APA Resources

While you are in Nursing at the University of Calgary you will undoubtedly be asked to submit all of your papers using the American Psychological Association (APA) style.  This gives you the opportunity to get some easy marks if you follow the guidelines!  However, it is also a chance to lose marks if you don’t know what you’re doing.  Here are some resources and tips so that you can make the most of your marks!

	To buy or not to buy – The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th edition will most likely make an appearance on at least one of your suggested readings lists.  Should you buy it?  It is pricey at around $50.  However, you may be able to get it used.  I wouldn’t suggest getting an old addition though as things do change!  If you want to avoid buying it there are other options… read on.
	Borrow it! – Both the Library and our own Learning Resource Centre (LRC) have copies of the manual.  You can take your chances by borrowing the manual but I would suggest going early, as it does seem to get used quite a bit during paper rush!
	Other options – there are some on-line options which can be very helpful.  They are there when you need them and free!  The only drawback is that the websites generally have limited information.  Make sure that the information you are using is from the latest addition.  Here is a couple of good websites…

	http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html
	http://www.docstyles.com/apacrib.htm
	http://www.apastyle.org (limited info available for free)