[toc]
abbreviations guide apa style units of measurement
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)
Page 137 Review
Understanding Abbreviations in Academic Writing: A Deep Dive
Academic writing demands precision and clarity, and the correct use of abbreviations is crucial for achieving this.
This ebook excerpt provides valuable guidelines on using abbreviations, particularly within the APA style framework.
Let’s dissect the key points.
Pluralizing Abbreviations for Measurement
The excerpt emphasizes a critical rule: “Note: To form the plural of the reference abbreviation for “page” (p.), write “pp.” Do not add an “s” to make abbreviations for units of measurement plural.”
This rule directly addresses a common error.
While ‘pp.’ correctly denotes multiple pages, applying the same logic to units of measurement is incorrect.
For instance:
- Correct: “3 cm (not 3 cms)”
- Correct: “24 hr (not 24 hrs)”
The rule’s underlying principle is consistency and adherence to established conventions within the scientific and academic community.
Using the correct form ensures that your work is easily understood and avoids any ambiguity that might arise from deviating from standard practice.
Starting Sentences with Abbreviations
The excerpt provides clear guidance on initiating sentences with abbreviations:
“Never begin a sentence with a lowercase abbreviation (e.g., lb) or with a stand-alone symbol (e.g., a).
Begin a sentence with a symbol connected to a word (e.g., B-Endorphins) only when necessary to avoid indirect or awkward phrasing.”
This rule ensures readability and avoids disrupting the flow of the text.
Starting a sentence with a lowercase abbreviation or a standalone symbol can be jarring for the reader and can potentially obscure the meaning.
The exception allows for abbreviations like ‘B-Endorphins’ to start a sentence when rewriting it would be awkward.
Metrication and Unit of Measurement Abbreviations
The excerpt highlights the importance of using the metric system:
“Use the metric system when writing in APA Style.
When reporting nonmetric units (e.g., feet, pounds), also provide the established metric equivalent in parentheses.”
This underscores the global standard of measurement in academic writing.
When non-metric units are necessary, providing the metric equivalent ensures that a wider audience can understand the research.
Examples include:
Presentation and Usage of Unit of Measurement Abbreviations
The final section of the excerpt details how to present and use abbreviations for units of measurement:
“Write out the full names of units of measurement that are not accompanied by numeric values.”
Examples:
- several kilograms
- age in years
- duration of hours
- centimeters
However:
“Use abbreviations and symbols for units of measurement that are accompanied by numeric values; do not make symbols or abbreviations of units plural.”
Examples of correct usage:
- 4cm
- 30 kg
- 12 min
- 18 hr
The excerpt also suggests: “Also use the abbreviation or symbol in column and row headings of tables to conserve space, even when the term appears without a numeric value.” An example would be using “lag in ms” as a column header.
The excerpt concludes by emphasizing clarity and avoiding unnecessary definitions: “Do not define or spell out unit of measurement abbreviations, even the first time they are used.” This is because these abbreviations are generally well-known within the scientific community.
Table 5.4 (mentioned in the excerpt) would likely provide a comprehensive list of these common abbreviations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this excerpt offers crucial insights into the appropriate use of abbreviations in academic writing, focusing particularly on units of measurement.
By adhering to these guidelines, writers can ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism in their work.
Buy full ebook for only $18: https://www.lulu.com/shop/american-psychological-association/concise-guide-to-apa-style-7th-edition-official/ebook/product-rmzpq54.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Leave a Reply