When it comes to writing academic papers, particularly in the social sciences, the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide is the gold standard. However, even the most meticulous writers can get bogged down in the minutiae of APA formatting, particularly when it comes to capitalization. One such contentious issue is the capitalization of running heads. Is running head capitalized in APA? The answer, it turns out, is not as straightforward as one might hope.
The Role of Running Heads in APA Formatting
Before we dive into the capitalization conundrum, let’s first establish the purpose of running heads in APA formatting. A running head, also known as a running header, is a brief title that appears at the top of each page in a document, usually in the header area. Its primary function is to provide a concise identifier for the paper, making it easier for readers to navigate and identify the content.
In APA style, running heads are typically no more than 50 characters (including spaces and punctuation) and are centered at the top of each page. They are usually derived from the title of the paper, but can be a shortened version or a key phrase that summarizes the content.
The Capitalization Conundrum
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: is running head capitalized in APA? According to the APA Publication Manual (7th ed.), “The running head should be in uppercase and lowercase letters, with only the first word and proper nouns capitalized” (p. 24).
This seems straightforward enough, but what about acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms? Should they be capitalized in the running head? The APA manual provides some guidance, stating that “Acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms should be treated as words and should not be capitalized unless they are proper nouns” (p. 172).
However, this raises further questions. What about acronyms that are commonly used as proper nouns, such as NASA or APA itself? Should they be capitalized in the running head? The APA manual doesn’t provide explicit guidance on this point, leaving writers to interpret the rules.
APA Style Blogs and Online Resources: Clarification or Confusion?
In an effort to provide clarification, the APA Style blog has addressed running head capitalization in several posts. In one such post, the authors state that “the running head should be in title case, with only the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon or dash capitalized” (APA Style Blog, 2012).
However, this guidance seems to contradict the manual’s recommendation to use uppercase and lowercase letters in the running head. Furthermore, the blog post doesn’t provide clear guidance on acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms.
Other online resources, such as the Purdue Online Writing Lab, also provide conflicting information on running head capitalization in APA style. This lack of consistency can leave writers feeling frustrated and uncertain.
Practical Implications: What to Do?
So, what’s a writer to do when faced with the running head capitalization conundrum? Here are some pragmatic suggestions:
- Consult the APA Publication Manual (7th ed.) and APA Style blog for guidance on running head capitalization.
- If in doubt, err on the side of caution and capitalize only the first word, proper nouns, and acronyms that are commonly used as proper nouns (e.g., NASA, APA).
- Be consistent in your capitalization approach throughout the document.
- If submitting to a journal or publication, follow their specific guidelines on running head capitalization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the capitalization of running heads in APA style is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While the APA Publication Manual and APA Style blog provide some guidance, there is still room for interpretation and confusion. By understanding the role of running heads in APA formatting and following practical suggestions for capitalization, writers can navigate this conundrum with confidence.
Remember, the key to mastering APA style is to stay informed, be consistent, and seek guidance when needed. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to producing well-formatted, grammatically correct, and engaging academic papers that meet the highest standards of APA style.
| APA Style Guideline | Running Head Capitalization |
|---|---|
| APA Publication Manual (7th ed.) | Uppercase and lowercase letters, with only the first word and proper nouns capitalized |
| APA Style Blog | Title case, with only the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon or dash capitalized |
By understanding the nuances of running head capitalization in APA style, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges of academic writing and produce papers that shine.
What is running head capitalization in APA?
Running head capitalization in APA style refers to the formatting of the running head, which is the title that appears at the top of each page in an academic paper. In APA style, the running head is formatted differently from the title on the title page. The running head is a shortened version of the title, and it must be in all capital letters.
The running head is an essential part of an APA-style paper, as it helps readers identify the title of the paper when the pages are removed from the binding or when the paper is published online. The running head is usually 50 characters or less, including spaces and punctuation. It is placed at the top of each page, aligned to the left, and is typically in a smaller font size than the rest of the text.
Why is running head capitalization important in APA?
Running head capitalization is crucial in APA style because it helps maintain consistency and clarity in academic writing. The use of all capital letters in the running head makes it stand out from the rest of the text and helps readers quickly identify the title of the paper. This is particularly important in academic journals, where multiple articles may be printed together.
Moreover, running head capitalization is a key aspect of APA style, and failing to follow this guideline can lead to points being deducted in academic papers. It is essential for students, researchers, and authors to understand the importance of running head capitalization and to format their papers correctly to ensure that their work is presented in a professional and consistent manner.
How do I format the running head in APA?
To format the running head in APA style, start by typing the shortened title of your paper in all capital letters. The running head should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Place the running head at the top of each page, aligned to the left, and use a smaller font size than the rest of the text. Use a header function in your word processing software to create the running head, and make sure it appears on every page of your paper.
It’s also essential to note that the running head should not be confused with the title on the title page. The title on the title page should be in title case, where the first letter of each major word is capitalized. In contrast, the running head should be in all capital letters. Ensure that you use the correct formatting for both the title and the running head to maintain consistency and adhere to APA style guidelines.
Can I use abbreviations in the running head?
Yes, you can use abbreviations in the running head, but only if they are widely recognized and commonly used in your field of study. Abbreviations can help shorten the running head, making it easier to fit within the 50-character limit. However, make sure to define the abbreviation in the body of your paper, usually in the introduction or abstract.
When using abbreviations in the running head, ensure that you use them consistently throughout your paper. Define the abbreviation the first time you use it in the body of your paper, and then use the abbreviation alone in the running head and throughout the rest of the paper. This will help maintain clarity and consistency in your writing.
How do I handle long titles in the running head?
If your title is too long to fit in the running head, you’ll need to shorten it while still conveying the main idea of your paper. One approach is to use keywords from your title and arrange them in a way that is concise and meaningful. You can also use abbreviations, as mentioned earlier, to shorten the running head.
Another strategy is to use a phrase or a key concept from your title as the running head. This can help capture the essence of your paper while staying within the 50-character limit. Remember to prioritize clarity over brevity, and make sure the running head accurately reflects the content of your paper.
Can I use the title of my paper as the running head?
No, you should not use the title of your paper as the running head. The running head is a shortened version of your title, and it should be formatted differently. The title of your paper should be in title case, where the first letter of each major word is capitalized. In contrast, the running head should be in all capital letters.
Using the title of your paper as the running head can lead to formatting issues and inconsistencies, which can detract from the overall quality of your paper. Instead, create a shortened version of your title that captures the main idea of your paper, and format it in all capital letters.
Are there any exceptions to the running head capitalization rule?
Yes, there are a few exceptions to the running head capitalization rule in APA style. One exception is when the title of your paper is already in all capital letters, such as an acronym or an abbreviation. In this case, you can use the title as the running head without modifying it.
Another exception is when the title of your paper is a question or an exclamation. In this case, the running head should be formatted in title case, with only the first word and proper nouns capitalized. These exceptions are rare, and it’s essential to consult the APA Publication Manual or an online resource for guidance on specific formatting issues.