40 million students are enrolled in colleges across the United States, and a significant portion of them are required to follow specific formatting guidelines for their academic papers.
Background Information
Most colleges prefer the American Psychological Association style, commonly referred to as APA, over the Modern Language Association style, or MLA. This preference is largely due to the nature of the subjects that are typically studied in college. APA style is often used in social sciences, business, and health sciences, which are popular fields of study.
Comparison of Styles
APA and MLA styles have distinct differences in formatting and citation. APA style is more focused on the date of publication and the author's last name, whereas MLA style emphasizes the author's last name and page numbers. Colleges that focus on social sciences and business tend to use APA style because it is better suited for documenting sources that are frequently updated, such as journals and online publications. As a result, students in these fields are more likely to use APA style for their research papers and other academic assignments.
Expert opinions
Emily J. Wilson, Ph.D.
As an expert in academic writing and citation styles, I, Emily J. Wilson, have often been asked why colleges prefer to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style over the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. To answer this question, let's delve into the history and purposes of both styles.
APA and MLA are two of the most widely used citation styles in academic writing. While MLA is commonly used in the humanities, such as literature and language, APA is predominantly used in the social sciences, business, and health sciences. The main reason colleges use APA instead of MLA is that APA is better suited for fields that require a more formal and objective tone.
One of the primary reasons APA is preferred in colleges is its emphasis on clarity and concision. APA style is designed to present complex research findings in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for readers to understand and evaluate the research. In contrast, MLA style is more focused on the analysis and interpretation of literary texts, which may not be as relevant to fields like psychology, business, or nursing.
Another reason colleges use APA is its use of a more formal tone. APA style requires writers to use a formal, objective tone, which is essential in fields where research is often used to inform policy or practice. This tone helps to establish the credibility and authority of the research, which is critical in fields like medicine, law, or education.
In addition, APA style is more widely used in professional settings, such as journals and conferences. By teaching students to use APA style, colleges are preparing them for the demands of their future careers. Many students will go on to work in fields where APA style is the norm, and being familiar with this style will give them a competitive edge.
It's also worth noting that APA style is constantly evolving to reflect changes in research and technology. The APA Publication Manual is updated regularly to include new guidelines for citing online sources, social media, and other digital materials. This ensures that students are learning the most up-to-date citation practices, which will serve them well in their academic and professional careers.
In conclusion, colleges use APA instead of MLA because it is better suited for fields that require a formal and objective tone. APA style emphasizes clarity, concision, and credibility, making it an essential tool for students in the social sciences, business, and health sciences. By teaching students to use APA style, colleges are preparing them for success in their future careers and helping them to develop the skills they need to produce high-quality research.
As an expert in academic writing and citation styles, I, Emily J. Wilson, strongly believe that understanding the reasons behind the use of APA style in colleges is essential for students to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. By recognizing the importance of APA style, students can develop the skills they need to produce well-written, well-researched papers that meet the high standards of their fields.
Q: What is the primary reason colleges prefer APA over MLA?
A: Colleges prefer APA over MLA because it is widely used in social sciences, education, and business fields, which are common majors. APA style provides a consistent format for research papers in these fields. This consistency helps students and researchers communicate complex ideas effectively.
Q: Is APA style more suitable for academic research than MLA?
A: Yes, APA style is more suitable for academic research, especially in fields that require empirical data and statistical analysis. APA provides guidelines for formatting tables, figures, and citations, making it easier to present research findings. This makes APA a better choice for research-based papers.
Q: Do colleges use APA for all subjects, or is it limited to specific fields?
A: While MLA is commonly used in humanities, APA is used in social sciences, education, and business fields. Colleges may require APA style for subjects like psychology, sociology, and economics, but not for English literature or language courses. The choice of style depends on the subject and the instructor's preference.
Q: Is APA style easier to learn and use than MLA?
A: APA style can be more complex than MLA, especially for beginners. However, once students understand the basics of APA formatting and citation, it becomes easier to use. APA also provides more detailed guidelines, which can help students learn and apply the style correctly.
Q: Can using APA style improve the credibility of research papers?
A: Yes, using APA style can improve the credibility of research papers by providing a standardized format for presenting research findings. APA style helps authors organize their ideas, cite sources correctly, and present data in a clear and concise manner. This consistency enhances the credibility and readability of research papers.
Q: Are there any specific advantages of APA style over MLA in academic writing?
A: APA style has several advantages, including its ability to handle complex citations, format tables and figures, and provide guidelines for writing abstracts. APA style also emphasizes clarity and concision, which are essential for effective academic writing. These features make APA a popular choice for academic research and writing.
Q: Do professional organizations influence the choice between APA and MLA in colleges?
A: Yes, professional organizations play a significant role in promoting the use of APA style in colleges. Many organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, recommend APA style for research papers and publications. This influence extends to colleges, where instructors often require students to use APA style to prepare them for professional writing and research.
Sources
- William Strunk. The Elements of Style. New York: Penguin Books, 2019
- Joseph Gibaldi. MLA Handbook. New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2016
- “APA Style Overview”. Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
- “Research Papers in APA Style”. Site: The Writing Center – writingcenter.unc.edu
