Mastering APA Style: Student's Workbook and Training Guide Fifth Edition

Notwithstanding, for those of us among the uninitiated, help is here in the form of this workbook. Mastering APA Style can be a tremendous resource if you remember two vitally important cavaets: (1)Don't try to discern the "logic" of why APA does the things it does, just do it the way they say to do it, and you won't get mixed up an frustrated. (2) The more you use APA, the better you will become. I am entering my second year of graduate school and I am convinced that it will take another two years to master all of the subtleties and nuances of the APA format.

This book, however, will make the ride much, much smoother!


A Training Guide that isn't really a Guide at all   January 7, 2004
 90 out of 94 found this review helpful

Take careful note of what is written on page 10 before you even think of ordering this unhelpful guide:

"Be sure you have a copy of the Publication Manual (5th edition) before you begin to use the workbook."

Mastering APA Style is just a compilation of several multiple-choice tests that are supposed to help with mastering this style of writing. There are no rules and there are no helpful tips on researching and writing publications; it is entirely a book of examples. And each example points to a specific rule detailed in the Publication Manual, a different guide entirely!

Hopefully the Publication Manual succeeds at explaining what APA style really is, because this training guide doesn't. Unless you already know how to get around using APA, do not waste your money on this book.


Mastering Apa Style : Students Workbook and Training Guide   September 2, 2000
 68 out of 77 found this review helpful

To graduate students in any counseling field, this is your bible. All of your research papers must be done in APA style and that is exactly what this book in dedicated to. I help you in simple terms to learn and perfect the infamous APA style


Good Resource for Highly Motivated Students   August 7, 2003
 24 out of 25 found this review helpful

This workbook can be a good resource if you are interested in learning APA Style. The best way to learn is through practice and you'll get plenty of it if you complete all the exercises in this book! It can be dry at times, but that is the nature of the topic area.

In my opinion, there are some details that are not essential for an undergraduate student. However, if you plan on pursuing psychology as a career (particularly in research or academics) this workbook can help develop your mastery of APA style.