APA vs. MLA

Attribute	APA	MLA
Citation Style	American Psychological Association	Modern Language Association
In-text Citations	Author-date format	Author-page format
Reference List	Alphabetical order by author's last name	Alphabetical order by author's last name
Page Numbers	Include page numbers for direct quotes and specific references	Include page numbers for direct quotes and specific references
Italicization	Italicize book and journal titles	Italicize book and journal titles
Publisher Location	Include city and state for US publishers	Include city for non-US publishers
URLs	Include DOI or URL for online sources	Include URL for online sources
Capitalization	Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle, and proper nouns	Capitalize all major words in the title and subtitle, and proper nouns
Indentation	Use hanging indentation for reference list entries	Use hanging indentation for reference list entries

Introduction

When it comes to academic writing, proper citation and formatting are essential. Two of the most commonly used citation styles are the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA). While both styles serve the purpose of providing a standardized format for citing sources, they differ in various aspects. This article aims to compare the attributes of APA and MLA, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Formatting

One of the primary distinctions between APA and MLA lies in their formatting guidelines. APA style is commonly used in the social sciences, while MLA style is predominantly used in the humanities. APA style requires a title page with a running head, page numbers, and specific formatting for headings, margins, and spacing. On the other hand, MLA style does not require a title page, but it does include the author's name, instructor's name, course, and date on the first page. MLA also has specific guidelines for headings, margins, and spacing, but they differ from APA.

In-Text Citations

Both APA and MLA utilize in-text citations to acknowledge the sources used within a paper. However, they differ in terms of the information included and the formatting. In APA style, the author's last name and the year of publication are included within parentheses, such as (Smith, 2021). If a direct quote is used, the page number is also included, like this: (Smith, 2021, p. 45). In contrast, MLA style includes the author's last name and the page number within parentheses, such as (Smith 45). MLA does not require the year of publication unless it is relevant to the context.

References and Works Cited

Another significant difference between APA and MLA is the way they handle the reference list or works cited page. In APA style, the reference list is titled "References" and is placed at the end of the document. The entries are organized alphabetically by the author's last name and include detailed information about the source, such as the title, publication date, and publisher. On the other hand, MLA style uses the term "Works Cited" and also places it at the end of the document. The entries are also organized alphabetically by the author's last name, but they include fewer details compared to APA, such as the author's name, title, and publication information.

Online Sources

Both APA and MLA have specific guidelines for citing online sources, considering the increasing prevalence of digital information. In APA style, the inclusion of a URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is required for online sources. The format for citing online articles includes the author's name, publication date, title of the article, title of the journal or website, volume and issue number (if applicable), and the URL or DOI. In MLA style, the inclusion of a URL is optional, but it is recommended to include it. The format for citing online articles includes the author's name, title of the article, title of the website, publication date, and the URL.

Quotations and Paraphrasing

Both APA and MLA provide guidelines for incorporating quotations and paraphrasing within a paper. In APA style, short quotations (fewer than 40 words) are enclosed in double quotation marks, while longer quotations are presented in a block format without quotation marks. Paraphrasing requires the inclusion of the author's last name and the year of publication. In MLA style, short quotations (fewer than 4 lines) are enclosed in double quotation marks, while longer quotations are presented in a block format with indentation. Paraphrasing requires the inclusion of the author's last name within the sentence itself, without the need for the year of publication.

Footnotes and Endnotes

While both APA and MLA primarily rely on in-text citations, they differ in their approach to footnotes and endnotes. APA style discourages the use of footnotes and endnotes, except for specific purposes such as providing additional content or copyright permission. In contrast, MLA style allows the use of both footnotes and endnotes for various purposes, including explanatory notes, bibliographic information, or copyright permission. However, MLA style prefers the use of in-text citations over footnotes and endnotes whenever possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, APA and MLA are two widely used citation styles that serve the purpose of providing a standardized format for academic writing. While they share similarities in terms of acknowledging sources and providing consistency, they differ in formatting, in-text citations, references/works cited, handling online sources, quotations and paraphrasing, and the use of footnotes and endnotes. It is crucial for students and researchers to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of each style and adhere to them consistently throughout their work. By following the appropriate citation style, writers can ensure the credibility and integrity of their research while contributing to the academic community.