As an expert in APA style, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of what a running head is and how to format it correctly for your APA style paper.

### What is a Running Head in APA?

The running head is a critical element of the APA style formatting. It is a concise version of your paper's title that appears at the top of every page, including the title page, and is used to identify the document. The running head serves as a way for readers to quickly recognize the content of the pages when the paper is printed and the pages are not in the correct order.

### Formatting the Running Head

Here's how to format the running head according to the APA style guidelines:


1. Length: The running head should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. If your title is too long, you must create a shorter version that still represents the main idea of your paper.


2. Placement: It is placed in the header of your document, flush left (aligned with the left margin) and should not be bold or italicized.


3. Page Number: The page number is placed on the right side of the header, aligned with the right margin. It is preceded by the words "Page" (uppercase) and a space.


4. Differentiation from the Main Title: The running head should not be a direct copy of the main title. It should be a shortened version that captures the essence of the paper without being overly wordy.


5. Consistency: The running head must be consistent across all pages of the document.


6. Use of Software: Most word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, has a feature that allows you to create headers and footers. You can use this feature to insert the running head and page number automatically.

### Example of a Running Head

Let's say your paper's title is "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Communication Skills." A possible running head could be "Social Media Impact on Communication."

### Steps to Create a Running Head in Microsoft Word

1. Open your document and double-click the header area at the top of the page.
2. Type your running head (e.g., "Social Media Impact on Communication") and press Enter.
3. Type the word "Page" followed by a space, and insert the page number field by clicking on "Page Number" in the "Header & Footer" tab and choosing the appropriate position (usually right-aligned).
4. Ensure that the running head and page number are not bold or italicized.
5. Click "Close Header and Footer" to apply the changes.

### Final Tips

- Always proofread your running head to ensure it is free of typos and accurately reflects the content of your paper.
- Remember that the running head is a crucial part of your paper's presentation and can affect the reader's first impression.
- If you are submitting your paper for publication or for academic purposes, adhere strictly to the APA style guidelines to ensure your paper is professionally presented.

Now, let's move on to the next step.

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If you've ever been confused by what a running head is or wondered how to format one for an APA Style paper, read on. A running head is a short title that appears at the top of every page of your paper in the page header.Nov 11, 2010read more >>