American Psychological Association] Publication Manual

Database: PsycARTICLES

[ Review-Book ]

Review of Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, sixth edition.

Hunsley, John

Abstract

1. Reviews the book, Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, sixth edition (see record ). The question for all of the likely buyers really boils down to, “Is it worth the money to buy the manual or the time to learn the new publication style?” Generally speaking, I think that the answer is “Yes.” Overall, the changes are definitely for the better, and should provide a much smoother introduction to the process of research writing for students and others new to publishing in psychology and other behavioural sciences. There are also web-based resources, both for neophytes and for seasoned veterans, to learn the current APA publication style. These resources can be used without purchasing the publication manual, but they are not a substitute for having the manual available as a guide. For anyone familiar with previous editions of the publication manual, there are at least four changes in the new edition that will be immediately evident. First, it is half the size of the fifth edition. This is due to streamlining the content and use of web pages for some content that is likely to be frequently updated. Second, the content of the manual has been reorganized to better reflect the process of manuscript creation, submission, and publication. The manual starts with material on how to present scientific information, the ethical and legal aspects of research and publication, and standards for reporting information. Subsequent chapters deal, sequentially, with writing a manuscript, presenting results, referencing, and the process of publication. Third, the popular feature of sample types of articles now appears very early in the book, with details on how to format each type of article appearing in subsequent chapters. Fourth, there is a greater integration of material on a given topic than was previously the case. Unlike previous editions, everything you need to know about producing tables, for example, is now found in one (and only one) place. There are a number of other changes that will be appreciated by many readers. For example, in recognition of the fact that the publication guide is used by disciplines in the behavioural sciences other than psychology (including business and education), there is a deliberate effort to include details and examples that go beyond the scope of psychology. All in all, then, this is a valuable and timely updating of the guide to APA style. For those entering the realms of reading, writing, and publishing behavioural science research, it is a clear guide that is organised in a useful and logical manner. For those already well versed in APA style, the modifications should make life (at least publication-related aspects of life) somewhat simpler because of improved organisation and coverage of key style elements such as abbreviations and references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)