Understanding What a Running Head Is in APA Style
A running head in APA style is a concise version of the paper's title that appears at the top of each page. It serves as a quick identifier, helping readers and editors know which document they are reviewing, especially when multiple manuscripts are being handled or printed. The running head is a vital element of APA format, ensuring professionalism, clarity, and consistency throughout academic and professional writing.
Purpose of a Running Head in APA Style
1. Identification and Navigation
The primary purpose of a running head is to identify the pages of a manuscript quickly. It acts as a header that appears on every page, guiding readers through the document, especially in printed or PDF formats where page numbers alone may not suffice for quick recognition.
2. Professional Standard and Consistency
Adhering to APA style guidelines, including the use of a running head, demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. It ensures that your work aligns with scholarly publishing standards, making it more credible and easier for editors and reviewers to process.
3. Facilitation of Peer Review and Publication
In the peer review process, a running head helps reviewers focus on the content without confusion over document versions or titles. It also assists publishers in maintaining uniformity across journal publications or conference proceedings.
Components of a Running Head in APA Style
1. The Title of the Paper
The running head is derived from the paper's title. It is a shortened version that captures the essence of the full title, usually no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
2. Page Numbers
In addition to the running head, each page contains a page number. The running head itself does not include the page number—this is placed separately, typically aligned to the right in the header.
3. Formatting Details
- Alignment: The running head is aligned to the left margin.
- Font: Use the same font as the rest of your paper (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point font).
- Case: The running head is written in uppercase letters.
- Spacing: Double-spacing is standard throughout the document, but headers are typically single-spaced.
How to Create a Running Head in APA Style
1. For Student Papers (APA 7th Edition)
In the most recent APA guidelines (7th edition), the rules for running heads have been simplified, especially for student papers:
- Include only the page number in the header of each page.
- Do not include a running head unless your instructor or publisher specifies otherwise.
2. For Professional or Manuscript Submissions (APA 6th & 7th Editions)
For professional manuscripts intended for publication, the APA style requires a running head that includes the abbreviated title of the paper:
- On the title page, include the label "Running head:" followed by the abbreviated title in uppercase (e.g., Running head: SHORT TITLE OF PAPER).
- On subsequent pages, only the abbreviated title in uppercase appears, without the "Running head:" label.
- Always include the page number aligned to the right in the header.
Steps to Format a Running Head in APA Style
Step 1: Create a Shortened Title
Summarize your paper's full title into a concise phrase, ideally no longer than 50 characters. Remove any unnecessary words or filler, focusing on key terms.
Step 2: Format the Running Head
- Write the short title in uppercase letters.
- For professional papers, prepend "Running head:" on the title page only.
- Ensure the running head is aligned to the left margin of the header.
- Insert the page number aligned to the right margin.
Step 3: Insert the Header in Your Document
Using your word processing software:
- Insert a header on each page.
- Type the running head text on the title page with "Running head:" prefix (for professional papers).
- On subsequent pages, omit "Running head:" and only include the shortened title.
- Insert the page number on the right side of the header.
Examples of APA Style Running Heads
1. Student Paper Example
In the header of every page, only the page number appears, e.g., Page 1.
2. Professional Paper Example (Title: The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance)
On the title page header:
Running head: THE IMPACT OF SLEEP ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE 1
On all subsequent pages:
THE IMPACT OF SLEEP ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE 2
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Running Heads
- Including too long a title: The running head should be concise, not a full title.
- Using lowercase letters: Always capitalize the running head in uppercase.
- Omitting the page number: Each page must have a page number aligned to the right.
- Adding unnecessary words: For professional papers, do not include "Running head:" on pages after the title page.
Summary: The Importance of Properly Using a Running Head in APA Style
Understanding and correctly implementing a running head in APA style enhances the professionalism and clarity of your academic writing. Whether you're preparing a student paper or a professional manuscript, following the specific guidelines ensures your work aligns with scholarly standards. Remember:
- Create a concise, uppercase version of your title for the running head.
- Follow the formatting rules for your specific version of APA style.
- Include the page number aligned to the right on every page.
By paying attention to these details, you help ensure your document is polished, consistent, and ready for review or publication.
