When formatting key components of your Capstone project—including the title page, abstract, and reference list—following APA style is crucial to ensure that your work adheres to academic standards.
4.1 Title Page
- Title of Your Project: Center the title, bold it, and make it concise but informative.
- Author Name: Your full name appears below the title.
- Institution and Instructor Information: Include your institution and instructor’s name below your name, as required.
- Date: Include the submission date in the format (Month Day, Year).
4.2 Abstract
The abstract is a brief summary of your project that helps the reader quickly understand the research question, methods, results, and conclusions.
- Length: The abstract should be 150-250 words.
- Content: Briefly mention the research problem, methodology, key findings, and the implications of your research.
- Keywords: APA recommends including a list of keywords after the abstract to help people find your research.
4.3 References Page
The references page lists all the sources cited in your Capstone project, formatted in APA style.
- Title: The title of the reference page should be centered and in bold, labeled as "References."
- Order: List references in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
- Hanging Indentation: Use a hanging indent (0.5 inches) for each reference, meaning the first line of the reference is flush left and all subsequent lines are indented.
By following these detailed guidelines for APA style formatting, including proper citations, headings, and formatting rules for the title page, abstract, and references, your Capstone project will meet the academic standards expected by your institution, ensuring professionalism and clarity throughout your work.