortened Title: Type your shortened title. It should be a concise, descriptive phrase (usually no more than 50 characters) and in ALL CAPS.

Example:* THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING

1. Insert a Tab: Place your cursor after the shortened title. Press the `Tab` key once. This is crucial for separating the title from the page number and ensuring proper alignment.
2. Insert Page Number: Follow the steps above to insert the page number on the right side.
3. Check Alignment: The shortened title should be left-aligned, and the page number should be right-aligned. The tab will help achieve this.
4. Close the Header: Double-click into the document body.

Pro-Tip: When you're drafting and revising, it's easy to overlook these formatting details. Services like EssayGazebo.com can help ensure your APA formatting, including running heads and page numbers, is perfectly aligned with the guidelines, freeing you to focus on your content.

What Makes a Good Shortened Title?

When you do need to include a shortened title (for publication manuscripts), keep these points in mind:

• Conciseness: Aim for 50 characters or fewer, including spaces.
• Clarity: It should clearly indicate the paper's topic.
• Accuracy: Reflect the main subject of your research.
• No Abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations unless they are widely understood within your field.
• No Punctuation: Generally, avoid periods or other punctuation within the shortened title itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the "Running head:" label in APA 6th: If you're using APA 6th, remember this label for professional papers.
• Including the "Running head:" label in APA 7th: This is the most common error when transitioning to the new edition.
• Incorrect Case: Using lowercase or mixed case for the shortened title when all caps are required.
• Wrong Alignment: Title and page number not aligned correctly (left for title, right for page number).
• Missing Page Numbers: Forgetting to add page numbers or having them appear on the wrong pages.
• Different Formats for Different Pages: Ensuring the header format is consistent across your entire document.

Final Thoughts on Running Heads

The running head, especially the simplified APA 7th edition format for student papers, is a straightforward element of APA style. Its main job is to provide a consistent header for your work. By understanding the distinction between APA 6th and APA 7th, and by carefully following the steps for your specific document type, you can ensure this detail is handled correctly. It’s one more step towards a polished, professional academic paper.