Navigating the world of academic writing often requires mastering the intricacies of citation and formatting styles. Two of the most prevalent are MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association). While both aim for academic rigor and clarity, they differ significantly in their rules and guidelines. Understanding these differences is crucial for producing well-structured and properly credited research papers. This guide will delve into the key distinctions between MLA and APA, covering citation methods, formatting conventions, and common usage.
Understanding the Core Differences
The primary difference between MLA and APA stems from their intended use. MLA is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. APA, on the other hand, is predominant in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education. This difference in disciplinary focus leads to variations in citation style and overall formatting.
Citations: The Heart of Academic Integrity
Both MLA and APA emphasize the importance of properly citing sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the authors whose work you’ve used. However, they achieve this in different ways.
MLA In-Text Citations
- MLA uses a parenthetical citation system, placing the author’s last name and the page number (if applicable) within parentheses directly after the quoted or paraphrased material.
- Example: (Smith 25)
- If the author’s name is mentioned within the sentence, only the page number is included in the parentheses.
- Example: As Smith explains, …(25)
APA In-Text Citations
- APA also uses a parenthetical citation system, but it includes the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (for direct quotes).
- Example: (Smith, 2023, p. 25)
- If the author’s name is included in the sentence, only the year of publication and page number are listed within the parentheses.
- Example: As Smith (2023) explains, … (p. 25)
Reference/Works Cited Lists
The final pages of your paper will include a comprehensive list of all sources cited within the text. These have different names and formats in each style.
- MLA: This list is called “Works Cited”. Entries are alphabetized by the author’s last name and generally follow this format:
- Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
- APA: This list is called “References”. Entries are also alphabetized by author’s last name and follow a slightly different format:
- Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of Book. Publisher.
Formatting Your Paper: Key Differences
Beyond citation, MLA and APA differ in how the paper itself is formatted.
| Feature | MLA | APA |
|---|---|---|
| Title Page | Usually not required for student papers; includes name, instructor, course, date on the first page | Required; includes title, author name, affiliation, course, instructor name, date of submission |
| Header | Last name and page number in the upper right corner of every page | Running head in the upper left; page number in the upper right |
| Font | Times New Roman 12 pt. | Times New Roman 12 pt. or similar font |
| Spacing | Double-spaced throughout | Double-spaced throughout |
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides | 1 inch on all sides |
| Headings | Uses numbered headings for longer papers. | Uses a specific hierarchical level of headings. |
| Numbers | Spells out numbers under 10 | Spells out numbers under 10, except in statistical data. |
Key Differences Summarized:
- Discipline: MLA is for humanities; APA is for social sciences.
- In-text Citations: MLA uses author’s last name and page number (if needed); APA uses author’s last name, year, and page number (for direct quotes).
- Reference/Works Cited page: MLA uses “Works Cited;” APA uses “References” with differing formatting rules.
- Title Page: MLA usually omits it for assignments; APA requires it.
- Running Head: APA uses a running head, MLA doesn’t.
Examples
- MLA Book Citation:
- Smith, John. The History of Ideas. Penguin, 2020.
- APA Book Citation:
- Smith, J. (2020). The History of Ideas. Penguin.
- MLA In-text Citation:
- (Smith 45)
- APA In-text Citation:
- (Smith, 2020, p. 45)
Using Lists for Clarity
Here’s an example of how to use lists effectively to enhance the readability of your paper:
MLA Formatting Checklist:
- Double-space all text, including block quotations.
- Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Include your last name and page number in the header.
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- On the Works Cited page, indent the second and subsequent lines of each entry.
APA Formatting Checklist:
- Double-space all text, including block quotations.
- Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Include a running head in the upper left of every page.
- Use Times New Roman or a similar font, 12-point.
- On the References page, indent the second and subsequent lines of each entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: My professor didn’t specify a citation style. Which one should I use?A: If your professor doesn’t specify, it’s generally best to ask. If that is not possible, review previous papers you have written in the course. If it is a humanities course, MLA is usually the correct choice, while social science classes generally use APA.
- Q: Can I mix MLA and APA styles in the same paper?A: No, definitely not. You should use one consistent style throughout your paper.
- Q: What should I do if I can’t find a specific piece of information for a reference entry?A: If you are missing a publication date or other information, consult a style guide or online resources for your chosen citation style such as the Purdue OWL. Do not make up missing information. If something cannot be found, these guides explain how to handle the issue within the guidelines of the selected style.
- Q: What is the best way to make sure my paper follows the correct formatting rules?A: Always consult an official style guide such as the MLA Handbook or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, along with the Purdue OWL online writing lab. Double-check all your citations and formatting before submitting your assignment.
- Q: Why are there different citation styles to begin with?A: Different fields of study emphasize different aspects of research. For example, social sciences often place emphasis on the year of publication to highlight the timeliness of the research, thus APA requires that in every in-text citation. Humanities, conversely, often emphasize the author’s contribution, requiring the author’s name to be more immediate in the in-text citation.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA and APA citation styles is an essential skill for academic success. By understanding their fundamental differences and attending to detail in both citation and formatting, you can produce well-researched and properly documented academic papers. Remember to always double-check your work against the appropriate style guidelines to ensure accuracy and academic integrity.