Throughout the years the library has reviewed hundreds of theses. Here is a list of the most common mistakes that we see.
Formatting (pp. 228-230 of APA Publication Manual)
- All text should be double spaced (including block quotes and references), unless otherwise specified by your Chair.
- If you’re going to use a running head, the actual words “Running head” should only appear on your title page, the rest of the document will have just the title (limited to 50 characters if necessary)
- Check your heading to ensure proper formatting (pp. 62-63 of APA Publication Manuel)
In-Text Citations (pp. 174- 179 of APA Publication Manual)
- When you refer to 2 or more authors outside of parenthesis you use “and” to separate names, in parenthesis you use “&.” Ex. Smith and Jones (2000) or (Smith & Jones, 2000).
- Direct quotes need to provide a page or paragraph (para.) number (paragraph number most common with websites) directly after the quote. If you’re already introduced the author, the page # is separate from that citation. Ex. - Johnson (2010) argued “blah blah blah” (p. 10).
References (pp. 180-215 of APA Publication Manual)
- For book chapters, include page range and city, state: publisher (see document attached).
- Web resources- provide url. If using a database with restricted access, then use home page of journal’s website
- Do not include degree of author in reference
