Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

The sections that deal with proper grammar and punctuation use are logically formatted and easy to understand. After writing a couple of papers using this book I can honestly say that I am "getting the hang" of using the APA format.


I'd hate to see the previous editions   January 23, 2004
 15 out of 19 found this review helpful

If this is the improved edition, I'd HATE to see the others. There is no other way to say this...this book has the most constipated, illogical, completely un-user friendly format I have ever seen in any reference book. Use it if you want to spend hours thumbing through looking for some pattern for the format of the book. You "might" be able to locate the specific information you're looking for if you're lucky.

Here's an example. They give you this big-ol' list at the beginning of the reference section which lists everything you'll find in that section. Okay...that's good. Then you go to the section you want (say, section 19) and "great!" you find the general topic you want. All the sudden, BLAM, Section "l9" refers you to example forty-something and you have to flip-flip-flip to get to an example, which should have logically been in section 19 to start. Arrgh! Don't send me somewhere else to get an example...give it to me in that section!

There is also a didactic, confusing numbering system. For example, 3.02 is for commas, but then you're referred to section 3.48 for exceptions. Geez...just put them there in the comma section...there's only 7 exceptions.

If someone is smart, they'll write a book to help grad. students read this book. Okay...okay...so the book is not just for grad. students, but still....it's used by them and recommended to them as the definitive guide. In my opinion, this is complete wasted money. I'm sure I'll be able to find the relatively basic information I need for in-text citations, reference page, etc. on the web. The authors need to sit down and think about EVERYONE who uses this book.


Useful reference, but could be better   August 22, 2006
 15 out of 16 found this review helpful

There are plenty of criticisms of the APA format in the numerous reviews below. Unfortunately, it is a style that those of us in the psychology field must adhere to.

This book is useful as a reference and contains a lot of information that you need to know. However, it is poorly organized and not always easy to find what you need easily in the index.

Also, this book is weak in terms of how to cite Internet sources. This is a major shortcoming in my opinion. I also think the whole book can be more clear in its presentation.

There are many Internet resources on APA style. Many schools post these and perhaps some of you will find that you can get by with these.


it sucks...but you have no choice!   January 9, 2006
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Yes, this book sucks. The index is terrible, it is impossible to find anything in the index so you are reduced to have 27 tabs sticking out of your APA manual. However, it is your bible when you're writing/editing an APA paper, so you're stuck with it.

It is incredibly confusing and frustrating, especially the sections on number rules and citing internet sources. The sample papers could be more detailed.

The sections on writing style are actually helpful. I teach an undergraduate writing course where APA style is required and these rules (e.g, conciseness and clarity) are helpful for students.

So...in sum: this book sucks, but if you need to use APA style this is the best one you can get. Be prepared to embark on a journey of post-it tabs!


APA Publication Manual   July 15, 2001
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I continue to be disappointed with the APA Publication Manual in its fifth iteration. Though it maintains its cause, it is less than adequate on clarity and user friendliness. I would think after five tries one would get it right.