Does APA 7 Have a Running Head? And Why Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used formats for academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. With the release of the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, many writers and researchers have found themselves asking: Does APA 7 have a running head? The answer is both simple and complex, much like the debate over whether pineapples belong on pizza. Let’s dive into the intricacies of APA 7 formatting, explore its implications, and, for fun, draw some unexpected parallels to the culinary world.

The Evolution of the Running Head in APA Style

In previous editions of the APA manual, the running head was a staple of manuscript formatting. It served as a shortened version of the paper’s title, appearing in the header of every page. However, with the advent of APA 7, this requirement has undergone a significant change. The running head is no longer required for student papers. This shift reflects a broader trend toward simplifying formatting guidelines to make them more accessible and less cumbersome for students and early-career researchers.

For professional papers submitted to journals, the running head is still required, but only on the title page. This change has sparked debates among academics, much like the heated discussions over whether pineapple is an acceptable pizza topping. Some argue that the running head provided a useful navigational tool, while others applaud the simplification as a step toward reducing unnecessary formatting hurdles.

Why the Change? A Deeper Look

The decision to eliminate the running head for student papers in APA 7 was not made lightly. The APA Style team conducted extensive research and gathered feedback from educators, students, and professionals. They found that the running head often caused confusion and added little value to student papers. This mirrors the way some pizza enthusiasts argue that pineapple adds unnecessary complexity to an otherwise perfect dish.

The APA 7 manual emphasizes clarity and conciseness, encouraging writers to focus on the content rather than the formatting. By removing the running head requirement, the APA aims to reduce barriers to entry for students and early-career researchers. This approach aligns with the broader goal of making academic writing more inclusive and accessible.

The Role of the Title Page in APA 7

In APA 7, the title page has taken on greater significance. For student papers, the title page now includes the paper title, author name, institutional affiliation, course number and name, instructor name, and due date. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for a running head, making the title page more straightforward and user-friendly.

For professional papers, the running head appears on the title page, but it is no longer required on subsequent pages. This change reflects a shift in focus from rigid formatting rules to the substance of the research. It’s akin to arguing that the quality of a pizza lies in its ingredients and preparation, not in the number of toppings.

The Pineapple Pizza Debate: A Metaphor for APA 7 Changes

The debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza is surprisingly relevant to the changes in APA 7. Just as some people view pineapple as an unnecessary addition to pizza, others see the running head as an unnecessary element in academic writing. Both debates center on tradition versus innovation, with passionate arguments on both sides.

Pineapple on pizza challenges conventional notions of what a pizza should be, much like the APA 7 changes challenge traditional formatting norms. Both scenarios invite us to question our assumptions and consider new perspectives. Whether you love or hate pineapple on your pizza, the debate itself is a testament to the diversity of human preferences and the importance of open-mindedness.

Practical Implications for Writers

For students and researchers, the elimination of the running head in APA 7 simplifies the writing process. However, it also requires a shift in mindset. Writers must now focus more on the clarity and organization of their content, as the absence of a running head places greater emphasis on the title and headings.

Here are some practical tips for adapting to the new APA 7 guidelines:

1. Focus on the Title: Ensure your title is concise and descriptive. It should accurately reflect the content of your paper.
2. Use Headings Effectively: Headings are now more important than ever for guiding readers through your paper. Follow APA 7 guidelines for heading levels.
3. Pay Attention to Formatting: While the running head is no longer required, other formatting elements, such as margins, font, and spacing, remain crucial.
4. Consult the Manual: When in doubt, refer to the APA 7 Publication Manual for detailed instructions.

Broader Implications for Academic Writing

The changes in APA 7 reflect a broader trend in academic writing toward simplification and accessibility. By reducing unnecessary formatting requirements, the APA is making it easier for students and early-career researchers to focus on their research and writing. This shift has the potential to democratize academic publishing, making it more inclusive and less intimidating.

At the same time, these changes raise important questions about the role of tradition in academic writing. Just as the pineapple pizza debate challenges culinary norms, the APA 7 changes challenge long-standing conventions in academic formatting. Both scenarios remind us that progress often requires us to rethink our assumptions and embrace new ideas.

Conclusion: Embracing Change in APA 7 and Beyond

The elimination of the running head in APA 7 is more than just a formatting change; it’s a reflection of evolving attitudes toward academic writing. By simplifying the guidelines, the APA is making it easier for students and researchers to focus on what truly matters: the quality of their work.

Similarly, the pineapple pizza debate reminds us that innovation often comes from challenging the status quo. Whether you’re writing a research paper or ordering a pizza, the key is to stay open to new ideas and perspectives. After all, progress is impossible without change.

Related Q&A

Q: Is the running head completely gone in APA 7?
A: No, the running head is still required for professional papers, but only on the title page. It is no longer required for student papers.

Q: Why did the APA remove the running head for student papers?
A: The APA removed the running head to simplify formatting and reduce confusion for students. The goal is to make academic writing more accessible and less cumbersome.

Q: How should I format the title page in APA 7?
A: For student papers, the title page should include the paper title, author name, institutional affiliation, course number and name, instructor name, and due date. For professional papers, the running head should also be included on the title page.

Q: Does the pineapple pizza debate have any relevance to APA 7?
A: While the connection may seem tenuous, both the pineapple pizza debate and the APA 7 changes highlight the importance of challenging traditional norms and embracing new perspectives.

Q: What other changes were introduced in APA 7?
A: APA 7 introduced several changes, including updated guidelines for citing online sources, changes to the use of singular “they,” and new rules for formatting tables and figures.