This chapter covers American Psychological Association (APA) documentation style in general, while also serving as a detailed reference guide for those using APA style in their writing.

The chapter objectives that follow will help you figure out whether you have really mastered the material presented in this chapter.

After reading this chapter and completing its exercises, you should be able to:

1. explain to another student how APA style is different from other documentation styles;
2. understand how parenthetical citation provides readers with full source information;
3. use the handbook to answer specific questions about APA documentation (What if there is no page number? What if the source is from a radio program?).

If, as you read through these objectives, you can already tell you need to review the chapter again or work on the exercises provided in the handbook, please do so. Once you feel confident that you have a solid understanding of the material, proceed to the exercises that accompany this chapter on the Web site.

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