Editorial: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Avoiding the Most Common APA Errors in Journal Article Submissions

Abstract

In this editorial, we provide evidence-based guidelines to help authors avoid committing APA errors. Specifically, we provide guidelines for adhering to APA style using findings from Combs, Onwuegbuzie, and Frels’ (2010) mixed analysis of 110 manuscripts submitted to Research in the Schools over a 6-year period. Combs et al. identified the 60 most common APA errors grouped into 14 themes. We contend that an efficient way for authors to learn APA style is to focus initially on these common errors and error themes. Further, we contend that these errors provide useful starting points for persons who teach APA style. Finally, authors of the APA Publication Manual might use this information to determine which rules and guidelines to emphasize.