What is the Difference Between APA and MLA?

The main differences between APA and MLA citation styles involve the format of in-text citations, reference pages, title pages, and running heads. APA (American Psychological Association) is used for technical and scientific works, while MLA (Modern Language Association) is used for humanities and literature works. Here are some key differences between the two styles:

• In-text citations: APA in-text citations include the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number (e.g., Taylor, 2018, p. 23). In contrast, MLA in-text citations only include the author's last name and the page number (e.g., Taylor 23).
• Reference pages: The APA reference list is titled "References," while MLA's version is called "Works Cited". The reference entries also differ in terms of formatting and the order of information.
• Title pages and headers: In APA, a separate cover page is required, which includes the title of the paper, the author's full name, the institution and department, the course the paper is for, the instructor's name, and the due date, all centered and double-spaced. In MLA, the header is a concise version of the paper's title and is placed at the top of each page.
• General formatting guidelines: Both styles recommend using 12 pt Times New Roman font, double spacing, and 1 inch (2.54 cm) margins. However, the specific formatting guidelines for each style may differ slightly.

Always confirm with your instructor which citation style they prefer for their class, as different courses may require different citation styles.

Comparative Table: APA vs MLA

The main differences between APA and MLA citation styles involve in-text citations, formatting, and the structure of the reference list. Here is a table summarizing the key differences:

APA (American Psychological Association) is designed for technical works found in social sciences, while MLA (Modern Language Association) is for arts and humanities, making it easier to cite paintings, books, and other literature. Both styles are commonly used at the college level, but MLA is more commonly used at the high school level.