Hello there, I'm an expert in academic writing and citation styles. When it comes to the discussion of whether the Modern Language Association (MLA) style is easier than the American Psychological Association (APA) style, it's important to consider several factors, including the purpose of the citation, the field of study, and the specific requirements of the assignment or publication.

MLA is widely used in the humanities, particularly in subjects such as literature, languages, and cultural studies. It was developed to provide a uniform system for referencing sources in these fields.
APA, on the other hand, is predominantly used in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education. Each style has its own set of rules and guidelines that dictate how to format a paper, cite sources, and create a list of works cited or a reference list.

### Learning Curve
For someone new to citation styles, MLA might initially seem easier to grasp because its guidelines are generally considered more straightforward. It uses a simple parenthetical referencing system where the author's last name and the page number(s) are enclosed in parentheses. This simplicity can be appealing, especially for students who are just starting to learn how to cite sources.

### APA Style
APA style, while more complex, is not necessarily more difficult, just different. It includes author-date citations within the text, which require the author's last name and the year of publication, and sometimes the page number. APA also has specific guidelines for headings, margins, and the creation of a reference list, which can be more detailed and require more attention to formatting details.

### Fields of Study
As mentioned earlier, the choice between MLA and APA often depends on the field of study. If you're in a field like literature or cultural studies, you'll likely use MLA. For psychology or sociology, APA would be the norm. Familiarity with the style used in your field can make it feel easier to use, regardless of its inherent complexity.

### Consistency and Practice
Both styles require practice to master. With consistent use, the nuances of either style become second nature. The more you write and cite sources in a particular style, the more comfortable you'll become with its rules and guidelines.

### Purpose of Writing
The purpose of your writing can also influence which style feels easier. If you're writing an academic paper that requires a deep analysis of texts, MLA might be more intuitive. For empirical research or experimental studies, APA's structured approach to citing sources could be more aligned with your work.

### Conclusion
Ultimately, whether MLA is easier than APA comes down to personal preference, the specific requirements of your academic or professional context, and the amount of time you're willing to invest in learning and applying a particular style. Both styles have their merits and are designed to serve different purposes within academic writing.

It's also worth noting that while MLA might be easier to learn initially, APA is often considered the standard in natural and social sciences. If you're planning on majoring in these sciences, investing time in mastering APA could be beneficial in the long run.

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

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Proper MLA is easier to learn, but APA is the standard in natural and social sciences. If you have the time, and plan on doing a major in the mentioned sciences, do APA.read more >>