In writing research papers, there are two very distinctive format: APA format and MLA format. APA (American Psychological Association) is a writing style that is generally used within the realm of the social sciences. Below are general guidelines for writing APA format (style).

All essays written in the APA writing format should be structured in accordance to the following guidelines:

• Assignments must be typed double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 inch pages.
• The title research paper page must include bylines, titles, or running headers.
• Page numbers must be included (similar to MLA) followed by 5 spaces, then an abridged version (2 words) of the paper’s title.
• Some instructors require students to prepare an abstract which is a 75 to 100 word overview of the chosen topic highlighting the major points of discussion in the paper. It must be set up on its own page with the word “Abstract” centered at the top of the page, and placed right after the title page.
• Headings are not specifically necessary but can be helpful in navigating through a paper. Every word of the heading must be capitalized with the exception of articles such as ‘the’, ‘a’, and ‘an’, and certain conjunctions such as ‘and’, and ‘but’.
• Visuals such as tables and figures including graphs, charts, and drawings may be included; however, each must be labeled with an Arabic numeral i.e. Table 1, Table 2, etc.. Titles must be flush left, each inserted illustration must include its source.
• Lists of all references of paper must be included on its own page at the end of your written work. Each reference should be centered, starting at the top of the page (also double spaced) and listed in alphabetical order according to the authors last name, editor, or by the title of the work (excluding the words A, An, and The)

Some writers said that the structure of the APA format is more professional wherein it includes the need to analyze important scientific literature. The APA format is also more professional in which it goes in depth and includes an abstract, headings for sub-topics, and visuals.