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A step by step guide to formatting paper in APA in MS Word 2007

 

Microsoft Word 2007 is an older version of the popular word processing software, but it can still be used to create documents in APA format with properly formatted references. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add references, use hanging indentations, arrange references alphabetically, and format your document in APA style:

Adding References:

Open Microsoft Word 2007: Launch Word 2007 on your computer.

Set Margins and Font: Before you start typing your document, set the margins to 1 inch on all sides and choose a font that complies with APA style (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point).

Type Your Document: Begin typing your document as you normally would, including the title, headings, and body text.

Insert a Page Break: After your document's main content (before the references section), insert a page break to separate your paper from the references.

1.       Go to the end of your document.

2.      Click on the "Insert" tab in the Word toolbar.

3.      Select "Page Break."


Create a References Section: Label the new page as "References" at the top center of the page. You can also add references using the dialogue box.

Once the dialogue box is open you can select source and add references.

And as soon as you are done adding citations click on work cited or bibliography to generate your desired results!

Formatting References with Hanging Indentations:

To arrange references alphabetically

You need to select all of your references and use the following option in MS Word 2007.

In the home tab, in the paragraph box the tab with AZ⬇ icon. Click on it. It will open a dialogue box.

All you have to do is, press OK and your references will be sorted alphabetically.

Apply Hanging Indentation: To create a hanging indentation for each reference entry:

Select the text of your reference list.

Click on the "Paragraph" dialog box launcher (a small arrow in the "Paragraph" group on the Home tab).

Adjust Indentation Settings: In the Paragraph dialog box:

1.       Under "Indentation," set "Special" to "Hanging" (usually 0.5 inches).

2.      Click "OK."

This will create the hanging indentation where the first line of each reference is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.

Overall Document Formatting:

Title Page: Include a title page with the following elements:

Title of the paper (centered and in title case).

Your name (centered).

Institutional affiliation (centered).

Page number (right-aligned) in the header.

Running Head: If required, include a running head (shortened title) in the header of the document.

Page Numbers: Insert page numbers in the header/footer of your document, starting with the title page as page 1.

Proper Spacing: Double-space the entire document, including the title page, abstract (if applicable), main text, and references.

Heading Levels: Use APA style headings (e.g., Level 1, Level 2) for section titles and subheadings.

Citation and References: Ensure that in-text citations and references follow APA style guidelines, as mentioned in the previous guide.

Proofread and Review: Carefully proofread your document to check for any APA formatting errors or typos.

By following these steps, you can create a document in APA format using Microsoft Word 2007, complete with properly formatted references, hanging indentations, alphabetical arrangement, and overall document formatting compliant with APA style.

 

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