The American Psychological Association (APA) developed its own publication style for professional writing. A publication style provides a consistent structure that allows readers to easily find information that is important for evaluating research. Fields outside of psychology also use APA style for scientific writing.

When might you use APA style?

• A class where you have to write up a research project.
  
  
• Write a review of the literature.
  
  
• A job where you have to produce reports or grant proposals using APA style for the references.
  
  
• You might even become a scientist and produce professional journal articles that call for APA style.