Formatting 101: APA vs. MLA vs. Chicago

In this blog post, we'll demystify the three most common citation styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago. By the end, you'll know exactly which formatting style to use and how to use it to make your paper shine.

What is APA Style?

APA stands for the American Psychological Association. APA style is commonly used in the social sciences, like psychology, sociology, education, and sometimes business.

Basic Guidelines:

• Font and Spacing: Use a readable font like Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced.
• Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Title Page: Includes the paper's title, your name, and your institution.
• Headers: Running head with shortened title and page number.
• In-text Citations: Author's last name and publication year (Smith, 2020).
• Reference List: At the end of your paper, titled "References", with full citations.

Example In-text Citation:

According to recent studies, stress impacts sleep (Johnson, 2019).

Example Reference Entry:

Johnson, M. L. (2019). Effects of stress on sleep patterns. Journal of Psychology, 45(2), 123-130.

What is MLA Style?

MLA stands for the Modern Language Association. It's typically used in humanities disciplines like literature, arts, and philosophy.

Basic Guidelines:

• Font and Spacing: Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced.
• Margins: 1-inch margins.
• No Title Page: Your name, instructor's name, course, and date at the top of the first page.
• Headers: Your last name and page number in the upper right corner.
• In-text Citations: Author's last name and page number (Smith 123).
• Works Cited: At the end of your paper, titled "Works Cited", with full citations.

Example In-text Citation:

"To be or not to be" is a timeless question (Shakespeare 55).

Example Works Cited Entry:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Oxford University Press, 2003.

What is Chicago Style?

Chicago style comes from the Chicago Manual of Style, and it's often used in history and some social sciences.

Basic Guidelines:

Chicago style actually has two systems: Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date.

Notes and Bibliography:

• Footnotes/Endnotes: Use superscript numbers in the text that correspond to footnotes or endnotes.
• Bibliography: Full list of sources at the end.

Author-Date:

• Similar to APA with in-text citations (Smith 2020, 123).

Example Footnote:

According to one study, caffeine improves memory.¹

¹ Mark L. Johnson, The Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Functions (New York: Academic Press, 2018), 45.

Example Bibliography Entry:

Johnson, Mark L. The Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Functions. New York: Academic Press, 2018.

Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	APA	MLA	Chicago
Disciplines Used	Social Sciences	Humanities	History, Some Social Sciences
In-text Citations	(Author, Year)	(Author Page)	Footnotes/Endnotes or (Author Year)
Reference List Title	References	Works Cited	Bibliography
Title Page	Yes	No	Depends (Title Page or Heading)
Page Numbers	Top right with running head	Last name and page number top right	Top right or bottom center

So, Which One Should You Use?

Simple answer: Check your assignment guidelines or ask your instructor. Usually, the discipline dictates the style:

• APA: Psychology, Sociology, Education
• MLA: English, Literature, Arts
• Chicago: History, also used in publishing

Quick Tips for Formatting Success

1. Use a Template: Many word processors have built-in templates for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
2. Cite as You Write: Don't wait until the end to add citations.
3. Use Citation Tools: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or online generators can help.
4. Proofread: Always double-check your formatting before submitting.

Wrapping Up

Formatting doesn't have to be stressful. With a little practice, you'll breeze through APA, MLA, or Chicago styles like a pro. Remember, proper formatting not only makes your paper look good but also adds credibility to your work.