APA Citation Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of APA Style

1. The Reference section should start on a separate page under the centered heading References, which does not use bold font. The reference entries should appear in alphabetical order by author's surname (or by title if works do not list an author) regardless of the type of source (e.g., book, film, journal article, website).

True

False

APA style rules call for a bold font to be applied to heading levels 1- 4 located within the body of the paper. According to APA, the title page, the reference section, and appendices are not within the body of the paper (strictly speaking, the body of the paper starts with the paper's title on the first page of text, encompassing everything through the last sentence of the concluding paragraph). APA style guidelines also recommend using bold font for headings that are centered, capitalized, and major words are in italics. Additionally, headings should be clear and concise to help guide the reader through the paper.

Explanation

APA style rules call for a bold font to be applied to heading levels 1- 4 located within the body of the paper. According to APA, the title page, the reference section, and appendices are not within the body of the paper (strictly speaking, the body of the paper starts with the paper's title on the first page of text, encompassing everything through the last sentence of the concluding paragraph). APA style guidelines also recommend using bold font for headings that are centered, capitalized, and major words are in italics. Additionally, headings should be clear and concise to help guide the reader through the paper.

2. Which choice shows the correct format for the first use of the Jeffrey T. Swan, Dennard Q. Rail, Mary N. Bushcombe (1995) source with the following sentence: "Thus, students' misplaced sense of entitlement interferes with classroom teaching and, ultimately, the quality of education and training that students receive."

Training that students receive (Swan, Rail, & Bushcombe, 1995)

Training that students receive (Swan, Rail, & Bushcombe, 1995).

Training that students receive (Swan, Rail, and Bushcombe, 1995).

Training that students receive (Swan, Rail, & Bushcombe, 1993).

Keep authors listed in the order listed on the title page rather than arranging them alphabetically. (Answer: D) Answer A is incomplete because it does not include the DOI (digital object identifier) for the electronic journal. The APA format does not include the ISSN number (Answer B), which is an identifying number assigned by the Library of Congress. Answer C is incorrect because it suggests arranging authors alphabetically, which is not the correct APA format. Additionally, Answer D provides the correct feedback about keeping authors listed in the order they appear on the title page and also mentions the importance of including the DOI for electronic journals.

Explanation

Keep authors listed in the order listed on the title page rather than arranging them alphabetically. (Answer: D) Answer A is incomplete because it does not include the DOI (digital object identifier) for the electronic journal. The APA format does not include the ISSN number (Answer B), which is an identifying number assigned by the Library of Congress. Answer C is incorrect because it suggests arranging authors alphabetically, which is not the correct APA format. Additionally, Answer D provides the correct feedback about keeping authors listed in the order they appear on the title page and also mentions the importance of including the DOI for electronic journals.

3. Which choice shows the correct format for the first in-text citation for the following journal article? (Select all that apply)
"An Analysis of Qualitative Data on Sibling Relationships in Immigrant Families Obtained From Parent-Child Interviews Conducted as Part of the Latino Health Assessment Project"
by J. K. O'Day, G. T. Cahn, B. B. Flores, P. W. Wrap, G. Dayfield, and A. P. Stele
Published in 2009, the Journal of Long Titles, Volume 23, Issue 6, pages 1134-1145
DOI:1010/JLT.34
Springerbok Publishers, 145 Deerfield Plaza, Greenwich, Connecticut, 15432."

(O'Day, Chan, Flores, Wrap, Dayfield, & Steel, 2009)

(O'Day, Cahn, Flores, Wrap, Dayfield, and Stele, 2009)

(O'Day et al., 2009)

(O'Day and colleagues 2009)

According to APA, in-text citations for works with six or more authors can be shortened to the first author + et al. (abbreviation for "and others") on first use. Answer A didn't shorten the citation and misspelled the names of two authors (Chan instead of Cahn; Steel instead of Stele). Attention to detail is critical. In addition to not using the shortened citation format, Answer B used "and" instead of the & symbol. "And" should be spelled out when the authors' names are used in the sentence, but parenthetical citations should use the ampersand (&). Answer D used an inappropriate format for a parenthetical citation; however, the use of "and colleagues" is allowed if the authors' names are used as part of the sentence.

Explanation

According to APA, in-text citations for works with six or more authors can be shortened to the first author + et al. (abbreviation for "and others") on first use. Answer A didn't shorten the citation and misspelled the names of two authors (Chan instead of Cahn; Steel instead of Stele). Attention to detail is critical. In addition to not using the shortened citation format, Answer B used "and" instead of the & symbol. "And" should be spelled out when the authors' names are used in the sentence, but parenthetical citations should use the ampersand (&). Answer D used an inappropriate format for a parenthetical citation; however, the use of "and colleagues" is allowed if the authors' names are used as part of the sentence.

4. Choose the correct reference format for the following source that you retrieved from an online journal:

Social Work and Research, 1995, Vol. 68(2), 127-137
ISSN: 1948-CCX DOI:10.1037/swr/127
Students and the Problem of Entitlement
Jeffrey T. Swan, Dennard Q. Rail, Mary N. Bushcombe
University of Georgia

Keep authors listed in the order listed on the title page rather than arranging them alphabetically. (Answer: D) Answer A is incomplete because it does not include the DOI (digital object identifier) for the electronic journal. The APA format does not include the ISSN number (Answer B), which is an identifying number assigned by the Library of Congress.

Explanation

Keep authors listed in the order listed on the title page rather than arranging them alphabetically. (Answer: D) Answer A is incomplete because it does not include the DOI (digital object identifier) for the electronic journal. The APA format does not include the ISSN number (Answer B), which is an identifying number assigned by the Library of Congress.

5. Which of the following is the correct format for a book citation in APA style (7th edition)?

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher.

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher. Retrieved from URL

Author, A. A. Title of work. Publisher, Year.

Author, A. A. (Year). Publisher. Title of work

In APA style (7th edition), a book citation follows the format of the author's last name and initials, the year of publication in parentheses, the title of the work in italics, and the publisher. The URL is only included for online resources, and the citation does not include the order of elements as in other formats.

Explanation

In APA style (7th edition), a book citation follows the format of the author's last name and initials, the year of publication in parentheses, the title of the work in italics, and the publisher. The URL is only included for online resources, and the citation does not include the order of elements as in other formats.

6. Identify the writing problems in the following paragraph: "The U. S. government defines poverty using an income-based threshold created in the early 1960s, which set the poverty level at 3 times the yearly cost of a basic food budget. Except for adjustments for inflation, it has remained unchanged since it was established despite the fact that today's families spend more on housing, child care, and health care than food. Social service workers spend much of their time trying to help families in need patch together a network of resources to meet their basic needs. Because the level of public assistance has not kept pace with other costs, this means they spend a greater proportion of their income on basic necessities that are not accounted for in the poverty equation. Further, it fails to account for regional differences in costs or receipt of other benefits such as Medicaid and Food Stamps."

The information is poorly organized.

The author has failed to cite sources.

The author's meaning is not clear because he or she has used too many pronouns with unclear antecedents.

None of the above - the paragraph is correct as written.

The paragraph contains multiple writing problems. Firstly, the information is poorly organized as it jumps from discussing the definition of poverty to the challenges faced by social service workers without a clear transition. Secondly, the author has failed to cite sources for the information presented, which affects the credibility of the paragraph. Lastly, the author's meaning is not clear due to the excessive use of pronouns with unclear antecedents, making it difficult for the reader to understand the intended referents.

Explanation

The paragraph contains multiple writing problems. Firstly, the information is poorly organized as it jumps from discussing the definition of poverty to the challenges faced by social service workers without a clear transition. Secondly, the author has failed to cite sources for the information presented, which affects the credibility of the paragraph. Lastly, the author's meaning is not clear due to the excessive use of pronouns with unclear antecedents, making it difficult for the reader to understand the intended referents.

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7. Which choice shows the correct format and APA style for the first use of the Jeffrey T. Swan, Dennard Q. Rail, Mary N. Bushcombe (1995) source in the text of the following sentence: "... found that students' sense of entitlement led to complaints that course requirements were too burdensome and often interfered with their social commitments."

When using authors' names in the text, APA does not include first names unless needed to distinguish authors with identical initials. Answer B failed to replace the ampersand (&) with the word "and." Answer D used the correct citation format but used the present tense "find" rather than the past tense "found" to refer to the published work. Additionally, the study highlights how students' sense of entitlement impacted their academic performance and overall satisfaction with their education. This research sheds light on the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with social activities for student success.

Explanation

When using authors' names in the text, APA does not include first names unless needed to distinguish authors with identical initials. Answer B failed to replace the ampersand (&) with the word "and." Answer D used the correct citation format but used the present tense "find" rather than the past tense "found" to refer to the published work. Additionally, the study highlights how students' sense of entitlement impacted their academic performance and overall satisfaction with their education. This research sheds light on the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with social activities for student success.

8. Which choice shows the correct format for the second parenthetical citation of the Jeffrey T. Swan, Dennard Q. Rail, Mary N. Bushcombe (1995) source in a later paragraph in the paper, using the following sentence: "In addition, the authors suggested that admissions officers should have frank discussions with applicants that clearly outline what the graduate program demands, expects, and requires of students."

...demands, expects, and requirements of students (Swan, Rail, & Bushcombe, 1995).

...demands, expects, and requirements of students [Swan, Rail, and Buschcombe, 1995].

...demands, expects, and requirements of students (Swan, Rail & Bushcombe).

...demands, expects, and requirements of students (Swan et al. 1995)

...demands, expects, and requirements of students (Swan et al. 1995).

For works with 3-5 authors, the first in-text citation lists all authors; subsequent citations are shortened to the first author plus "et al.," which is a Latin abbreviation meaning "and others." "Et" is not an abbreviation, whereas "al." is the abbreviation for "alia," and therefore, "al." always uses a period. Answers A, B, and C are incorrect because they did not use the shortened format. Also, B uses square brackets instead of parentheses.

Explanation

For works with 3-5 authors, the first in-text citation lists all authors; subsequent citations are shortened to the first author plus "et al.," which is a Latin abbreviation meaning "and others." "Et" is not an abbreviation, whereas "al." is the abbreviation for "alia," and therefore, "al." always uses a period. Answers A, B, and C are incorrect because they did not use the shortened format. Also, B uses square brackets instead of parentheses.

9. Writing support for on-campus students attending the School of Social Work can be found from which of the following sources?

The Writing Resources page on the School's website, under the Current Students tab

The APA Quick Reference Guide can be downloaded from the Writing Resources page.

The School's Writing Support Team.

The UNC Writing Center.

All of the above.

Answer A would be an acceptable paraphrase IF the source were cited. Paraphrasing without citing the source is plagiarism because you are representing another author's thoughts as your own. Answer B is not an acceptable paraphrase because it duplicates parts of the original without identifying the words or phrases as quotes. Answer C is not an acceptable paraphrase because it is not identical in meaning to the original. Answer D IS an acceptable paraphrase because it restates Keaveney's ideas using this author's own words, AND it credits the original source. Answer E is not an acceptable paraphrase because the syntax follows the original too closely.

Explanation

Answer A would be an acceptable paraphrase IF the source were cited. Paraphrasing without citing the source is plagiarism because you are representing another author's thoughts as your own. Answer B is not an acceptable paraphrase because it duplicates parts of the original without identifying the words or phrases as quotes. Answer C is not an acceptable paraphrase because it is not identical in meaning to the original. Answer D IS an acceptable paraphrase because it restates Keaveney's ideas using this author's own words, AND it credits the original source. Answer E is not an acceptable paraphrase because the syntax follows the original too closely.

10. Which of the following is the correct format for an in-text citation in APA Style when referencing a book by one author?

(Smith, 2020)

(Smith, 2020, p. 45)

(Smith 2020)

(Smith, 2020; p. 45)

In APA Style, in-text citations include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (if quoting or referring to specific content). The correct format is (Smith, 2020, p. 45). Options A and C omit the page number, and D uses an incorrect punctuation mark.

Explanation

In APA Style, in-text citations include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (if quoting or referring to specific content). The correct format is (Smith, 2020, p. 45). Options A and C omit the page number, and D uses an incorrect punctuation mark.

11. You are using material from a newspaper article. The article does not list an author, but the title is "Budget Cuts Go Beyond the Bone," which was published on page 23 of The Independent, April 28, 2011. Which is the correct in-text citation for this source?

...reducing services to a lottery will turn away many of those in need of basic services (Independent, 2011, p. 23).

...reducing services to a lottery will turn away many of those in need of basic services (Budget Cuts, 2011).

...reducing services to a lottery will turn away many of those in need of basic services (Anonymous, 2001, p. 23).

When a newspaper article doesn't list an author, reduce the title to the fewest words possible, allowing the reader to easily locate the entry in the reference list. Enclose the shortened title in quotation marks, and add the year of publication. A specific page number is added to a citation when using a direct quote from the source, but not for a paraphrase. When a newspaper article doesn't list an author, reduce the title to the fewest words possible, allowing the reader to easily locate the entry in the reference list. Enclose the shortened title in quotation marks, and add the year of publication (Anonymous, 2001).

Explanation

When a newspaper article doesn't list an author, reduce the title to the fewest words possible, allowing the reader to easily locate the entry in the reference list. Enclose the shortened title in quotation marks, and add the year of publication. A specific page number is added to a citation when using a direct quote from the source, but not for a paraphrase. When a newspaper article doesn't list an author, reduce the title to the fewest words possible, allowing the reader to easily locate the entry in the reference list. Enclose the shortened title in quotation marks, and add the year of publication (Anonymous, 2001).

12. In which sentence has the quotation been integrated most successfully?

Use quotes as supporting information, not as replacements for doing your own writing. To be used effectively, a quote must be introduced to the text by having the meaning and relevance of the quote stated explicitly. Don't drop "quote bombs" (Answer D) and expect the reader to do the work of deciphering the meaning and relevance of the quote. Neither Answer A nor Answer B adequately integrates the quote.

Explanation

Use quotes as supporting information, not as replacements for doing your own writing. To be used effectively, a quote must be introduced to the text by having the meaning and relevance of the quote stated explicitly. Don't drop "quote bombs" (Answer D) and expect the reader to do the work of deciphering the meaning and relevance of the quote. Neither Answer A nor Answer B adequately integrates the quote.

13. Identify the problem(s) in the sentence below: The social information processing (SIP) theory holds that a child's behavior is the result of six overlapping cognitive steps that occur in the following order: (a) encode social cues, (b) mentally represent and interpret the cues, (c) constructing goals, (d) search for possible responses, (e) making a responsible decision, (f) enact a behavioral response while monitoring its effect.

The colon is misused. It would be better to make a second sentence.

The list of steps lacks a parallel structure.

Nothing - the sentence is correct as written.

The theory name should be capitalized.

Items in a list must have a parallel structure. Usually, the easiest way to achieve parallel structure is to use the same verb form to begin each item in the list. Using the SIP example from this question, the list of steps could be revised as follows: (a) encoding cues, (b) interpreting cues, (c) clarifying goals, (d) constructing responses, (e) deciding on a response, and (f) enacting the selected response. Parallel structure creates harmony, with each item hitting a pleasant note; when a parallel structure is lacking, some items will hit sour or off-tune notes.

Explanation

Items in a list must have a parallel structure. Usually, the easiest way to achieve parallel structure is to use the same verb form to begin each item in the list. Using the SIP example from this question, the list of steps could be revised as follows: (a) encoding cues, (b) interpreting cues, (c) clarifying goals, (d) constructing responses, (e) deciding on a response, and (f) enacting the selected response. Parallel structure creates harmony, with each item hitting a pleasant note; when a parallel structure is lacking, some items will hit sour or off-tune notes.

14. The passage below has several problems. (Select all that apply.) In this study, a sample of 43 urban youth was compared to a similar sample of 44 rural youth. Each of the youth was given a survey to complete and return in a sealed envelope. Follow-up interviews were conducted at the youth treatment facility, or it's community-based outreach clinic. Each of the interviews was conducted by a master's-level social work student and audio recorded for accurate transcription.

Problem with subject-verb number agreement.

First sentence should use compared with rather than compared to.

Third sentence used contraction for it is; needs possessive its.

None of the above, The passage has problems, but not those identified in A, B, or C.

The correct answer is that there is a problem with subject-verb number agreement, the first sentence should use "compared with" rather than "compared to," and the third sentence used a contraction for "it is" instead of the possessive form "its." These are all issues with grammar and punctuation that need to be corrected in the passage.

Explanation

The correct answer is that there is a problem with subject-verb number agreement, the first sentence should use "compared with" rather than "compared to," and the third sentence used a contraction for "it is" instead of the possessive form "its." These are all issues with grammar and punctuation that need to be corrected in the passage.

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15. On May 1, 2011, you interviewed Dr. Betsy Bledsoe for your paper on evidence-based practice. You decide to incorporate Dr. Bledsoe's information in your paper as a paraphrase or by using the following direct quote: "...to achieve wider use of the evidence-based practice in local agencies, schools of social work need to provide ongoing support to help agency staff translate research into practice." Which of the following shows the correct format for citing your interview?

The correct format for citing personal communication in APA style includes the name of the person, the phrase "interview," and the full date in parentheses. Since interviews are not recoverable data (they’re not publicly available), they should be cited only in-text and not included in the reference list. The format “(B. Bledsoe, interview, May 1, 2011)” adheres to APA guidelines, clearly attributing the quote and date of communication, while keeping the source informal and non-recoverable as required.

Explanation

The correct format for citing personal communication in APA style includes the name of the person, the phrase "interview," and the full date in parentheses. Since interviews are not recoverable data (they’re not publicly available), they should be cited only in-text and not included in the reference list. The format “(B. Bledsoe, interview, May 1, 2011)” adheres to APA guidelines, clearly attributing the quote and date of communication, while keeping the source informal and non-recoverable as required.

16. Your source on young entrepreneurs gives statistics on increasing rates of business ownership among those 18 to 34 years old. The source states, "This trend may dilute corporate pools of promotable junior managers but provide a needed infrastructure for corporate outsourcing" (Keaveney, 2004, pp. 102-103). Which of the following is an acceptable paraphrase?

Answer A would be an acceptable paraphrase IF the source were cited. Paraphrasing without citing the source is plagiarism because you are representing another author's thoughts as your own. Answer B is not an acceptable paraphrase because it duplicates parts of the original without identifying the words or phrases as quotes. Answer C is not an acceptable paraphrase because it is not identical in meaning to the original. Answer D IS an acceptable paraphrase because it restates Keaveney's ideas using this author's own words, AND it credits the original source. Answer E is not an acceptable paraphrase because the syntax follows the original too closely.

Explanation

Answer A would be an acceptable paraphrase IF the source were cited. Paraphrasing without citing the source is plagiarism because you are representing another author's thoughts as your own. Answer B is not an acceptable paraphrase because it duplicates parts of the original without identifying the words or phrases as quotes. Answer C is not an acceptable paraphrase because it is not identical in meaning to the original. Answer D IS an acceptable paraphrase because it restates Keaveney's ideas using this author's own words, AND it credits the original source. Answer E is not an acceptable paraphrase because the syntax follows the original too closely.

17. Identify the APA issue(s) in the following passage: (Select all that apply) An innovative approach to breaking the generational cycle of poverty involves creating Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Individual Development Accounts are a special type of savings account that match the deposit amounts when the funds are withdrawn to make a qualifying purchase, such as (1) purchasing a home as a primary residence, (2) paying for postsecondary education or job training, or (3) creating a retirement savings account.

The abbreviation for IDAs should be used to start the second sentence.

The colon in the second sentence is misused and unnecessary.

The in-line series should use lowercase letters such as (a), (b), and (c) rather than numbers.

None of the above

No flip-flopping with abbreviations. According to APA style rules, once you have defined an abbreviation by writing out the full term and placing the abbreviation in parentheses, you must use the abbreviation thereafter. APA allows the use of an abbreviation to start a sentence. The example shows a common misuse of a colon: Many people are under the false assumption that a colon should be used to start a list. Wrong. A colon must be preceded by an independent clause: In other words, what appears to the left of the colon must be a complete sentence that is capable of standing alone. However, what follows the colon does not have to be an independent clause. According to APA, "in-line seriation" or lists of items that appear within a sentence can be distinguished using lowercase letters enclosed in parentheses. Special rules apply to lists that use numbers or bullet points.

Explanation

No flip-flopping with abbreviations. According to APA style rules, once you have defined an abbreviation by writing out the full term and placing the abbreviation in parentheses, you must use the abbreviation thereafter. APA allows the use of an abbreviation to start a sentence. The example shows a common misuse of a colon: Many people are under the false assumption that a colon should be used to start a list. Wrong. A colon must be preceded by an independent clause: In other words, what appears to the left of the colon must be a complete sentence that is capable of standing alone. However, what follows the colon does not have to be an independent clause. According to APA, "in-line seriation" or lists of items that appear within a sentence can be distinguished using lowercase letters enclosed in parentheses. Special rules apply to lists that use numbers or bullet points.

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18. Suppose you have written a paper on the mission of social work, which is based on a section of the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in 2008. The original article from the NASW website appears below: "The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history, are the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective:

service
social justice
dignity and worth of the person
importance of human relationships
integrity
competence"

Which of the statements in your paper would need to include a citation? (Select all that apply)

Statement A: The social work profession seeks to ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable among the population.
Statement B: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has established a Code of Ethics that govern practitioners' actions in the field.
Statement C: The Code of Ethics notes that the mission of social work is grounded in six essential values: (a) service, (b) social justice, (c) dignity and worth of the person, (d) importance of human relationships, (e) integrity, and (f) competence.
Statement D: According to the NASW Code of Ethics, the mission of all social workers should be based on a set of core principles, including service to others, ensuring social justice and equality, recognizing and ensuring each person's value and dignity, working to preserve the essential worth of human relationships, acting in accord with moral soundness and ethical wholeness, and possessing the skills and knowledge to carry out tasks required for practice.

Statement A should include a citation.

Statement B should include a citation.

Statement C should include a citation.

Statement D should include a citation.

All of the above

Statement A does not need a citation because the information could be considered general knowledge. Although Statement B notes that the NASW authors the Code of Ethics, the statement should include a citation that indicates the year of the Code that the author has used as a source. Statement C gives specific information that cannot be considered general knowledge even within the field of social work; therefore, this statement should include a full citation of the author and year for the source of this information (i.e., National Association of Social Workers, 2008). Besides, Statement C is a poor paraphrase of the section from the Code of Ethics; an improved revision would place quotation marks around the six values. Although Statement D is a paraphrase of the article from the Code of Ethics, the underlying thoughts and concepts expressed were derived from a source; therefore, the statement should include a citation giving credit to the word, ideas, and work of others that have influenced the author's thinking.

Explanation

Statement A does not need a citation because the information could be considered general knowledge. Although Statement B notes that the NASW authors the Code of Ethics, the statement should include a citation that indicates the year of the Code that the author has used as a source. Statement C gives specific information that cannot be considered general knowledge even within the field of social work; therefore, this statement should include a full citation of the author and year for the source of this information (i.e., National Association of Social Workers, 2008). Besides, Statement C is a poor paraphrase of the section from the Code of Ethics; an improved revision would place quotation marks around the six values. Although Statement D is a paraphrase of the article from the Code of Ethics, the underlying thoughts and concepts expressed were derived from a source; therefore, the statement should include a citation giving credit to the word, ideas, and work of others that have influenced the author's thinking.

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19. "According to Erickson (1950, as cited in Hodgeworth, 2001), each of an individual's stages of development (i.e., physical, emotional, or psychological) are related to specific tasks that must be mastered." The citation used in the above sentence is called a secondary source citation. In this case, the student was citing a passage from the class text written by Hodgeworth (2001) that described Erik Erickson's work that was published in 1950. This type of citation is acceptable under which of the following circumstances? (Select all that apply)

The primary source (e.g., Erickson's publication) is not available in the language that the student reads.

The student is too lazy to find the primary source and read the original work.

All answers are acceptable, but Answers A and B are the most widely accepted answers. Secondary citations are weak supports because you are relying on another person's interpretation of the primary source. Rigorous scholarship demands that you investigate primary sources whenever possible. Moreover, students should seek out the primary sources of seminal works such as Erickson's that have had a substantial influence on the field.

Explanation

All answers are acceptable, but Answers A and B are the most widely accepted answers. Secondary citations are weak supports because you are relying on another person's interpretation of the primary source. Rigorous scholarship demands that you investigate primary sources whenever possible. Moreover, students should seek out the primary sources of seminal works such as Erickson's that have had a substantial influence on the field.

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20. Based on the APA style rules, what problem(s) can you identify in the sentence below: Birch (1998) argues that teens born outside of the U.S. are more likely to adopt conservative family norms.

APA mandates the use of past tense when referring to published material or prior research.

The sentence makes half a comparison; study participants were more likely than others to adopt such values.

None of the above

The following problems can be identified in the sentence based on APA style rules:

APA mandates the use of past tense when referring to published material or prior research. (Correct)

The sentence uses the present tense ("argues") to refer to a past study. It should use past tense, like "argued," to adhere to APA style.

The sentence uses informal language (i.e., teens). APA requires formal, precise language, such as youth or adolescents, which have to be defined by an age range. (Correct)

The term "teens" is informal, and APA prefers more formal and specific language, like "adolescents," especially when discussing research subjects.

United States must be spelled out when used as a noun; the abbreviation U.S. can be used as an adjective, such as U.S. population. (Correct)

When referring to the country as a noun, "United States" should be spelled out, not abbreviated.

The sentence makes half a comparison; study participants were more likely than others to adopt such values. (Correct)

The sentence mentions "more likely," which implies a comparison, but it doesn't specify the comparison group or provide the complete comparison context.

So, the sentence has all the identified problems.

Explanation

The following problems can be identified in the sentence based on APA style rules:

APA mandates the use of past tense when referring to published material or prior research. (Correct)

The sentence uses the present tense ("argues") to refer to a past study. It should use past tense, like "argued," to adhere to APA style.

The sentence uses informal language (i.e., teens). APA requires formal, precise language, such as youth or adolescents, which have to be defined by an age range. (Correct)

The term "teens" is informal, and APA prefers more formal and specific language, like "adolescents," especially when discussing research subjects.

United States must be spelled out when used as a noun; the abbreviation U.S. can be used as an adjective, such as U.S. population. (Correct)

When referring to the country as a noun, "United States" should be spelled out, not abbreviated.

The sentence makes half a comparison; study participants were more likely than others to adopt such values. (Correct)

The sentence mentions "more likely," which implies a comparison, but it doesn't specify the comparison group or provide the complete comparison context.

So, the sentence has all the identified problems.

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APA Citation Quiz: Test Your Knowledge Of APA Style