### Step 1: English Explanation
When discussing the APA running head, it's important to understand its role within the context of the American Psychological Association's (APA) guidelines for formatting academic papers. The running head is a concise version of your paper's title that appears at the top of every page, except the title page, in a document that follows APA style.

Here's a detailed breakdown of what an APA running head looks like and how to create one:

#### What is a Running Head?
The running head is a critical element of APA format that helps to identify the manuscript. It is typically placed in the header of the document, flush left, and includes the page number on the right.

#### How to Create a Running Head:

1. Title Condensation: Begin by condensing your paper's title. The running head should be a shortened version of the title that does not exceed 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. It should be a succinct representation that still conveys the essence of your paper.


2. Header Setup: In your word processing software, set up the header to be used on all pages of your document except the title page. The header should be set to appear one inch from the top of the page.


3. Running Head Format: The running head itself is usually composed of two parts:
- The first part is the shortened title of your paper, left-aligned.
- The second part is the page number, right-aligned.


4. Adding the Running Head: In the header, type your shortened title, followed by a colon, and then the page number. For example, if your paper is titled "The Psychological Impact of Social Media on Adolescents," your running head might be "Psychological Impact: p. 1" on the first page.


5. Continuity: Ensure that the running head is consistent throughout the document. The shortened title should remain the same on every page, and the page numbers should be updated accordingly.


6. Final Check: Before submission, double-check that your running head is correctly formatted and that it does not exceed the 50-character limit.

#### Example:
Let's say your full title is "The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Communication Skills." A possible running head could be "Social Media Impact: p." followed by the page number.

#### Software Instructions:
- Microsoft Word: Double-click the header area while in the document. Type your running head title, then add a tab and the page number. Use the 'Header & Footer' tools to ensure the running head is set up correctly.
- Google Docs: Click on 'View' and then 'Header and Footer'. Add your running head title and page number in a similar fashion.

#### Final Tips:
- Consistency: Ensure that the running head is consistent with your main title in terms of meaning, although it is shorter.
- Character Count: Keep a close eye on the character count to ensure it fits within the 50-character limit.
- Font and Spacing: Use the same font and font size as the rest of your document for the running head.

Remember, the running head is not just a convenience for readers; it's a formal requirement for any document that is to be submitted for publication or follows APA guidelines for academic integrity and professionalism.

### Step 2: Divider
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General APA Guidelines. Your essay should be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11"), with 1" margins on all sides. You should use a clear font that is highly readable. ... The running head is a shortened version of your paper's title and cannot exceed 50 characters including spacing and punctuation.read more >>