As a subject matter expert in academic writing and formatting, I'd like to address the question of whether a running head can be the same as the title of a paper. The running head, also known as the header, is a short form of the title that appears at the top of every page in a document, including the title page, and is used primarily for identification purposes in academic and professional settings.

### Step 1: Understanding the Running Head

The primary purpose of the running head is to provide a concise and easily identifiable title for the document. It is crucial for the running head to be succinct, typically not exceeding 50 characters, including spaces. This brevity facilitates quick reference and helps in distinguishing the document from others, especially in digital databases and libraries where space is limited.

When considering if the running head can be the same as the title, it's essential to understand that the title is often designed to be descriptive and comprehensive, encapsulating the essence of the research or the paper's focus. In contrast, the running head is a streamlined version meant for practical use rather than descriptive richness.

### Step 2: Guidelines and Considerations

According to the provided reference, "The running head should be a brief version of the title of your paper, no more than 50 characters long (including spaces)." This guideline suggests that while the running head is derived from the title, it must be a condensed version to meet the character limit. The label "Running head:" that precedes the running head on the title page is not included in this character count, as it is not part of the paper's title.

### Step 3: Practical Application

In practice, whether the running head can be the same as the title depends on the length and complexity of the original title. If the title is already within the 50-character limit and can be used without losing its identifying quality, it may be appropriate to use it as the running head. However, if the title exceeds this limit or becomes too unwieldy when shortened, it would be necessary to create a version that maintains the title's core meaning but adheres to the character restriction.

### Step 4: Example and Best Practices

Let's consider an example. If the title of a paper is "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Communication Skills," the running head might be "Social Media's Impact on Adolescents." This shortened version retains the key elements of the original title while adhering to the character limit.

Best practices for creating a running head include:


1. Conciseness: Aim for brevity without losing the title's meaning.

2. Relevance: Ensure the running head reflects the paper's central theme.

3. Consistency: Use the same running head on all pages of the document.

4. Formatting: Follow the specific guidelines of the style manual being used (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), as each may have different requirements for running heads.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, while the running head can be the same as the title if it meets the character limit and effectively communicates the document's focus, it is often a shortened version of the title. It's crucial to adhere to the guidelines provided by the relevant style manual and to ensure that the running head serves its purpose as a practical identifier for the document.

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The running head should be a brief version of the title of your paper, no more than 50 characters long (including spaces). The label --Running head:-- that precedes the running head on the title page is not included in the 50-character count, because it's not part of the title of your paper.May 10, 2012read more >>