Why APA Referencing Became the Standard for Social Sciences
In academic writing, different citation styles are used depending on the field of study. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is commonly used in humanities subjects such as literature, language, and cultural studies, while the American Psychological Association (APA) format is the preferred style in social sciences. This article delves into the reasons why APA referencing is the standard in social sciences, as opposed to MLA, and the historical and practical factors that contribute to this preference.
The Preference for APA in Social Sciences
The majority of US schools use the MLA format for papers in the humanities such as literature, language, and cultural studies, while APA format is typically used in social sciences. This is because MLA format is better suited for citing literary and historical sources, which are commonly used in humanities research. However, the APA format is specifically designed to cover the needs of various social sciences such as psychology, education, and healthcare.
Differences in Preferences Across Academic Disciplines
The preference for one citation style over another can vary significantly depending on the academic discipline. For instance, major papers for English and humanities classes in colleges and universities are generally required to use the MLA format. On the other hand, APA format is commonly used in psychology, education, and healthcare fields. This suggests that different academic disciplines have their own citation conventions tailored to their specific requirements and research methodologies.
Adoption of Citation Formats
According to general analyses, the distribution of citation formats among universities can be summarized as follows: 40% MLA, 30% APA, 20% Chicago, and 10% Turabian. However, these figures are not always reliable and should be approached with caution. Historical and practical factors play a significant role in the adoption and preference of citation styles. Here are a few key points to consider:
Historical Context: The Chicago Style was established by the University of Chicago, which serves as a historical foundation for other citation styles. Many citation styles, including APA, can be seen as direct or indirect modifications of the Chicago Style, addressing issues such as simplicity and the needs of specific academic disciplines. Academic Discipline and Departmental Preferences: The choice of citation style can vary widely depending on the academic discipline, departmental preferences, and individual instructor requirements at each university. Some universities, such as the University of Chicago, Harvard, Dartmouth, UCLA, and Cambridge, may use both MLA and APA based on the preferences of different departments or faculty members. Per Capita Use: When analyzing the distribution of citation formats, it's important to consider per capita use based on student population. Larger universities like the University of Chicago, Harvard, Dartmouth, UCLA, and Cambridge may skew the overall statistics due to their size and student population.Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Q: Is the distribution of citation formats even across all universities?
No, the distribution is not always even, and the methodology of gathering such data can be questionable. Larger and more established universities may significantly influence these statistics. If you are basing your question on similar reports, it is best to approach these figures with suspicion and consider the unique circumstances of each university.
Conclusion
The choice of citation style, whether it is MLA or APA, varies and may not be limited to just these two formats. It is essential to adhere to the specific guidelines provided by the academic institution or department to ensure proper citation and adherence to academic standards.