How do I create a running head (for APA citation style)?
Answer
A running head is an abbreviated version of the paper title that appears at the top of every page of the paper (including the title page). Running heads are not required for student works unless your instructor asks for it.
If your instructor requires a running head, follow these guidelines (from section 2.8 of the APA Publication Manual, 7th edition):
- On the title page and all subsequent pages, use the format "ABBREVIATED TITLE IN UPPER CASE" (without quotation marks) to highlight a portion of the title of your assignment.
- The running head does not need to consist of the first words of your paper title; rather, the running head should convey the idea of your title in a shortened form.
- The running head should be no more than 50 characters.
- The running head is typed in all capital letters.
- The running head is left-aligned in the header section of your paper (and the page number is right-aligned).
- Do not write the words "Running head" before the running head (this was required in earlier editions, but not in the 7th edition).
You can see an example on p. 50 of the Manual (7th ed.), or have a look at APA's Professional Sample Paper with Annotations.
