How To Do A Running Head In APA

Understanding the APA Running Head: More Than Just a Page Number

In the realm of academic writing, particularly when adhering to the American Psychological Association (APA) style, the running head serves a distinct and important purpose. It's not merely a decorative element or a redundant piece of information. Instead, it's a concise identifier that appears at the top of every page of your manuscript, including the title page. Its primary function is to provide a shortened version of your paper's title, typically no more than 50 characters (including spaces and punctuation), followed by the page number. This allows readers, especially reviewers or editors, to quickly identify the document's content and its page sequence, even if pages become separated. While the core concept remains consistent, it's worth noting that APA 7th Edition introduced a significant change regarding the running head for student papers: the "Running head" label is no longer required. However, for professional papers (those intended for publication), the label is still present. This distinction is vital for ensuring your work meets the specific requirements of your assignment or publication venue.

Key Components of the APA Running Head

At its core, the APA running head consists of two primary elements: the shortened title and the page number. Let's break down each component and the rules governing them.

• Shortened Title: This is a brief, capitalized version of your paper's main title. It should accurately reflect the paper's subject matter. The character limit is strict: 50 characters maximum, including spaces and punctuation. If your full title exceeds this, you'll need to condense it effectively. For instance, a paper titled 'The Impact of Social Media Usage on Adolescent Self-Esteem and Mental Well-being' might be shortened to 'SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADOLESCENT WELL-BEING'.
• Page Number: This is simply the sequential number of the page, starting with '1' on the title page. It is right-aligned, maintaining a clean and organized look.

APA 7th Edition: Student vs. Professional Papers

The distinction between student and professional papers in APA 7th Edition is crucial when it comes to the running head. This change aims to streamline the formatting process for students while maintaining the established standards for publication.

• Student Papers: For student papers (essays, theses, dissertations submitted for a course), the "Running head:" label is omitted entirely. You only need to include the page number, right-aligned, at the top of each page. The shortened title is also omitted. This simplifies the process significantly, allowing students to focus more on content.
• Professional Papers: Papers intended for publication in a journal or other scholarly venue still require the full running head. This includes the "Running head:" label (in all caps), followed by the shortened title (also in all caps), and then the page number, right-aligned. The label should appear on the title page and all subsequent pages.

Step-by-Step Guide: Formatting the Running Head in Word Processors

Implementing the running head correctly in your word processor is straightforward once you understand the mechanics. Most modern word processors, like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, have built-in features for headers and page numbering that make this process manageable. Here’s a general guide, primarily focusing on Microsoft Word, which is widely used.

For Student Papers (APA 7th Edition)

Remember, for student papers, you only need the page number.

• Open your document: Ensure your paper is complete and formatted according to other APA guidelines (e.g., double-spacing, font).
• Insert Page Number: Go to the 'Insert' tab. Select 'Page Number'. Choose 'Top of Page' and then select the option for 'Plain Number 3' (which typically places the number on the right).
• Verify Page 1: The page number should appear on the first page (your title page). It will be a '1'.
• Check Subsequent Pages: As you add content, the page numbers should automatically increment correctly for all following pages.

For Professional Papers (APA 7th Edition)

This involves both the shortened title and the page number.

• Open your document: Make sure your paper is ready for formatting.
• Access the Header: Double-click in the very top margin of your title page. This will open the header section.
• Insert Page Number: Go to the 'Insert' tab. Select 'Page Number'. Choose 'Top of Page' and then select 'Plain Number 3' (right-aligned).
• Type the Shortened Title: With the cursor still in the header, type the words "Running head:" (note the capital 'R' and lowercase 'h', followed by a colon). Immediately after the colon, type your shortened title in ALL CAPS. Ensure it does not exceed 50 characters.
• Format the Text: Select the entire text in the header (the label, shortened title, and page number). Ensure the font and font size match the rest of your document (e.g., Times New Roman, 12pt).
• Different First Page (Crucial Step): This is where it gets slightly more complex. You need the running head on all pages except for the title page, where it should just be the page number '1'. To achieve this, while the header is still open, go to the 'Header & Footer Tools' tab (or similar, depending on your Word version) and check the box that says 'Different First Page'.
• Adjust the First Page Header: After checking 'Different First Page', the header on your title page will disappear. You need to re-insert only the page number '1' into the header of the first page. Go to 'Insert' > 'Page Number' > 'Top of Page' > 'Plain Number 3'.
• Verify All Pages: Now, go to the second page of your document. The header should display the "Running head: SHORTENED TITLE" and the page number '2'. Continue checking subsequent pages to ensure the shortened title and correct page numbers appear consistently.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with clear instructions, formatting the running head can sometimes lead to frustration. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them:

• Exceeding the Character Limit: Always count your characters, including spaces and punctuation, for the shortened title. If it's over 50, you need to revise it. Brevity is key.
• Incorrect Capitalization: Remember, for professional papers, the "Running head:" label and the shortened title are in ALL CAPS. For student papers, there's no label or shortened title, just the page number.
• Forgetting 'Different First Page': This is a frequent oversight for professional papers. If your running head appears on the title page with the label, you likely haven't enabled this setting.
• Incorrect Page Number Placement: Ensure the page number is always right-aligned in the header.
• Using the Footer Instead of the Header: The running head belongs in the header, not the footer.
• Typographical Errors: Double-check spelling and punctuation in your shortened title.
• Confusing Student vs. Professional Requirements: Always clarify which format is expected for your specific submission.

The Importance of Consistency and Professionalism

Adhering to APA formatting, including the running head, is more than just following rules; it's about presenting your work professionally and respectfully. A correctly formatted running head demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to scholarly standards. It helps readers navigate your work efficiently, contributing to a positive reception of your research or ideas. Whether you are a student submitting an assignment or a professional aiming for publication, mastering the running head is a fundamental skill that enhances the overall quality and credibility of your academic writing. By understanding the nuances between student and professional requirements and diligently following the steps outlined, you can ensure your paper meets APA standards with confidence.