The Difference Between APA and MLA

Academic writing is an essential aspect of higher education, and proper citations are crucial for well-researched papers. 

The two most commonly used citation styles are the APA format and the MLA style. Students often get confused between these styles and make formatting mistakes.

Understanding the differences between these two citation styles is important for academic writers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and credibility in their work. 

In this blog, we will explore the distinctions between APA and MLA, providing a clear understanding of their differences. So read on!

APA vs. MLA

Here is an overview of the major differences between the two formatting styles.

Purpose & Disciplines

Although APA and MLA are both widely used, they dominate different academic disciplines. 

• APA 7th Edition

The APA format is developed by the American Psychological Association. It is more common in social sciences and management sciences. For instance, sociology, psychology, political science, business administration, and many others.

Moreover, the APA citation format emphasizes the author's name and date of publication of the source. It also emphasizes the clarity and conciseness of writing.

• MLA 9th Edition

On the other hand, the MLA format was developed by the Modern Language Association, and it is used commonly throughout humanities and liberal arts. Disciplines such as language studies, literature, and philosophy predominantly use the MLA format.

The MLA citation demands the author's name and the page number from which the source is derived. It is better suited for disciplines where precise references are needed.

Formatting and Layout

There are also several major page layout and formatting differences recommended by the two styles. 

The APA style includes these elements:

• Header: There is a running head on each page, which is a shortened title. The header includes the page number in the top-right corner.
• Requires a title page with the full title, author's name, institutional affiliation, and running head.
• Typically includes an abstract summarizing the paper's content.
• Uses a "References" page for listing all sources cited in the paper.

Here's a sample paper with APA formatting:

In contrast, the MLA has a different format:

• Does not require a running head. It includes the author's last name and page number on the top-right corner of the header.
• Does not have a separate title page. The author's name, instructor's name, course, date, and the paper title appear on the first page of the text.
• Does not require an abstract.
• Uses a "Works Cited" page for listing all sources cited in the paper.

Check out this sample MLA paper below:

In-Text Citations

The style of in-text citations and the information they include also differs between APA and MLA.

In the APA style...

• In-text citations include the author's last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma.
• Example: (Smith, 2020)
• Including a page number is optional. It is only added when mentioning a direct quote. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 45).
• Two authors are cited using "&" for APA: (Johnson & Williams, 2019).

Whereas the MLA style recommends these rules:

• In-text citations include the author's last name and the page number, separated by a space.
• Example: (Smith 45).
• Two authors are cited using "and" for MLA: (Johnson and Williams 23).

Bibliography

A bibliography is an essential part of an academic paper that lists all the sources cited within the paper. The two formatting styles implement different formats.

Here are the general guidelines for bibliography in APA:

• The "References" page lists all sources cited in the paper.
• Arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Includes full publication details for each source.
• Example: Smith, J. A. (2021). The Science of Psychology: Exploring the Human Mind. Academic Press.

Here's what the bibliography in APA looks like.

The MLA format provides these general guidelines:

• The "Works Cited" page lists all sources cited in the paper.
• Arranged alphabetically by the author's last name or the title for works without an author.
• Includes full publication details for each source. 
• Example: Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.

This is a bibliography formatted in MLA format.

H3- Other Differences

There are various small differences between the two styles. For example:

• Heading styles: Both MLA and APA recommend different styles for formatting headings. Headings need to be formatted in a way that clarifies the heading level.
• Quotations: Long quotations are presented in a block format without quotation marks. In APA, a quotation with more than 40 words is considered long. In MLA, a quotation is considered long if it is more than 4-lines.
• Tables and Figures: There are many particular differences in the rules for formatting tables and figures in APA and MLA.

So whenever you are working in APA or MLA, you need to learn the guidelines to be accurate.

Which Style Should I Use? APA or MLA?

The decision to use APA or MLA citation style depends on several factors. Including the subject area and the requirements of your educational institution or the instructor. Let's consider some scenarios to help you determine which style to use:

• Social Sciences vs. Humanities

If your research or writing is focused on social sciences like psychology, sociology, education, or business, APA is the recommended style. It is widely used in these disciplines due to its emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and the author-date citation system.

For subjects in the humanities, such as literature, language, arts, or philosophy, MLA is the preferred choice. It highlights the art of language and literature, utilizing the author-page number citation style. 

• Academic Institution Requirements

Check with your educational institution or department to see if they have specific guidelines for citation styles. Some institutions may have a preferred style for all disciplines or certain subjects.

• Instructor's Preference:

If you are working on an assignment or research project for a course, always follow your instructor's preference for citation style. They may have specific reasons for choosing one over the other.

To conclude,

Both APA and MLA styles serve distinct purposes and are widely accepted in their respective fields. Remember that mastering these citation styles not only enhances the credibility of your work but also demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity. 

So whether you are using APA or MLA in your paper, be consistent and accurate. This will make your academic journey smoother and more rewarding. 

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