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apa style mastering abbreviations units of measurement
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)
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APA Style Guide: A Deep Dive into Abbreviations and Units of Measurement
Navigating the intricacies of academic writing often requires a keen understanding of style guides.
Among these, the APA Style Guide stands out as a cornerstone for researchers and writers across various disciplines.
This analysis delves into specific sections of the guide, focusing on abbreviations and units of measurement.
Pluralization of Abbreviations
One common pitfall in academic writing involves the proper pluralization of abbreviations.
The APA Style Guide provides clear direction on this matter: “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 distinction is crucial for maintaining clarity and adherence to the style’s conventions.
For instance, while referring to multiple pages, “pp.” is the correct form, while units of measurement like centimeters should remain as “3 cm” and not “3 cms”.
Sentence Initial Abbreviations
The guide also addresses the usage of abbreviations at the beginning of sentences. “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 aims to preserve readability and avoid potential confusion.
Starting a sentence with a lowercase abbreviation can disrupt the flow and clarity of the text, while symbols may lack sufficient context when used in isolation.
Metrication and Units of Measurement
The APA Style Guide strongly advocates for the use of 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 emphasis on metrication aligns with the scientific community’s preference for standardized units of measurement.
When nonmetric units are necessary, providing the metric equivalent ensures that readers from diverse backgrounds can comprehend the reported values.
The guide provides examples such as: “The rods were spaced 19 mm apart.” and “The rod was 3 ft (0.91 m) long.”
Presentation of Units of Measurement
Further guidance is provided on the presentation of units of measurement. “Write out the full names of units of measurement that are not accompanied by numeric values…
Use abbreviations and symbols for units of measurement that are accompanied by numeric values; do not make symbols or abbreviations of units plural.” This rule highlights the importance of context in determining whether to spell out or abbreviate units of measurement.
For instance, one should write “several kilograms” but “4cm”.
Abbreviations in Tables and Headings
The APA Style Guide also acknowledges the need for brevity in tables and headings. “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.” This exception recognizes that tables often have limited space, making abbreviations necessary for efficient communication.
For example, “lag in ms” would be appropriate in a table heading.
General Rules on Measurement Abbreviations
Finally the guide makes it clear that “Do not define or spell out unit of measurement abbreviations, even the first time they are used.” Common abbreviations such as cm, kg or hr do not need to be explicitly defined, assuming that the reader is knowledgable in the particular study’s domain.
Conclusion
In summary, the APA Style Guide provides comprehensive guidelines on the use of abbreviations and units of measurement, promoting clarity, consistency, and accuracy in academic writing.
By adhering to these guidelines, writers can ensure that their work meets the standards of scholarly communication and effectively conveys their research findings.
Paying close attention to the pluralization of abbreviations, the placement of abbreviations at the start of sentences, and the consistency of metric units are key to publishing in accordance with APA Standards.
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